Christmastime from Basel to Budapest

17 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
River Cruise
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then st...
From$9,197
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of visit to Freiburg or excursion to Black Forest; Christmas market
    • Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
    • Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market
    • Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treat
    • Guided tour
    • Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market
    • Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market
    • Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
    • Full-day guided tour in Munich

What's this trip about?

    Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Stop in Frankfurt and then sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bam-berg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and Danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube,” with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityBASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
End CityBUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bamberg
  • Basel
  • Budapest
  • Frankfurt
  • Heidelberg
  • Linz
  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (Dinner)

Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black For...

Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg

CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to join a Guided...

Day 4: SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

Winter Wonders Fit for a King

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel...

Day 5: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: WÜRZBURG

Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Ba...

Day 8: BAMBERG

Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—f...

Day 9: NUREMBERG

Legends and History Lessons

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich. Spend fre...

Day 10: NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH.

Beer Songs and Bavarian Kings

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 11: NUREMBERG

Legends and History Lessons

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich. Spe...

Day 12: REGENSBURG

Christmas Magic in Bavaria

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, ...

Day 13: PASSAU

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”. Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Alternatively, join a f...

Day 14: MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

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 Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna. VI...

Day 15: VIENNA

Royal Collections and Culinary 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 stunn...

Day 16: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Festivities and Finery

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs, or nightlife. Don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 17: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $9,197
Price per day$541
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
29 Nov 2025
15 Dec 2025
$9,197
01 Dec 2025
17 Dec 2025
$9,197
29 Nov 2026
15 Dec 2026
$9,497

Gateway city for arrivals is Zürich Port charges: $528 are included. Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
Write a Review

Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Airport

This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.

Zurich

Switzerland

Zuerich Flughafen

InterContinental Budapest

Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.

Budapest

Hungary

Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
AVALON-WMB

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!