Overview
Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers from Heidelberg to Passau—and quaint villages in between. Continue in the holiday glow in Austria to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then spectacular Vienna for a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River. A perfect ending to a festive river cruise showing you some of the best that Germany and Austria have to offer this time of year!
Itinerary
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg.
- 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
Winter Wonders 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
- Classic: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
- Discovery: Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
- Discovery: Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet.
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residence.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany's Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg's nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons.
- Classic: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
- Discovery: Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
This morning disembark the vessel which has brought you to Nuremberg and drive to Munich.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons.
A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Saint Stephen's, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night.
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Discovery: Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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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.
