Overview
Board your...read more ship in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany. And be sure to savour some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg.
Next stop is delightful Bamberg, where nativity scenes built by local citizens are exhibited throughout town. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted.
Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations. As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.
Itinerary
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hrad?any 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 coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)
The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B/D)
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. 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 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B/L/D)
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
- Discovery: Join a Cookie - Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
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 travellers 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 (2024-25)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
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.
