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Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

  Avg. Trip Rating 4.3 Based on 3 Reviews. No Booking FeesDedicated Consultant

Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

  Avg. Trip Rating 4.3 Based on 3 Reviews. No Booking FeesDedicated Consultant
Our Price From 2,987 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 579 Per Person
 Trip Length
5 Days
 Trip Starts
Frankfurt
 Trip Finishes
Basel
5 Day Christmastime in Alsace and Germany Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany Switzerland
Our Price From 2,987 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 579 Per Person
 Trip Length
5 Days
 Trip Starts
Frankfurt
 Trip Finishes
Basel
5 Day Christmastime in Alsace and Germany Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany Switzerland
Trip Operator:
Budget
Premium
Ship Type
River Ship
Trip Code
WFZ
Trip Operator:
Budget
Premium
Ship Type
River Ship
Trip Code
WFZ

Overview

Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 5 Day Christmastime in Alsace and Germany. 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...read more 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, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this magical 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 savour the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 5 Day Christmastime in Alsace and Germany. 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...read more 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, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this magical 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 savour the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!

Itinerary

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)

Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King

  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat - the world's largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board

EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B/L,D: )

A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven's Time, and Joyeux Noel

  • 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)

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 the winery, 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)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn't leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

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)

Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King

  • Classic: 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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board

EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B/L,D: )

A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven's Time, and Joyeux Noel

  • 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)

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)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn't leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Avalon Suite Ships
Avalon Suite Ships

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 rivercruise experience. Read more

You First
You First

Avalon's attentive staff aboard each vessel will make you feel right at home. You'll be taken care of every step of the way. 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

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

Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Christmastime in Alsace and Germany' Reviews

4.3
AVG. RATING 4.3 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Our first river cruise experience was nothing but AMAZING! 0 , WA, Australia, Dec 2022
We would like to thank Toni our travel advisor at Global Journeys & the rest of the Avalon Tranquility 2 crew for making our holiday cruise getaway a memorable and relaxing experience. From getting in touch with yourself to enquire at first, to sorting out our trip, I couldn’t believe how easy everything was.

Onboard the cruise, EVERY crew member ...read more made sure we are ALWAYS looked after and they even made time decorating our room & making a cake to celebrate my birthday. Every place we went throughout the cruise was remarkable and we also loved the part where we were given ample time to be able to roam around & explore each town/place on our own without having to rush. Overall the experience was delightful and we can hand on heart say it will not be our first & last as we will definitely book with you again in the future.
Christmas markets in Europe 0 , New Zealand, Dec 2018
Great trip met some really nice people. The ship was well presented apart from a rip in our cabin carpet.
Our trip was disrupted due to the shootings at Strasbourg Christmas Market, so that was by-passed but Avalon recovered well and provided alternative markets to visit.

Staff, particularly the waiting staff, were very good and the cabin attendant ...read more made up the room every day so that it sparkled.
Great Way to Experience Christmas Markets   1 , WA, Australia, Dec 2018
This short cruise was a great way to start our Christmas European holiday with delicious food, highlighting local produce, and a reasonable wine list with meals. Our cabin was spacious, well designed along Avalon’s panoramic window principles and had the most comfortable bed with zero partner disturbance. The staff were fine but a little hit and miss ...read more in terms of quality and friendly service. Certainly our cruise director needed to be more present, more light humoured and more personable. Given the tragic events in Strasbourg we understood and appreciated the urgent changes to our schedules along the way.
Most excursions were well done with informative local guides but having to spend extra time in Basel was a disappointment.

We both appreciated the friendly, timely and comprehensive service from Juliet from Global Journeys and intend to book through her again.
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Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Category E
Stateroom
 
Category D
Stateroom
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
 
Category B
Panorama Suite
 
Category A
Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
 
Category P
Panorama Suite
 
Category S
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)
Sky Deck

Cabins

  • Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
  • Twin Windows
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Category E
Stateroom
 
Category D
Stateroom
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
 
Category B
Panorama Suite
 
Category A
Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
 
Category P
Panorama Suite
 
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)
Sky Deck

Cabins

  • Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
  • Twin Windows
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Brochure

River Cruises

Avalon River Cruises (2023-24)

Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 70 cruises on 10 rivers through 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea. From the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, discover timeless tradition and beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and...more Saône—to name a few.

Brochure

River Cruises

Avalon River Cruises (2023-24)

Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 70 cruises on 10 rivers through 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea. From the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, discover timeless tradition and beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and...more Saône—to name a few.

Availability

Exclusive Deal
Sunday 10 Dec 2023
Thursday 14 Dec 2023
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $3,490 $3,235
Save $255 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Friday 15 Dec 2023
Tuesday 19 Dec 2023
Ship Name Avalon Visionary
From: $3,490 $3,111
Save $379 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 10 Dec 2023
Thursday 14 Dec 2023
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $5,260 $4,987
Save $273 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Friday 15 Dec 2023
Tuesday 19 Dec 2023
Ship Name Avalon Visionary
From: $5,260 $4,864
Save $396 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Monday 16 Dec 2024
Friday 20 Dec 2024
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $3,539 $2,987
Save $552 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Thursday 19 Dec 2024
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Ship Name Avalon Illumination
From: $3,539 $2,987
Save $552 Enquire
Earlybird Offer
Saturday 13 Dec 2025
Wednesday 17 Dec 2025
Ship Name Avalon Panorama
From: $3,739 $3,160
Save $579 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Monday 16 Dec 2024
Friday 20 Dec 2024
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $5,336 $4,766
Save $570 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Thursday 19 Dec 2024
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Ship Name Avalon Illumination
From: $5,336 $4,766
Save $570 Enquire
Earlybird Offer
Saturday 13 Dec 2025
Wednesday 17 Dec 2025
Ship Name Avalon Panorama
From: $5,624 $5,026
Save $598 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Category E  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D From $ 114
Category B From $ 971
Category A From $ 1,000
Category P From $ 1,057
Category S From $ 1,886
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Category E  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D From $ 114
Category B From $ 1,028
Category A From $ 1,086
Category P From $ 1,114
Category S From $ 2,000
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon.

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