Explore and book Avalon Waterways River Cruises 5 Night Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna on the Avalon Impression departing from Budapest, Hungary on Nov 24, 2026 and ending in Vienna, Austria on Nov 29, 2026 Sail to Budapest, Hungary, Bratislava, Slovakia, Melk, Austria, Vienna, Austria

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

Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital, offers a rich blend of history and modernity. Explore the iconic Buda Castle, stroll along the Danube promenade, and soak in the thermal baths. The city's stunning architecture, from the Parliament Building to Fisherman's Bastion, captivates visitors. Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine and lively nightlife in this enchanting destination.

Christmas Lights and Classic Sights CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.

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.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, sits gracefully along the Danube River, offering a blend of medieval and modern attractions. The city's compact old town is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with highlights including the imposing Bratislava Castle and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Visitors can enjoy vibrant cafes, unique shops, and the scenic riverbank promenade. Bratislava's rich history and lively cultural scene make it a delightful stop on any Danube River cruise.

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.

Melk, Austria

Melk is renowned for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture overlooking the Danube. The abbey’s grand library and ornate church are must-see highlights. Wander through the abbey’s beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy stunning river views from its terrace. The town itself, with its quaint streets and charming shops, invites leisurely exploration.

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 Vi

Vienna, Austria

Vienna captivates visitors with its imperial grandeur, rich musical heritage, and vibrant café culture. Explore the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and the historic Hofburg complex. Enjoy world-class performances at the Vienna State Opera or discover artistic treasures at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and savor a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional café, blending the city's historic charm with contemporary flair.

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

5 Night Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna

Europe

Relax in the airy Club Lounge, where a 24-hour self-service beverage station offers complimentary premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and teas. Enjoy cookies, pastries, dried fruits, and nuts available throughout the day.

Club Lounge

Embrace your adventurous spirit at the Adventure Center, your gateway to active exploration both on board and ashore. From cycling to guided walks, the center provides all necessary gear and support for a variety of active pursuits—your adventure starts here.

Adventure Center

Relax and rejuvenate in the whirlpool on Avalon Waterways, a serene oasis where you can unwind while soaking in warm, soothing waters. Positioned on the Sky Deck with panoramic views of the ocean, this facility offers a perfect blend of relaxation and scenic beauty.

Whirlpool

Relax in the Panorama Lounge's cozy seating, set against panoramic windows, and enjoy a night of dance and unique artisan demonstrations.

Panorama Lounge

Unwind in the Observation Lounge, where the serene pace and perfect vantage point on the river offer an idyllic setting for relaxation. Enjoy a coffee or wine as you drift past picturesque shorelines and stunning vistas.

Observation Lounge

Elevate your relaxation experience on the Sky Deck, where premium lounge chairs invite guests to recline in comfort. The state-of-the-art shade system ensures cool comfort even on the sunniest days, making it the ideal spot for leisure.

Sky Lounge

Elevate your playtime on the Sky Deck game area, where endless fun meets stunning sea views. Engage in a wide array of games suitable for every member of the family all set against the backdrop of the ocean's horizon.

Deck Game Area

Set against a backdrop of breathtaking river views, Panorama Bar offers a cozy atmosphere for either quiet reflection or engaging conversation with a blend of classic and creative cocktails. Note that happy hour specials are complimentary, though additional beverages may incur additional charges.

Panorama Bar

Delight in exceptional meals from breakfast to elegant dinners in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, where local flavors and Avalon Fresh menu offerings enhance every part of your journey.

Panorama Dining Room

Experience the convivial atmosphere of the Panorama Bistro, where buffet-style dining meets casual elegance. Gather with friends for delightful meals and enjoy a selection of carefully curated dishes and beverages.

Panorama Bistro

Sky Grill offers a delightful dining experience that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients prepared by creative chefs. Avalon FlexDining enhances your mealtime flexibility, allowing you to choose from an al fresco lunch, an elegant dinner in the Panorama Dining Room, or a relaxed bite in the Panorama Bistro.

Sky Grill

Maintain your fitness routine at the fully equipped Fitness Center, which offers treadmills, bikes, and weights for a comprehensive workout anytime.

Fitness Center

The Avalon Impression enhances the river cruising experience with its innovative open-air balcony concept, featuring panoramic windows that transform living spaces. Onboard amenities include a selection of lounges, a fitness center, and diverse dining options, such as the main restaurant and the Panorama Bistro, providing an open-seating system and lighter meal alternatives. Additional luxuries like complimentary Wi-Fi, L'Occitane bath products, and a range of guided excursions complement its sophisticated journey through European waterways.

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Danube River Cruise Vacations

Christmas Time River Cruises

Active & Discovery Cruises

Avalon Impression

Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle.

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.

Experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachua's bike trails.

Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.

Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host.

After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

Explore the Habsburg empire with 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.

Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family.

Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.

Experience some of Vienna's most delectable foods and traditions on this unique guided foodie tour!

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

Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this unique guided foodie tour!

Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue where you will visit the crown jewel of Budapest: the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House!

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

Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host

Travel into the beautiful Hungarian countryside for an enriching half-day discovery of the Etyek wine region, including two wine cellar visits with wine tasting.

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square and a visit to the Hungarian State Opera House – a real “Musical Jewelry Box” of Pest.

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk.

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square and a visit to a unique wine cellar system where you can taste Hungarian wines in a very special way.

Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.

Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café.

Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works.

Enjoy a scenic guided hike and a traditional dinner at a Heurigen wine tavern, with music, entertainment, and wine from the latest harvest!

Join an expert chef and learn how to create a lunch of authentic Viennese specialties, then savor the delicious final product afterward!

Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises.

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside.

Experience what Vienna is best known for, as you enjoy a typical Austrian Dinner followed by a concert in one of its beautiful venues.

Cruisebound

5 Night Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna

What’s Included