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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel

Spend this festive season on a seventeen-day itinerary along the Main and Danube rivers – calling at ports across Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Guests enjoy a cultivated selection of informative tours, talks and visits to tourist attractions as well as the opportunity to explore a variety of breathtaking Christmas Markets.

Split your time between the spectacular Avalon Passion and Avalon Panorama – both vessels designed to provide guests with the ultimate luxury holiday experience.

4.8
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from 209 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
  • Ship: Avalon Passion / Avalon Panorama
  • Duration: 16 Nights
  • Departure: December
FROM PER PERSON*
£11,550
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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel Cruise Prices

Price per person
Dec 01, 2025
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Dec 06, 2026
£11,550 pp
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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel Cruise Itinerary

Adventure through five countries over the course of this spectacular Christmastime itinerary, featuring a wealth of tours, talks and opportunities for festive spirit. Along the way, explore a selection of Christmas markets and tourist staples for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1

Arrive to Budapest (EMBARK)

Arrive in Hungary. Enjoy a free day to explore before your cruise embarks.

Day 2

Vienna

On the way to Vienna, enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting onboard. This evening, you may opt to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant music hall.

Day 3

Vienna

Today, explore the Habsburg empire on a guided tour of Vienna’s landmarks; visit the imperial palace complex, opera house and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
This evening, enjoy some free time to explore the festive Christkindlemarkt or join an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace.

Day 4

Krems / Melk

In Krems, join a guided walk across the small valley town. Reunite with your ship during lunchtime for a picturesque sailing through Wachau Valley. Upon arrival to Melk, tour the Benedictine Abbey.

Day 5

Passau

This morning, explore the ‘City of Three Rivers’ on a guided walk. Later, spend some free time exploring Passau’s Christkindlmarkt or join a full-day excursion to Salzburg to learn about how Austrians celebrate Christmas.

Day 6

Regensburg

Join a guided city walk to see the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria or choose an optional excursion to the charming Thurn and Taxis Palace – one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria.

Day 7

Nuremberg

On the way to Nuremberg, enjoy an onboard lecture on Christmas traditions. Later, choose between a guided sightseeing excursion to Nuremberg’s attractions or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds.
This evening, spend your free time wandering through the city’s Christmas Markets.

Day 8

Nuremberg (DISEMBARK + EMBARK) – excursion to Munich

This morning, wave goodbye to your first Avalon Suite Ship and transfer to your second vessel, which will conduct you to Basel. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour of Munich.

Day 9

Nuremberg

Enjoy a day to explore Nuremberg under your own steam, soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Day 10

Bamberg

Today, join a guided sightseeing tour of Bamberg – take some free time afterwards to explore the city’s quaint Christmas Markets.
Conducted onboard, is an informative lecture on Christmas traditions.

Day 11

Würzburg

Take a guided sightseeing tour of the city – paying a visit to its historic highlights. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Rothenburg to visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum.
Your day concludes with some free time to explore the city’s spectacular Christmas Markets.

Day 12

Miltenberg

Spend the day on a guided tour of Miltenberg’s mediaeval architecture.

Day 13

Frankfurt – excursion to Rudesheim

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, travel to Rudesheim and visit the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience.

Day 14

Speyer – excursion to Heidelberg

Today, take a guided tour of the Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat – the world’s largest wine barrel. After, visit the local Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.
Alternatively, guests can opt to spend a relaxing morning exploring the festive sights and sounds of Speyer’s Christmas Markets.

Day 15

Strasbourg

Join a classic sightseeing excursion of Strasbourg’s gothic cathedral, as well as the La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a guided excursion to Alsace for an afternoon in the wine-country village.
Conclude your day with some free time to explore the Christmas Markets.

Day 16

Breisach – excursion to Black Forest

Join a guided excursion to Freiburg’s city centre – located between the Black Forest and the Upper Rhine Valley’s spectacular vineyards. Guests may also join a guided excursion through Black Forest to experience local traditions. This afternoon, opt into a guided excursion to the village of Colmar.

Day 17

Basel (DISEMBARK)

After breakfast, disembark from your ship and begin your journey home.

CHRISTMASTIME FROM BUDAPEST TO BASEL CRUISE SHIPS

Avalon Passion

Avalon Panorama

Trustpilot Reviews

Christmastime from Budapest to Basel Deals

Spend this Christmas on an adventure along the Main and Danube rivers

Avalon Waterways
Departure: December
VISITING: Budapest (EMBARK) Vienna Krems / Melk Passau Regensburg Nuremberg Nuremberg (excursion to Munich) Bamberg Würzburg Miltenberg Frankfurt - excursion to Rudesheim Speyer - excursion to Heidelberg Strasbourg Breisach (excursion to Black Forest) Basel (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM PER PERSON* £ 11,550
Avalon Waterways
Departure: December
VISITING: Nuremberg Bamberg Würzburg Main River Village Frankfurt (excursion to Rudesheim) Heidelberg (excursion to Speyer) Strasbourg Breisach (excursion to Black Forest) Basel (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM PER PERSON* £ 4,417
Avalon Waterways
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Basel (EMBARK) Breisach (excursion to Black Forest) Strasbourg Speyer (Heidelberg excursion) Frankfurt (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM PER PERSON* £ 2,253

Christmastime from Budapest to Basel Cruise Review

“This cruise definitely got me into the Christmas spirit – it was really fun getting to shop for souvenirs in a variety of locations and learning how different places choose to celebrate.”

Gianna Smith, Oxford

Christmastime from Budapest to Basel FAQ

What amenities can I expect from my ship?

Both the Avalon Passion and the Avalon Panorama feature panoramic windows, whirlpools, fitness facilities, chef-prepared onboard meals and many more amenities to enhance the guest experience.

What activities can I expect from my itinerary?

This Christmastime from Budapest to Basel itinerary features Classic Excursions (sightseeing tours and guided walks), Discovery Excursions (concerts and lectures) as well as ample free time for guests to explore across a range of festive locations independently.

Is there a reverse itinerary available?

For this Christmastime from Budapest to Basel itinerary there is not a reverse option available.

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