Christmas on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague

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Christmas on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague

December 1, 2026
– December 10, 2026

10 Days

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 views of the 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) and unique decorations and ornaments. Then, make your way to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic—one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In Prague’s Old Town, see the magical Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and once the envy of all Europe. The Christmas markets offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts and be sure to see the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town to end this perfect, seasonal river cruise.

christmas market cruise map

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins at Chicago O’Hare with an overnight flight to Vienna.

Embarkation: You will be met at the airport and transferred to your ship.

Overnight Docking in Vienna

Meal: Dinner

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 this evening. 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

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Frescoes above the Wachau Valley

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.

Enjoy live onboard entertainment this evening

Overnight Cruise to Passau

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 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.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Regensburg

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Evening/Overnight Cruise to Nuremberg

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid your crew farewell and head for the Golden City of Prague. Stroll through the exquisite streets of the city and spend a free evening in one of Prague’s cafés for dinner and Czech Beer.

Hotel: Prague Marriott

Meal: Breakfast

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits

Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradcany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.

Hotel: Prague Marriott

Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Prague airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

 

Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit 5 different Christmas Markets!
  • A guided Sightseeing Tour of the beautiful town of Passau and see the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Explore the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria- entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD
  • Marvel in the medieval architecture, gilded fountains, Gothic cathedrals and Kaiserburg Castle in Nuremberg
  • Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
  • Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradcany Castle Grounds, see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock
  • Enjoy local culinary delights, gingerbread, mulled wines and local crafts of each Christmas Market

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group throughout Europe, offering peace of mind as you travel! *

We’ll also have a professional Avalon Tour Director and local driver/guides for transfers and included experiences!

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Accommodations and Ship Inclusions

  • Deluxe 7-night Avalon River Cruise in a river view stateroom on the beautiful Avalon Passion
  • Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite for complimentary movie and entertainment options  
  • Complimentary pre-paid gratuities to your shipboard staff, local guides, and coach drivers
  • 2-night hotel accommodations including breakfast in Prague at the Prague Marriott (or similar)
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person at the hotel and river boat 
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Dining and Ship Inclusions

  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily onboard your ship.
  • 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 appetizers, 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
  • 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, cozy 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 flavored and infused water available throughout each day
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Transportation

  • Round trip flights from Chicago O’Hare to Vienna, Austria and returning from Prague, Czech Republic when purchasing our Air Inclusive package.
  • Transfers between the airport, ship and hotel when purchasing our Air Inclusive package.

AVALON PASSION

Gracing Europe’s waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name. Avalon guests experience this passion for new discoveries aboard this home-away-from-home to find two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Passion’s Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It’s the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your own passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.

Onboard amenities include:

  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
  • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Fitness Center
  • Avalon Adventure Center: Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM
  • 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
  • Well-stocked mini-bar
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room

Pricing

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Deluxe Staterooms (Categories E-D)
  • 172 square feet
  • Small windows
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
Air + Cruising Pricing:
$6471.00
Cruise Only Pricing:
$5171.00
Air + cruise prices include airfare from Chicago O’Hare, guided tour and inclusions and transfers in destination. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
Avalon_Passion_Panorama-Suite
Panorama Suite (Categories B-A-P)
  • 200 square feet
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
Air + Cruise Pricing:
$8064.00 - $8200.00
Cruise Only Pricing:
$6764.00 - $6900.00
Air + cruise prices include airfare from Chicago O’Hare, guided tour and inclusions and transfers in destination. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
Avalon Waterways

Available Discounts

Early Booking Discount:

Deposit by December 31, 2025, and receive $250.00 off per person.

Early Booking Discount not applicable on Single Supplement Waiver bookings. Discounts are subject to change at any time.

Flights from Chicago O'Hare Pending

Flights from Chicago O'Hare to Vienna are pending

Flights returning to Chicago O'Hare from Prague are pending

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person NON-REFUNDABLE

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than August 3, 2026

Single Supplement: Call for pricing and availability

Requirements: A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Not Included: ETIAS Visa (when implemented), Airline flights on land-only packages, airline luggage fees when applicable, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Terms: Minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a professional, local guide in destination. Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:

From date of deposit to August 3, 2026: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Professional Fee

August 4 to September 27, 2026: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

September 28 to October 26, 2026: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

October 27, 2026- through day of travel: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Air is non-refundable after ticketing. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier’s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.