5 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Frankfurt to Basel 2024(WFZ)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Frankfurt to Basel

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany

Starting from $2,860
Ship(s): Avalon Illumination, Avalon Tranquility II
<span>5 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Frankfurt to Basel 2024</span><span>(WFZ)</span>

River Cruise Description

This Christmastime river cruise is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, Germany, then sail up the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland, passing beautiful views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated. This one-of-a-kind Christmas river cruise through France and Germany takes you on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. At this time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. You'll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Your Christmas river cruise along the Rhine River takes you to Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany's Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland. Don't miss this experience to savor the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!



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Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)
 
Dec 16, 2024Avalon Tranquility IIWaitlistCall Us!
Dec 19, 2024Avalon Illumination$2,860Call Us!
Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(D)

Day 2 SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

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)

Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
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 CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)

Day 4 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Discovery
Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
After your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, 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)

Day 5 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn't leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
(B)
Need more information?
Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?
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