Celebrate the holiday season with exclusive journeys to Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets and festivities on this Avalon Waterways’ Christmas river cruise.🎄
Discover this Avalon Christmas river cruise from Budapest to Vienna and save $1,100 per couple!*
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit aboard their beautifully decorated Suite Ships as you savour the sights, scents, and flavours of local Christmas traditions during your Danube River cruise.
Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season to experience Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on our decorated Suite Ships® as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local Christmas traditions along your Danube River cruise. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.
Begin your cruise in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube.
Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship®. Overnight docking in Budapest.
Meals Included: Dinner
Royal Collections and Festive Confections.
CLASSIC: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle.
CLASSIC: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.
Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below.
CLASSIC: Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DISCOVERY: Enjoy an Austrian Cookies Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland - This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Royal Collections and Christmas Confections.
CLASSIC: Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Impression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed.
Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck.
You're sure to be impressed with the relaxed luxury and unequaled amenities of the Avalon Impression!
• Open–Air Balconies and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
• Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Individual climate control and in-room safe
• Full-size closet and mirror
• Additional under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
• Direct-dial telephone
• Complimentary filtered water
• Well-stocked mini bar
• USB Ports
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
• Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
• Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetisers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cosy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavoured and infused water available throughout each day
• Active shore excursions, both included and optional
• Fitness Center
• Avalon Adventure Centre
• Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:
• Bikes
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Canoe and kayak excursions
• Fitbits®
• Walking sticks
• Binoculars
• Daypacks
• Yoga mats
• Fitness bands
With a team of airfare specialists, Flat Beds is experienced in packaging your tour or cruise with return airfares, so you can unlock the best deal and save!