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  • Exclusive Offers
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Christmastime From Budapest To Basel on Avalon Illumination

Cruise, River cruise, Small Ship/Yacht
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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 Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, 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. 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.

Interests
  • Festivals and Events
About Avalon Illumination
Ship Overview Ship Overview

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 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. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.

Year Entered Service
2014
Ship Length
443 ft.
Passenger Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
67
Laundry Service
Number of Decks
4

Deck Plans
Deck Plans

Deck Plan
Ship Side View Image
Sky Deck
Royal Deck
Sapphire Deck
Indigo Deck
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Sky Lounge
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Navigation Bridge
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Sky Grill
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Whirlpool
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Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings
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Deck Game Area
Legend Image for Observation Lounge
Observation Lounge
Legend Image for Panorama Bistro
Panorama Bistro
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Panorama Lounge
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Bar
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Reception
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Adventure Center
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Lobby
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Elevator
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Club Lounge
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Galley
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Dining Room
Legend Image for Fitness Center
Fitness Center
Sky Deck
Sky Deck
Deck plans are not yet available

Additional Tour Details
The Avalon Experience
Welcome Aboard
Avalon After Dark
Amenities
Dining
Drinks
About Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways logo
More trips from Avalon Waterways

See the World Your Way! 

Here, the Possibilities are as Wide Open as the Views!
Globetrotters wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways. Our Suite Ships® feature one-of-a-kind Panorama SuitesSM, with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air BalconySM and beds facing the incredible views. Beyond our wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows is a world waiting to be explored – in a way, and at a pace that suits our cruisers. With Avalon Waterways, cruisers are invited to be choosers!

We’ve Spent Nearly a Century Planning your Vacation.
When you select a Avalon vacation, you’re choosing experience, passion, and perfection. Our dedication began almost a century ago when a young Antonio Mantegazza became inspired to share the stories of his home while using his family’s rowboat to transport lumber across beautiful Lake Lugano in Switzerland. He soon began transporting tourists instead, and what began on a spring day in 1928 blossomed into the worldwide name in travel.

Dec 06, 2026 through
Dec 22, 2026
Dec 2, 2026 7:00 PM
16 Nights from
$9,875.00 (USD)
Per Person
Includes discount: $500.00, Intra-vacation air transfers. Arrival and destination airfare not included.
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8769853
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
"Starting at" or "From" price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.
More Dates
Dec 06, 2026 through
Dec 22, 2026
Dec 2, 2026 7:00 PM
16 Nights from
$9,875.00 (USD)
Per Person
Includes discount: $500.00, Intra-vacation air transfers. Arrival and destination airfare not included.
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8769853
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
"Starting at" or "From" price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.
Itinerary Image

Itinerary

Day Destination
1 Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
2 Vienna, Austria
3 Vienna
4 Krems
5 Passau, Germany
6 Regensburg
7 Nuremberg
8 Nuremberg. Excursion To Munich
9 Nuremberg
10 Bamberg
11 Würzburg
12 Miltenberg
13 Frankfurt. Excursion To Rudesheim
14 Speyer. Excursion To Heidelberg
15 Strasbourg, France
16 Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
17 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Detailed Itinerary
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Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.
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