Christmastime from Budapest to Basel 2025
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
WBM5
Start City:
Budapest
End City:
Basel
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
17 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Dec 01, 2025 | Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON GLOBUS TOURS
Why pay full price? Call us or click above for a quick quote and save money on Globus Tours.
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit
Promotion Details
The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Oberammergau, Monograms City Getaways, and Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. 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. Your Germany river cruise continues with an excursion to Nuremberg. 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 to continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your Christmas cruise through Germany. Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. You’ll continue your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River to see the shining Christmas markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Enjoy Heidelberg’s sparkling Christmas markets during your stay, before sailing for Strasbourg, France. City sightseeing includes Strasbourg’s stained-glass, gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, and La Petite France district. On to Breisach and the Black Forest of Bavaria to experience generations of warm and festive Christmas traditions. Your Christmastime river cruise will conclude in Basel, Switzerland. With Christmas celebration and special traditions large and small, and panoramic views, you’ll keep the visions of your scenic European river cruise in your memory for many Christmases to come.
Austria , France , Germany , Hungary , Switzerland
Bamberg , Basel , Bratislava , Budapest , Colmar , Freiburg , Heidelberg , Munich , Passau , Salzburg , Strasbourg , Vienna , Zurich
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Day 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 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®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(D)BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-SCENIC.jpg
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
VIENNA, AUSTRIAViennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeEnjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and see the rolling landscape and red rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)VIENNA-RATHAUS.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
VIENNARoyal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B,L,D)VIENNA-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 4
KREMSChristmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine CountryCLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKFrescoes 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)MELK-ABBEY-STAIRCASE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 5
PASSAU, GERMANYWhere the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC 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. Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)PASSAU-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 6
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. DISCOVERY You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming Thurn and Taxis Palace – one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria.This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)REGENSBURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
NUREMBERGLegends and History LessonsDISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on boardCLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
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.(B,D)MUNICH-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
NUREMBERGLiving Heritage and History LessonsA day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)NUREMBERG-FESTIVE-ORNAMENT.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
BAMBERGChristmas Customs and Cradle ScenesCLASSIC 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. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)BAMBERG-FESTIVE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 11
WÜRZBURGOld Saint Nick and Nutcrackers SweetCLASSIC 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)WURZBURG-FESTIVE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 12
MILTENBERGHidden Gifts and Holiday DelightsCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)MILTENBERG-FESTIVE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 13
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 SPEYER (B,D)RUDESHEIM-COFFEE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERGWinter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a KingDISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the 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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)HEIDELBERG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 15
STRASBOURG, FRANCEA Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux NoëlCLASSIC 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 to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)STRASBOURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 16
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 EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)BLACK-FOREST-CLOCK.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 17
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)BASEL-FESTIVE-SUNRISE.jpg
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
- 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
Port charges:
$480
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.
Turbinenstrasse 20
Zurich , Switzerland
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Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
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