Avalon Waterways Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) (WFZ)

5 Day River Cruise Frankfurt to Basel

This Christmastime river cruise is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, Germany, then sail up the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland, passing beautiful views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated. This one-of-a-kind Christmas river cruise through France and Germany takes you on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. At this time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. You’ll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Your Christmas river cruise along the Rhine River takes you to Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland. Don’t miss this experience to savor the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!

Ships: Tranquility II - Visionary - Illumination - Panorama
Special Offer/Promotion

Avalon Waterways Promotions & Special Offers

Single supplement waived on the cruise portion of select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises.*
Promotion Depatures (Land): 12/10/23, 12/15/23

Restrictions May Apply

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market

Day 3 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market

Day 4 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badischer Winzerkeller or excursion the Black Forest; Christmas market

Day 5 Basel (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Related Avalon Tours

WFZ - Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
WZF - Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound)

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1	FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
	Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (D)
Day 2	SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
	Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel 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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 3	STRASBOURG, FRANCE
	A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël 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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
Day 4	BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
	German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest DISCOVERY Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. After your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
Day 5	BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
	Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn't leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for departures is Zürich

Port charges:
$120

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.