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Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

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Festive Season in the Heart of Germany
Festive Season in the Heart of Germany
Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 6 Day Festive Season in the Heart of Germany. 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 read more town, you’ll see nativity scenes built by local citizens. Learn about Christmas traditions as you 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.
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US$2,684 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

6 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Nuremberg

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Frankfurt

Trip Departures
Cruise Departures
Dec 2026 to Dec 2026
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Avalon
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
Avalon Tranquility II +2
Passengers
Passengers

128

Crew
Crew

37

Ship Launch
Launched

2015

Ship Refurbished
Cruise Code

WNFF

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 On Board

Avalon
 (494) Reviews
Total No. of River Cruises 171
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.

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.
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. Read more

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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

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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

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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. One 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:

Select Cabin Preference:

Sold Out
From $3,987
Sold Out
Tuesday 01 Dec 2026 01 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Sunday 06 Dec 2026 06 Dec 26 Frankfurt
Details
Avalon Imagery II
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,449
Save $179
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 11 Dec 2026 11 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Frankfurt
Details
Avalon Tranquility II
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,987
Save $534
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 13 Dec 2026 13 Dec 26 Nuremberg
Friday 18 Dec 2026 18 Dec 26 Frankfurt
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,987
Save $534
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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