Home > All River Cruises > Europe River Cruises > Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with Lucerne (Southbound)

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with Lucerne (Southbound)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$4,877
Save $943pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Frankfurt
 Cruise Finishes
Lucerne
10 Day Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with Lucerne (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany, France, Switzerland
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
WEZ1

Overview

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. At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored. 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 read more Castle, towering magnificently over the city.

At this time of year, an ice rink at the foot of the castle glistens with good cheer where a very special Christmas market spans more than five town squares! Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and other local specialties. You’ll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts to carry the festive charm home. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—this stunning city dates back to the 16th century.

Breathe in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits as you bask in the holiday atmosphere, including a visit to Strasbourg Cathedral. Marvel at the Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. This Christmastime cruise along the Rhine River also takes you to Breisach—the the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Discover its unrivaled natural beauty and signature Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Storybook Christmas charm doesn’t get better than this as smoke curls from the chimneys of traditional Black Forest houses.

Your Christmastime vacation in Europe continues as you disembark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. Transfer to Lucerne to explore this lovely city with more delights to unwrap with the perfect gift of this Rhine River cruise and Swiss vacation of a lifetime.

Itinerary

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (D)

Printing Halls

  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Spend free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Mainz. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated strolls for ornaments and handmade pieces.

This evening, enjoy heartwarming Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B/L/D)

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

  • Classic: Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne's incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne's Christmas markets.

  • Discovery: Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
  • Discovery: Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely Baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland - Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B/L/D)

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
Don't miss the tantalizing treats, and the seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B/L/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, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO KEHL (B/L/D)

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.
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 center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:
  • Classic: 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, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach's Christmas Markets

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B/L/D)

Spectacular Views in Switzerland.

This morning, disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus.

  • Classic: Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead)
LUCERNE: A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion.

  • Classic: Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)

Lovely Lucerne

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side - by - side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Welcome Back Credit

Traveled with Avalon before? We'll automatically apply any travel credits to your booking.

GJ Loyalty Discount

Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $4,877
From $6,796
From $8,620
Tuesday 30 Nov 2027 30 Nov 27 Frankfurt
Thursday 09 Dec 2027 09 Dec 27 Lucerne
Details
Avalon View
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,453
Save $367
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 07 Dec 2027 07 Dec 27 Frankfurt
Thursday 16 Dec 2027 16 Dec 27 Lucerne
Details
Avalon Envision
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,357
Save $463
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 14 Dec 2027 14 Dec 27 Frankfurt
Thursday 23 Dec 2027 23 Dec 27 Lucerne
Details
Avalon View
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,877
Save $943
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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 the cruise-line and 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.

Similar River Cruises

11 Day The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) (Avalon)

11 Days Basel Amsterdam

Operated By: Avalon

From 3,623
Save 2,136
11 Day Active & Discovery on the Seine with Saint-Malo and Mont St. Michel (Avalon)

11 Days Paris Paris

Operated By: Avalon

From 5,482
Save 1,218
11 Day Active & Discovery on the Danube with Budapest & Prague (Westbound) (Avalon)

11 Days Budapest Prague

Operated By: Avalon

From 4,128
Save 1,661
16 Day Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy (Avalon)

16 Days London Paris

Operated By: Avalon

From 7,482
Save 1,319