Avalon Waterways Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague (WNFQ)
8 Day River Cruise Prague to Frankfurt
This Festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Set on the banks of the Vltava River, you will be immersed in holiday spirit as you explore the famous Christmas markets with rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Stand in front of the medieval
Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate art piece and visualization of time unlike anything else in the world—and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town. Board your ship 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, where nativity scenes built by local citizens are exhibited throughout town. 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. 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 and magnificent
Prague perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.
Ships:
Tranquility II -
Illumination -
Panorama
Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing
Day 1 Prague: Arrival day at leisure
Day 2 Prague: Guided tour, see the
Astronomical Clock and visit to Hradcany Castle; Christmas market
Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 4 Nuremberg: Choice of
Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
Day 5 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture
Day 6 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market
Day 7 Main river village: Guided tour
Day 8 Frankfurt (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning
Related Avalon Tours
WNF - Festive Season in the Heart of Germany
WNFQ - With 2 Nights in Prague
WFN - Festive Season in the Heart of Germany
Itinerary (2024)
| Day 1 | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC |
| | Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. |
| Day 2 | PRAGUE |
| | Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.(B) |
| Day 3 | PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) |
| | The Perfect Christmas Wish Come TrueIndulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship® OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,D) |
| Day 4 | NUREMBERG |
| | 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 Christkindlmarkt culinary delights. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | BAMBERG |
| | Christmas Customs and Cradle ScenesDISCOVERY 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) |
| Day 6 | WÜRZBURG |
| | 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 on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | MAIN RIVER VILLAGE |
| | Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION) |
| | Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B) |
Avalon Pricing Details
Port charges: $150Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Avalon Notes
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.