Avalon Waterways
Christmastime From Basel To Nuremberg With 2 Nights In Prague
Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France. From the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, you’ll discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, the shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music and merriment. Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers through Heidelberg, a Main river village, Wurzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.
| Day 1 |
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums. |
| Day 2 |
This quaint town on the Rhine is the gateway to the Black Forest and lies halfway between Freiburg and Colmar. As you walk the cobblestone streets, stop to sample local schnapps made from fermented pears or cherries and the distinctive smoky ham of this region. St. Stephan's Cathedral perches on a hillside and is the exquisite centerpiece of the town. |
| Day 3 |
This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. If you plan to travel here from the end of November through the end of December, do not miss out on the Christkindelsmärik, one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. Nothing will spark holiday cheer more than a warming cup of vin chaud while gazing upon the magnificient Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber! |
| Day 4 |
Speyer, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most notable landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world. This impressive structure, built in the 11th century, houses the tombs of eight German emperors and kings. Visitors can also explore the charming old town, with its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and vibrant market squares. The Altpörtel, one of the tallest and most important city gates in Germany, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. For those interested in more modern attractions, the Technik Museum Speyer is a must-visit. This museum features an extensive collection of aircraft, classic cars, locomotives, and even a German U9 submarine. It’s a great spot for families, as children can climb aboard many of the exhibits. Additionally, Speyer’s location along the Rhine River makes it an ideal starting point for scenic river cruises and wine tours in the nearby vineyards. The city’s rich Jewish heritage, including one of the most complete medieval mikvehs in Europe, adds another layer of historical intrigue for visitors to explore. Speyer is also known for its lively cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The annual Brezelfest, celebrating the city’s famous pretzels, is a highlight for both locals and tourists. With its blend of historical significance, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Speyer offers a unique and memorable experience for all who visit. |
| Day 5 |
Located in central Germany, Frankfurt is a vibrant cultural and economic hub nestled on the Main River. Museums and architectural gems abound in Frankfurt, from the Goethe House, to the picturesque timber houses of Römerberg town square, to the Museumsufer, a collection of museums lining the banks of the Main. |
| Day 6 |
The Main River winds through the heart of Germany, offering a scenic journey through picturesque towns, rolling vineyards, and historic cities. Flowing for over 500 kilometers (310 miles), it passes through major destinations such as Frankfurt, Würzburg, and Bamberg. The riverbanks are lined with medieval castles, half-timbered villages, and lush countryside. One of the highlights along the Main is Würzburg. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece. Farther along, the town of Miltenberg showcases well-preserved medieval buildings and one of Germany’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen, which has been welcoming guests since the 12th century. The Main River region is also famous for its wine culture, particularly in Franconia, where rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s finest white wines. Visitors can enjoy a glass at local wine taverns while taking in the peaceful riverside scenery. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Main offers plenty of opportunities for cycling and river cruising. The well-maintained Main Radweg cycling route follows the river for hundreds of kilometers, passing through charming villages and lush landscapes. River cruises provide a relaxing way to explore the region, with stops at historic towns and cultural landmarks along the way. |
| Day 7 |
Raise a glass and toast Würzburg, an enchanting, Franconian wine-producing area on the Main River, and one of Germany's oldest cities. Wine bars and cellars abound here, but there's also plenty of wonderful history and striking Baroque and rococo architecture to behold. The Würzburg Residence, a glorious palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visitors are encouraged to walk its gardens. Downtown, the rococo Falkenhaus, once damaged badly in WWII, now homes a library and tourism office. The Gothic Marienkapelle church is a must-see, as is the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main River Bridge), which provides a stunning view of the cloud-touching ancient Fortress Marienberg. |
| Day 8 |
Intended by Henry II, Duke of Bavaria to be the "second Rome", Bamberg is a gem of a UNESCO World Heritage site! The medieval layout of the city is still very well preserved, including the Altes Rathaus, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by arched bridges. |
| Day 9 |
Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city and for centuries was the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire. There is plenty to do and see, starting with picturesque charm of the Old Town, situated at the foot of the Kaiserburg. There are over 54 different museums dedicated to everything from arts and culture, history, science and technology, family and children, and more niche categories, where visitors can see the world's oldest globe, a 500-year-old Madonna, and Renaissance-era German art. Make sure to treat your taste buds to local beer, famous Nuremberg sausages, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Purchase a Nuremberg Fürth Card, which gives you free admission to over 50 museums and attractions for 2 days. |
| Day 10 |
Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city and for centuries was the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire. There is plenty to do and see, starting with picturesque charm of the Old Town, situated at the foot of the Kaiserburg. There are over 54 different museums dedicated to everything from arts and culture, history, science and technology, family and children, and more niche categories, where visitors can see the world's oldest globe, a 500-year-old Madonna, and Renaissance-era German art. Make sure to treat your taste buds to local beer, famous Nuremberg sausages, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Purchase a Nuremberg Fürth Card, which gives you free admission to over 50 museums and attractions for 2 days. |
| Day 11 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Day 12 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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12/01/25 - 12/12/25 |
Starting At $6,197 |
Get A Quote |
“Starting at” or “From” price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.