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12 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Prague 2026(WMNE)
Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg with 2 Nights in Prague
Starting from $5,944Ship(s): Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Panorama
River Cruise Description
Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France. From the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg's Christmas markets, you'll discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, the shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music and merriment. Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers through Heidelberg, a Main river village, Wurzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $6,294 | Call Us! |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Avalon Imagery II | $5,944 | 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 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 centre, 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
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.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(B,L,D)
Day 4 SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel 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 After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 5 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 special treat.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(B,D)
Day 6 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights in Beautiful Bavaria
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 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 BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 9 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Bid your crew farewell and head for the Golden City of Prague
Stroll through the exquisite streets of the city and spend a free evening in one of Prague’s cafés for dinner and Czech Beer. (B)
Day 11 PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
(B)
Day 12 PRAGUE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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