2024 Christmastime on the Danube River Cruise
2024 Christmastime on the Danube River Cruise
Dates: December 6 - December 14, 2024
Escorted by:
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries—where monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers.
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, 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), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!
Dates & Prices
Depart: Friday, December 6, 2024. Flight from Green Bay, WI to Vienna, Austria
Pre-Night in Vienna: Saturday, December 7, 2024
River Cruise: Sunday, December 8 - Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Return: Saturday, December 14, 2024. Flight home from Nuremberg, Germany to Green Bay
Estimated Price Per Person for Double Occupancy. Final Prices will be determined once flights are released for our travel dates:
- Cabin D (Indigo Deck Aft-Lower Level), $6005
- Cabin A (Sapphire Deck Forward-Middle Level), $7242
- Cabin P (Royal Deck-Top Level), $7285
If you would like to review the features of each cabin, please click here to see your ship, the Avalon Illumination.
◆ Deposit of $1000 per person is due at booking.
◆ Final payments will be due August 31, 2024.
◆ There is an additional $75 processing fee per person if a credit card is used for payment. No fee if payment is made with a personal or cashier's check. Cash is not accepted.
**Price includes: Economy airfare from Green Bay area to Vienna, economy airfare from Nuremberg to Green Bay area, one pre-night in Vienna before your river cruise, river cruise, airport transfers, prepaid gratuities, porterage for one piece of luggage no more than 50 pounds, and travel protection. Also includes complimentary wi-fi on your ship, complimentary coffees and tea on your ship, complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast on your ship; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on your ship, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners per person.
**Not included in the tour price: Optional excursions and tours not included in your itinerary, airline baggage fees, passport fees, meals and beverages not included in the itinerary, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, internet, or fax expenses.
Airfare Details Coming Soon!
Tour Map
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Tour Sights
Day to Day
PRE-NIGHT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 - ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Airport transfer from Vienna Airport to your hotel. Explore Vienna this evening at your leisure.
Lodging provided at Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark
DAY 1 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 - VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)
Free time this morning in Vienna. Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding your ship. You will be notified the time of your transfer to the ship. Guests must be on board the ship by 5pm.
DinnerDAY 2 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 - VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- 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.
- 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Breakfast 
Lunch DinnerDAY 3 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 - MELK–GREIN
Frescoes above the Wachau Valley
Choose between three excursions:
- Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
- Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.
- Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Breakfast Lunch DinnerDAY 4 - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 - PASSAU
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
- 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 the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- You may 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.
Breakfast Lunch DinnerDAY 5 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 - REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- 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.
Breakfast Lunch DinnerDAY 6 - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 - NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
- 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, OR: 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Breakfast Lunch DinnerDAY 7 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 - NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
- Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
- Transfer to the Nuremberg Airport for your flight home.
BreakfastIncluded Amenities
Ship Details
Avalon Illumination
AVALON ILLUMINATION
Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your 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 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. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.
Pre-night: Hotel Details
Hilton Vienna Park
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Hotel as shown or similar
Am Stadtpark 1,
1030 Wien, Austria
Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark
Free Wifi
A modern 579 room property offering comfortable luxury. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and access in guestrooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). Leisure facilities include a well-equipped gym with sauna and steam bath, a contemporary style restaurant with a terrace for al fresco dining during the summer months and a lobby bar & lounge.
Sunset Family Travel Group Tour Leader
Sunset Family Travel is so excited to announce we have a new Group Tour Leader, Kristine Schuetze! She will be accompanying you on your tour from the beginning of your flight until your return home but will be getting you excited for your trip long before you depart! Read more about Kristine and her love of travel!
Kristine Schuetze
"I fell in love with travel at a young age, making the journey from Door Country to Arizona every winter to visit relatives. In high school, I enrolled in French class knowing it was the year the class would take a trip to France, and I fell in love with Paris immediately! Once I was in charge of my own travel itinerary, planning every piece of a trip to a new destination became a passion. Upon meeting my husband, I added the words, "…and I promise to take a minimum of two vacations a year" to our wedding vows!
I have visited most of the U.S. and a few favorite destinations of mine are Alaska & Northern California. My most memorable destinations I have traveled to are Iceland, Switzerland, and Mallorca, Spain. While my "bucket list" keeps growing, it is currently topped by Amsterdam, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and the Galapagos Islands.
I have spent the past 25+ years working at non-profit organizations and am currently the Development Manager for the NEW Zoological Society in Green Bay. I am excited to join Sunset Family Travel and escort group tours all over the world!"