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 Waterways Promotions & Special Offers
- Single supplement waived on the cruise portion of select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises.*
Restrictions May ApplyAvalon 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 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.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D) |
| Day 2 | BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST |
| | German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestACTIVE 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 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE |
| | A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceVisit 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 4 | RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE |
| | Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE 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 5 | FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT |
| | Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE 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 6 | MAIN 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 7 | WÜRZBURG |
| | 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 8 | BAMBERG |
| | The City of Seven HillsACTIVE 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 9 | NUREMBERG (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:$240Gratuities 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.