Our Price From
US$3,755
Save $900pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
Cruise Length
8 Days
Cruise Starts
Basel
Cruise Finishes
Frankfurt
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
WZE
Overview
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Take in the unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better storybook setting at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses.
Continue to Strasbourg, read more France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blending the cultures of both countries in the home of one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits and bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. Take an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink glistens at the foot of the castle amid Christmas markets spanning five town squares.
Sail the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim where musical traditions and signature coffee warm up the season. In Cologne, feel the Christmas spirit with a concert in the beautiful baroque venue at Engers Castle and see the soaring steeples of the cathedral in this captivating city. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.
Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.
Continue to Strasbourg, read more France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blending the cultures of both countries in the home of one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits and bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. Take an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink glistens at the foot of the castle amid Christmas markets spanning five town squares.
Sail the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim where musical traditions and signature coffee warm up the season. In Cologne, feel the Christmas spirit with a concert in the beautiful baroque venue at Engers Castle and see the soaring steeples of the cathedral in this captivating city. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.
Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.
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.Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and delight in Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B/L/D)
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 LUDWIGSHAFEN (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, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
EVENING CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B/L/D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.
- Discovery: Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland - Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B/L/D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Classic: Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne's incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
- Discovery: Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland - Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B/L/D)
Printing Halls
While sailing to Mainz, enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision
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.
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
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
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
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
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Dates & Pricing
USD
Welcome Back Credit
Traveled with Avalon before? We'll automatically apply any travel credits to your booking.
GJ Loyalty Discount
Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!
Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
Tuesday
23 Nov 2027
23 Nov 27
Basel
Tuesday
30 Nov 2027
30 Nov 27
Frankfurt
Details
Avalon View
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,755
Save $896
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday
30 Nov 2027
30 Nov 27
Basel
Tuesday
07 Dec 2027
07 Dec 27
Frankfurt
Details
Avalon Envision
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,331
Save $420
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday
07 Dec 2027
07 Dec 27
Basel
Tuesday
14 Dec 2027
14 Dec 27
Frankfurt
Details
Avalon View
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,571
Save $180
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday
14 Dec 2027
14 Dec 27
Basel
Tuesday
21 Dec 2027
21 Dec 27
Frankfurt
Details
Avalon Envision
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,851
Save $900
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.
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.
