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Christmastime from Basel to Vienna

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 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Basel
 Trip Finishes
Vienna
16 Day Christmastime from Basel to Vienna Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WMV

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 16 Day Christmastime from Basel to Vienna. Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colours of the season. Embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise from Switzerland to Austria. Experience the holiday season like never before, from the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets. Discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, your Avalon Suite Ship is decked out for the holidays, brimming in holiday spirit. See the...read more shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music, peace, and merriment. 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 flavours 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 Zurich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city centre, enjoy the festive illumination and savour Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

  • Discovery: Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking 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.

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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B/L/D)

Joyeux Noel 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.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg.

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

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.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalising treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets

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

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

  • Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rudesheim.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B/D)

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B/L/D)

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.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum - the world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.

Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg's Christmas markets.

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

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.

Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

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

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.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favourite Bavarian fare - bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B/L/D)

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.

Return to Nuremberg in the late afternoon and embark on the ship which will take you to Vienna. (B/D)

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.

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

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.

Take time to browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.

  • Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.

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

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."

You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.

Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Take a brief evening cruise to Linz and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B/L/D)

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.

VIENNA: Vienna's Winter Wonderland

This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)

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.

Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese cafe this evening. You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life Onboard

Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

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

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 travellers 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

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Cabins

Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)

  • 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

Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)

  • 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

Royal Suite

  • 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 (2024-25)

Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 75 cruises on 12 rivers (plus the Galápagos!) featuring 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover tradition and timeless beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Saône—to name a few. Discover how generations of graceful traditions live on while sailing the Mekong in Southeast Asia...more or unlock the secrets of the Sphinx on the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Welcome aboard! Where shall we sail next?

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These 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.

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