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10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Nuremberg to Basel 2026(WNM)
Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel
Starting from $5,295Ship(s): Avalon Illumination, Avalon Imagery II
River Cruise Description
Celebrate this magical time of year with a delightful Christmastime river cruise through the beautiful views of the heart of Germany, on the Main Danube Canal, and the Main and Rhine Rivers. Board your ship in Nuremberg, Germany, host to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the brightly illuminated and decorated Old Town. 200 stalls sell traditional German Christmas wares and seasonal delicacies. In delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll find nativity scenes built by local citizens through-out the town. Learn about holiday traditions as you cruise to Würzburg, and here walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop's Residence-home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses that are dotted along the Main River. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your cruise to Speyer and visit Heidelberg Castle, which towers magnificently over the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below. At this time of year, the historic charm of Strasbourg, France, is mixed with festive aromas, sights, and sounds-creating a truly magical atmosphere! Visit the gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Breisach, Germany-gateway to the famous Black Forest. An area of unrivaled natural beauty, and the home of Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. There is no better setting at this time of year, when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2026 | Avalon Imagery II | $5,645 | Call Us! |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $5,295 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Nuremberg, where your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(D)
Day 2 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Classic
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 3 BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 4 WÜRZBURG
Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(B,L,D)
Day 5 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 6 FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim, enjoy a local special treat.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(B,D)
Day 7 HEIDELBERG EXCURSION. SPEYER
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Classic
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.
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 8 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
Day 9 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, 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 Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)
Day 10 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)
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