Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound)

5 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
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 ...
38%
$4,049
From$2,499
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of visit to Freiburg or excursion to Black Forest; Christmas market
    • Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
    • Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market
    • 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

What's this trip about?

    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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
End CityFRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France

Attractions

  • Basel
  • Frankfurt
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Strasbourg
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 (Dinner)

BASEL-FESTIVE-MARKET.jpg

Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Blac...

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 ...

Day 4: SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

Winter Wonders Fit for a King DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel Aft...

Day 5: FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.

(Breakfast)

FRANKFURT-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,499
Price per day$500
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 Dec 2024
06 Dec 2024
$2,349
Please Call
29 Nov 2025
03 Dec 2025
$2,499
Available
01 Dec 2025
05 Dec 2025
$2,499
Available
17 Dec 2025
21 Dec 2025
$2,499
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Airport This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel. ZurichSwitzerlandZuerich FlughafenThe Westin Grand FrankfurtThis classic luxury 371-room hotel offers high quality service and an excellent location, just steps away from the famous Zeil shopping mile and exclusive Goethestrasse with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the property. Three restaurants and bars offer a great choice of cusine to suit every palate, you may choose between regional or international cuisine, Japanese sushi & teppanyaki as well as Chinese. For relaxation and revitalization, there is an indoor swimming pool and fitness area complete with Finnish sauna and steam room.FrankfurtGermanyKonrad-Adenauer Str. 7,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
WZF|Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound) WFZ|Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WZF

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