Christmastime from Basel to Budapest 2025
WMB5
Basel
Budapest
First Class
17 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 | Monday, Dec 15, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Dec 01, 2025 | Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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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. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, 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.
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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 (D)
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FORESTGerman Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC 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 Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCEJoyeux 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 Optional Excursion in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 4
SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSIONWinter 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 After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 5
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIMEat, 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(B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
MAIN RIVER VILLAGEHidden 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(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
WÜRZBURGOld 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 Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
BAMBERGChristmas Customs and Cradle ScenesDISCOVERY 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—from miniature to life-size.Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 9
NUREMBERGLegends 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 free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH. NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION)This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel.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(B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 11
NUREMBERGLegends and History LessonsCLASSIC 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.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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 12
REGENSBURGChristmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC 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, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 13
PASSAUWhere the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC 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 full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 14
MELK–WACHAU VALLEYFrescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC 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 a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.VIENNAViennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube 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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 15
VIENNARoyal 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 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 16
BUDAPEST, HUNGARYWar Heroes and Hot WaterCLASSIC 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 and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 17
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Breakfast
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- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Zuerich Flughafen
Zurich , Switzerland
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14
Budapest , Hungary
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The tour guide and the bus driver were both outstanding! A great experience.
Unfortunately we were left at our hotel when we had signed up for a dinner and entertainment at Bunratty Castle. My Grand and I went to the hotel reception and told them. We were given 2 10% off the meal in the dining/bar area. I complained to the tour guide and he replied he didn’t know how that could happen because he counted heads on the coach and drove off. It wasn’t until the next day, the couple who “crashed” our excursion came up and apologized to me. I’m still miffed there wasn’t more professional approach by the tour leader. I think he had been drinking.
Well organized itinerary. Peru tour guides Adrian and Raoul were excellent. Cruise was great. Quito tour guide was not up to the same standards.
Fabulous Trip and exceeded all our expectations! Wonderful!!
Devan was great!
The Globus travel guide Paul was friendly, funny and prompt. He clearly explained our daily routine. He was a true historian and we learned so much about Ireland. Excellent! Our driver Adrian was friendly, punctual, polite and helpful. Excellent!
Devan was great!
Globus is a fantastic company to travel with. It was my first experience and I loved every day of it!!
This was our sixth Globus tour. Three with Avalon. We have always had a great time and cannot wait for our next one in October.
Globus service is exceptional.
I have traveled numerous times with Globus and I am very satisfied with their service and tour packages. I also have recommended Globus Tours to family and friends, and they tell me how grateful they are for the recommendation. Globus make travelling an unforgettable experience. The hotels are beautiful and modern. The activities are exciting, and the places visited are fantastic which makes a trip memorable.
This Globus Independent tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok exceeded our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed the included itinerary, and the optional excursions were exceptional. The tour guides who cared for us in each city were top of their profession. We learned so much and they were fun, caring and extremely helpful.
Some rooms lacked A/C and hotel gym.
We had a great time on this trip!
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Operator: Insight VacationsStarts
ParisEnds
ParisDays
16From
$5737.5 -
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Call Us 1-800-935-2620
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