We can barely contain our excitement as we are finally planning a group cruise with 2 days on land in Prague to see some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe! We will be visiting 3 countries - Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic - and several different Christmas markets. You will also have the chance to visit the famous historical sites and experience each country's culture, cuisine, and holiday traditions.
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria's magical capital of Vienna. See the famous sights or go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria has to offer. The cruise will go through the wintery landscape of the Wachau Valley to Melk where we'll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey.
In Passau, Germany, we'll visit the city's charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen's Cathedral. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, we can savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstkuche, one of Germany's oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German Beers. We'll learn about Christmas traditions as we cruise to Nuremburg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread) and unique decorations and ornaments.
Next is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and one of Europe's most beautiful cities. In Prague's Old Town, see the magical Astronomical Clock, built in 1410. The Christmas markets offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart's content with a warm cup of svařené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, and be sure to see the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town to end this perfect, seasonal river cruise.
Ship
We set sail on the beautiful Avalon Envision. Built in 2018, it contains 4 decks with 16 staterooms and 67 suites with panoramic windows from floor to ceiling that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
Rooms
There are two types of rooms to choose from: Deluxe Stateroom or Panorama Suite.
The Deluxe Staterooms are the smallest cabins available, but they are large by industry standards. They are 172 square feet in size and located on the Indigo Deck (Deck 1). They feature two windows located toward the ceiling. There are only 16 Deluxe Staterooms on the ship.
The Panorama Suite is the most popular category on the Staterooms in this category are 200 square feet and are located on Decks 2 and 3. There are 67 of these cabins on the ship, and they are equally split between the two decks. Categories A and B are located on the Sapphire Deck (Deck 2), and Category P suites are located on the Royal Deck (Deck 3). They have a wall-to-wall window with an open-air balcony, a six-person sitting area, and a sofa/coffee table.
Bathrooms have a full-size shower with a glass door. Guests are provided with premium L’Occitaine bath products, a bathrobe and slippers. A few other amenities are found in the cabins, such as a well-stocked minibar, an in-room safe, and individual climate controls.
Full Itinerary:
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Day 1 - Vienna, Austria (Embarkation) Welcome to Vienna, Austria! Once you board the Avalon Envision, your adventure will begin. Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm. - Includes Dinner |
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Day 2 - Vienna, Austria
INCLUDED EXCURSION
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.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. 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. - Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
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Day 3 - Melk-Grein INCLUDED EXCURSION
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
SPECIAL ON BOARD ACTIVITY
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Take a guided walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Enjoy Live entertainment on board.
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
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Day 4 - Passau
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Later, spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
You may also like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night. - Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
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Day 5 - Regensburg
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. - Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
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Day 6 - Nuremberg
Legends and History Lessons
SPECIAL ON BOARD ACTIVITY
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle,
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INCLUDED EXCURSION
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
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Day 7 - Nuremberg (Disembarkation) to Prague
Bid your crew farewell and head for the Golden City of Prague
Stroll through the exquisite streets of the city and spend a free evening in one of Prague’s cafés for dinner and Czech Beer. - Includes Breakfast, Hotel, Transfer from Ship to Hotel
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Day 8 - Prague
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock..
Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
- Includes Breakfast, Hotel
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Day 9 - Prague
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
- Includes Breakfast
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What's Included
Starlink WI-FI
Active shore excursions, both included and optional
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
English Speaking crew & Cruise Director
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
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
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 appetizers, 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
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
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Fitness Center and Adventure Center
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
But wait, there's more! If you sail with our group, you will get FREE pre-paid gratuities!
Prices start at $3,593 per person, based on double occupancy.
CONTACT US TODAY - OUR LOCK-IN RATE AND RESERVED SPACE WILL GO QUICKLY!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates?
December 10 - 18, 2025 so you have plenty of time to plan.
How much is the deposit?
A low deposit of $250 per person.
When is the balance due?
The balance is due on September 11, 2025.
Can I go solo?
Yes, you sure can, but you will have to pay the same as having another person in your cabin.
How can I secure my spot?
Contact Heather Rosen - heather.rosen@cruiseplanners.com or Susan Goldfedder - susan.goldfedder@cruiseplanners.com
or call us at 703-982-6331
Should I get Travel Protection?
Absolutely! Travel Protection is available thru Avalon Cruises or Allianz, which we can price out and add for you.
Can I do a payment plan?
Sure. Let us know how much you want to pay and the timeframe.
What is NOT included?
Airfare and anything you buy off the ship (like souvenirs!) are not included. Additionally, Travel Insurance is not included or lunches and dinners for the 2 days in the Prague hotel.
Can I arrive earlier and/or later than the trip start/end date?
Yes, and we can help you find some great hotels!
