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Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

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Our Price From
US$2,684
Save $480pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
6 Days
 Cruise Starts
Nuremberg
 Cruise Finishes
Frankfurt
6 Day Festive Season in the Heart of Germany Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WNFF

Overview

This festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany, and be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg. Next stop is delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, throughout town, you’ll see nativity scenes built by local citizens. Learn about Christmas traditions as you read more cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine).

Explore one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations. As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.

Itinerary

Welcome in Nuremberg, where your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (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 favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B/L/D)

Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

  • 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.

  • Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

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

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights.

  • Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half - timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.
  • Discovery: Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.

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

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Tranquility II

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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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Cabin Layout Options:

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From $2,684
From $3,987
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Tuesday 01 Dec 2026 01 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Sunday 06 Dec 2026 06 Dec 26 Frankfurt
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Avalon Imagery II
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Friday 11 Dec 2026 11 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Frankfurt
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US$2,684
Save $480
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Sunday 13 Dec 2026 13 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Friday 18 Dec 2026 18 Dec 26 Frankfurt
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US$2,684
Save $480
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.

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