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Avalon Waterways German Grandeur (Eastbound) (WZN)

9 Day River Cruise Basel to Nuremberg 
See the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers. Your picturesque European river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach—with your choice of a visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France for a guided tour and visit to the La Petite France district and Gothic-style cathedral, then on to the vineyards and wine village of Rüdesheim through the spectacular views of Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine River, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main River village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before concluding your cruise in Nuremberg. From Switzerland to Bavaria, your German river cruise will create grand memories indeed!

Ships: Imagery II - Tranquility II - Impression - View

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Strasbourg: Choice of guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Boppard: Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard

Day 5 Frankfurt: In Frankfurt choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Seligenstadt

Day 6 Main River Village: Guided walking tour

Day 7 Würzburg: Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Bamberg: Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 9 Nuremberg (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Special Interest Departures

10/07/2025 - German Grandeur for Beer Enthusiasts (Eastbound)

Related Avalon Tours

WZN - German Grandeur (Eastbound)
WZN1 - With 2 Nights in Lucerne
WZN2 - With 2 Nights in Lucerne & 2 Nights in Munich
WZNE - With 2 Nights in Munich
WNZ - German Grandeur (Westbound)

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
 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.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

(D)
Day 2BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
 German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

(B,L,D)
Day 3STRASBOURG, FRANCE
 A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)
Day 4RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE
 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:


DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.

This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.

BOPPARD

A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge

Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(B,L,D)
Day 5FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
 Charm in Frankfurt

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy biking experience in Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,L,D)
Day 6MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
 Beauty on the Main River

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

(B,L,D)
Day 7WÜRZBURG
 A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.

Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 8BAMBERG
 The City of Seven Hills

ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 9NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
 Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.

Flights shouldn’t leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am.

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for arrivals is Zürich.

Port charges:
$240

Gratuities 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.

Avalon Waterways Fleet

Click Quote for an Avalon Waterways Tour Date for our low price tour quote


Avalon Tour Dates

Tour Land StartAvalon RetailRequest Quote
*05/20/2024 $4,499.00
*07/03/2024 $4,299.00
*09/21/2024 $4,499.00
*10/25/2024 $4,199.00
*05/14/2025 $4,499.00
*10/07/2025 $4,199.00
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