Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg (Imagery II)

Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg (Imagery II)

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10 Days From

$6491

$5982

Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg (Imagery II)

10 Days

Visiting: Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation), Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest, Strasbourg, France, Speyer, Germany. Heidelberg Excursion, Frankfurt. Excursion To Rudesheim, Main River Village, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $6491 $5982 Operator discount: -$509

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France. From the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, you’ll discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, the shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music and merriment. Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers through Heidelberg, a Main river village, Wurzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.

Highlights

  • Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest or Freiburg sightseeing; Christmas market

  • Day 3 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market

  • Day 4 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market

  • Day 5 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rudesheim: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; Christmas market

  • Day 6 Main river village: On board cookie-baking demonstration; guided tour

  • Day 7 Wurzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market

  • Day 8 Bamberg: Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market

  • Day 9 Nuremberg: Choice of guided sightseeing, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

  • Day 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning

Places You'll See

Radisson Blu Airport

Le Meridien Grand Hotel

Radisson Blu Airport

Le Meridien Grand Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Basel,Switzerland (Embarkation)

Location: Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Stroll through the city centre, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

(D)

Day 2: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest

Location: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
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, OR:

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

CLASSIC 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, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.


In the afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas season.

Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

(B,L,D)

Day 3: Strasbourg,France

Location: Strasbourg, France

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District
STRASBOURG, FRANCE Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg

CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village.

Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER

(B,L,D)

Day 4: Speyer,Germany. Heidelberg Excursion

Location: Speyer, Germany. Heidelberg Excursion

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.

SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(B,L,D)

Day 5: Frankfurt. Excursion To Rudesheim

Location: Frankfurt. Excursion To Rudesheim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim, enjoy a special treat.

FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim, enjoy a special treat.

Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,D)

Day 6: Main River Village

Location: Main River Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights in Beautiful Bavaria

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.

DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.


Later, enjoy live entertainment on board

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

(B,L,D)

Day 7: Würzburg

Location: Würzburg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
WÜRZBURG Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.

Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)

Day 8: Bamberg

Location: Bamberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
BAMBERG Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.

Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)

Day 9: Nuremberg

Location: Nuremberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


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.
NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.


Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)

Day 10: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

Location: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

Rivers

Danube|Main|Rhine

Accommodation

Zurich:Radisson Blu Airport
Nuremberg:Le Meridien Grand Hotel

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

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Monday - Wednesday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
$8039

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Dec 10, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$6491 $5982

Operator discount: -$509

Prices last published on 04-Dec-2024

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    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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