On this Christmastime river cruise, you’ll start in Switzerland, and cruise through the heart of Germany, with a stop in Strasbourg, France. Explore many unique Christmas markets, where you can shop for locally crafted gifts, smell the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread, and sample tasty holiday treats.

Embark your river cruise ship in Basel, Switzerland, and sail to Breisach, Germany. From here, enjoy a visit to Germany’s Black Forest, known for contributing Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks to the world. In Strasbourg, France, visit the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. This time of year, the historic charm of the city is mixed with festive aromas, sights, and sounds—creating a truly magical atmosphere! In Heidelberg, Germany, visit the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle. To celebrate the season, you’ll find an ice rink at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market covers five town squares with an array of seasonal crafts and delicacies. An excursion takes you to charming Rüdesheim on the Rhine River, where you’ll see Europe’s largest nativity scene with life-size figures. In Würzburg, walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residenz—then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn about holiday traditions as you sail to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find nativity scenes built by local citizens throughout the town.

Your Christmastime river cruise vacation ends in thousand-year-old Nuremberg. Marvel at the city’s medieval fortifications and gothic churches during your guided tour, and of course visit the Christmas market—one of the oldest in Germany. Be sure to try Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread) and a traditional hot sausage. This festive river cruise is a unique and memorable way to experience the holidays!

City Highlights

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Breisach: excursion to Black Forest; Christmas marketDay 3 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas marketDay 4 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; Christmas marketsDay 5 Wiesbaden. Excursion to Rüdesheim: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treatDay 6 Main River Village: guided walk, onboard baking demonstrationDay 7 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; Christmas marketDay 8 Bamberg: onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas marketDay 9 Nuremberg: choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas marketDay 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WMN0-2019