2025 Christmas Markets Cruise

Nov 23 - 29, 2025

$0.00

Your Advisor

Jim and Judi Drennan

Cruisin' with the Drennans

makememories@cwtdtravel.com

216-903-0701

Next Step:

Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

Begin your cruise in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 1 · Sun, Nov 23 · Welcome to Budapest

Flight to Budapest

Days of airline travel will vary from traveler to traveler

Budapest, Hungary

Nov 23

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the...

Transfer from Airport to Hotel

Nov 23 at 12:00AM UTC

specifics to still be determined

Stay at Budapest Marriott Hotel

Nov 23 - 24, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM CET

This luxury hotel is located directly on the Danube and enjoys a stunning panoramic view. The renowned Vati Utca and the city's exemplary shopping streets are situated directly nearby. It is just a stone's throw to the metro station Deak Ferenc Ter. ...

Pre-Cruise Night

Enjoy your evening relaxing or exploring the beautiful city of Budapest.

Highlighted Activity - Christmas Markets

Budapest Christmas Markets – Traditional & Charming What makes many of the Christmas markets really enticing and outstanding in Budapest is that there is a real focus on trying to preserve authentic Hungarian folk art, traditions and offer really...

Day 2 · Mon, Nov 24 · Budapest, Hungary

Transfer to Ship Port

Nov 24 at 12:00AM UTC

About Your Cruise Line - Avalon Waterways

No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships,® featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they’re actually river cruising’s only Open–Air Balcony® — with nothing between you and the view. While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection BedsSM actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic...

About Your Ship - Avalon Expression

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.

Embarkation by 5pm - Overnight Docking in Budapest

Nov 24

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION) 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 photog...

Day 3 · Tue, Nov 25 · Budapest, Hungary

Enjoy Budapest / Overnight Cruise to Bratislava

Nov 25

BUDAPEST Christmas Lights and Classic Sights 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 Ch...

Day 4 · Wed, Nov 26 · Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava

Nov 26

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. Spe...

Day 5 · Thu, Nov 27 · Melk, Austria

Melk

Nov 27

MELK, AUSTRIA 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 Tastin...

Day 6 · Fri, Nov 28 · Vienna, Austria

Vienna

Nov 28

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 O...

Day 7 · Sat, Nov 29 · Vienna, Austria

Disembarkment - Vienna

Nov 29

VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, an...

Transfer Port to Airport

Nov 29 at 12:00AM UTC

Cruisin' with the Drennans Travel Terms and Conditions

When you work with Cruisin' with the Drennans to help plan your travel, you're hiring professional travel advisors. We bring our skills, experiences and training, our professional relationships and our industry connections. Our Professional Services...

Disclaimer

Pricing includes port fees & taxes. Pricing is dynamic and may change without notice. Gratuities are not included in pricing except where noted. Itineraries are subject to change without notice. Offers shown are subject to change without notice...