Avalon Christmas River Cruise from Budapest to Vienna – Save up to $1,150 per couple*

DAY 1 –  BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

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

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 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®. Overnight docking in Budapest.

Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 –  BUDAPEST

Royal Collections and Festive Confections.

CLASSIC: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 –  BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle.

CLASSIC: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 –  MELK, AUSTRIA TO VIENNA

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 Cookies Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.

Vienna’s Winter Wonderland – 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 –  VIENNA

Royal Collections and Christmas 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Operated by one of Avalon Waterways’ river cruising Suite Ship’s, Avalon Expression.

Just envision Europe’s most spectacular views passing your panoramic window like ever-changing picture postcards.

Part of Avalon’s award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the 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 Starlink 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. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!

Library books, cards, and board games are favourites in the Club Lounge, and their Observation Lounge affords the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.

Can you picture it?

Suites & Staterooms

• Open–Air Balconies and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
• Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Individual climate control and in-room safe
• Full-size closet and mirror
• Additional under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
• Direct-dial telephone
• Complimentary filtered water
• Well-stocked mini bar
• USB Ports
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Premium L’Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
• Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Dining

• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites
• 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
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 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 appetisers, 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
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• 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
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cosy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavoured and infused water available throughout each day

Fitness & Wellness

• Active shore excursions, both included and optional
• Fitness Center
• Avalon Adventure Centre
• Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:
• Bikes
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Canoe and kayak excursions
• Fitbits®
• Walking sticks
• Binoculars
• Daypacks
• Yoga mats
• Fitness bands