'

Christmas from Nuremberg to Basel with Avalon

View My Main Profile
Kimberly Hilsabeck, Travel Agent in Tampa, FL

Kimberly Hilsabeck

Tampa, FL Travel Agent

Kimberly Hilsabeck

Tampa, FL · 3 Years of Experience

Armadillo Travel Adventures, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
5.0
(8)
100% Recommended
The trip was to Scotland and Ireland, and I think we saw every bit of both countries! Kim did a wonderful job of coordinating and... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Germany, Switzerland
PLACES VISITED:Bamberg, Basel, Breisach, Frankfurt, Kehl, Miltenberg, Nuremberg, Speyer, Wurzburg
SUGGESTED DURATION:10 Days
Experience the magic of a festive European river cruise beginning in Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic. Wander through Old Town’s iconic landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, while soaking in the charm of traditional Christmas markets filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and warm mugs of svarené víno. Then journey to Nuremberg, Germany, where you’ll board your river cruise ship. This historic city comes alive during the holidays with twinkling lights, medieval architecture, and one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. Stroll through festive stalls offering Lebkuchen, Glühwein, and unique seasonal treasures, immersing yourself in the sights, flavors, and traditions of the season.
Close All Days
DAY1
Nuremberg
Close Day
Embark on Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel
Welcome to Nuremberg, where your festive river cruise begins. Your Suite Ship® awaits as you board and settle in for the journey ahead. Please ensure flights arrive by 3:30 PM, with all guests on board by 5 PM. As evening falls, ease into the holiday spirit with traditional seasonal fare and warm libations, setting the tone for the magical days ahead. Enjoy your first night onboard as your ship remains docked in this historic and enchanting city.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Anticipation of our adventure!
DAY2
Nuremberg
Close Day
NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons
Discover Nuremberg your way with a guided tour of its medieval Old Town, featuring the ornate gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and the iconic Kaiserburg Castle—or explore the powerful history of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Afterward, enjoy free time at the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, where festive stalls brim with handcrafted treasures and the aromas of bratwurst, gingerbread, and warm mulled blueberry wine. Embrace the holiday spirit back on board as cheerful carolers fill the air with beloved Christmas songs, followed by live evening entertainment. Then relax as your river cruise continues overnight to Bamberg.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Taste authentic Nuremberg bratwurst straight from a market stall
DAY3
Bamberg
Close Day
BAMBERG Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Step into storybook Bavaria with a guided sightseeing tour of Bamberg, a UNESCO-listed town rich in medieval charm and once home to the Roman Empire’s dynasties. Wander cobblestone streets as you discover dozens of nativity scenes, from intricate miniatures to impressive life-size displays. Enjoy free time to explore the festive Christmas markets, where the scent of traditional dumplings, sizzling sausages, and hearty Bavarian ale fills the air. Back on board, deepen your appreciation of the season with a Christmas traditions lecture as you sail. Relax as your journey continues with an afternoon and overnight cruise to Würzburg.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stroll through Bamberg’s enchanting nativity scenes across the Old Town
DAY4
Wurzburg
Close Day
WÜRZBURG Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet
Discover Würzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” on a guided sightseeing tour showcasing its stunning Old Main Bridge, hilltop Marienberg Fortress, and the magnificent baroque Bishop’s Residence. For a deeper holiday experience, opt for an excursion to the fairytale town of Rothenburg, home to the renowned Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum, featuring the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German decorations. Back in Würzburg, enjoy free time to wander the glowing Christmas markets, filled with festive lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts. End your day with live entertainment on board before your evening and overnight cruise to a charming Main River village.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Take in views from the historic Marienberg Fortress
DAY5
Miltenberg
Close Day
MILTENBERG Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Step into a fairytale in Miltenberg, where a guided walking tour reveals a charming collection of medieval half-timbered homes lining cobblestone streets. Discover the town’s rich history, including a visit to one of Germany’s oldest inns, where centuries of stories linger within its walls. Soak in the festive atmosphere of this picturesque village before returning to your ship. As you sail, embrace the flavors of the season with a delightful German cookie-baking demonstration on board. Then unwind as your journey continues with an afternoon and overnight cruise to Frankfurt.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stroll through Miltenberg’s postcard-perfect half-timbered Old Town
DAY6
Frankfurt
Close Day
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Delight in the charming town of Rüdesheim with a visit to the unique Mechanical Music Museum, where self-playing instruments bring history to life in a truly unforgettable experience. Afterward, savor a local specialty treat as you soak in the festive spirit. Wander through the town’s enchanting winter markets, where sparkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and seasonal delicacies create a magical holiday atmosphere. Return to your ship for a relaxing evening as you cruise overnight to Speyer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Experience the fascinating Mechanical Music Museum with its self-playing instruments
DAY7
Speyer
Close Day
SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Discover the romance of Heidelberg with a guided tour featuring its iconic hilltop castle and the legendary Great Vat, the world’s largest wine barrel. After exploring this historic gem, enjoy time to wander Heidelberg’s festive Christmas markets, filled with seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures. Prefer a slower pace? Stay onboard for a scenic morning sailing before exploring the charming Christmas markets of Speyer. Back on board, deepen your appreciation of holiday traditions with an engaging lecture, followed by live evening entertainment. Then unwind as your cruise continues overnight to Kehl.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stroll through Heidelberg’s magical Christmas markets
DAY8
Kehl
Close Day
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
Experience the enchanting charm of Strasbourg on a guided city sightseeing tour, featuring its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral with intricate stained glass, ancient murals, and the famous astronomical clock. Wander through the storybook streets of La Petite France, where half-timbered houses and canals create a fairytale setting. For a deeper taste of the region, consider an optional excursion to a picturesque Alsace wine village. Later, immerse yourself in the magic of Strasbourg’s renowned Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, festive music, and seasonal delights fill the air. End your day with live entertainment on board before cruising overnight to Breisach.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Strasbourg’s stunning Gothic Cathedral and astronomical clock
DAY9
Breisach
Close Day
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest
Discover the beauty of Germany’s Black Forest region with your choice of guided experiences. Explore Freiburg’s charming medieval city center, nestled among vineyards and gardens in the scenic Upper Rhine Valley, or venture into the enchanting Black Forest to experience its rich traditions and festive holiday spirit. For an added touch of magic, consider an optional excursion to the fairytale village of Colmar, where half-timbered houses and Renaissance architecture glow with Christmas cheer. After a day of discovery, return to your ship and relax as you cruise overnight to Basel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Soak in the magical Christmas ambiance throughout the region
DAY10
Basel
Close Day
Farewell & Departure
Your magical European river cruise comes to a close this morning. Enjoy a final onboard breakfast as you reflect on the festive markets, charming villages, and unforgettable holiday moments experienced along the way. After disembarkation, continue your journey home or onward travels with warm memories of the season’s magic.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Take in final views of the river before disembarkation
FINAL THOUGHTS
A journey filled with festive magic, storybook towns, and timeless traditions—this holiday river cruise is more than a trip; it’s an experience to treasure long after the season ends.