Avalon Waterways Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound) (WZF)

5 Day River Cruise Basel to Frankfurt

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, 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 at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. The city 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 Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. You’ll go on 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 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. There’s plenty of time to find just the right Christmas present amongst the array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts before this magical European river cruise ends in Frankfurt, Germany.

Ships: Imagery II - Tranquility II - Panorama - Envision
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): 12/03/23

Restrictions May Apply

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badischer Winzerkeller or excursion to Black Forest; Christmas market

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

Day 4 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market

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

Related Avalon Tours

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

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1	BASEL, 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. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
Day 2	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—between 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. 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. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 3	STRASBOURG, FRANCE
	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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (B,L,D)
Day 4	SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
	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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Day 5	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
	Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am. (B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for arrivals 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.
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.