Overview
Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg to continue your festive European holiday 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. Savour 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.
Itinerary
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 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 treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (D)
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and see the rolling landscape and red rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.
This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
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 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 cafe. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B/L/D)
Christmas Magic in the Austria's Wine Country
- Classic: Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.
MELK: 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Classic: 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. Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg - the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria - built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
- Discovery: You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming Thurn and Taxis Palace - one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
Legends and History Lessons
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board
- Classic: Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg - with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take 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 Favourite Bavarian fare - from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel.
Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace - a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz. (B/D)
Living Heritage and History Lessons
A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B/L/D)
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
- 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.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B/L/D)
Old Saint Nick 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 Kathe 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG (B/L/D)
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half - timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B/L/D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
- Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rudesheim.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (B/D)
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
- Discovery: Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B/L,D: )
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven's Time, and Joyeux Noel
- 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 BREISACH (B/L/D)
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn't leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Illumination
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Availability
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Port charges, taxes and fees included.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
