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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Vienna 2026(WMV)
Christmastime from Basel to Vienna
Starting from $9,242Ship(s): Avalon Panorama, Avalon Passion
River Cruise Description
Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship® festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season. Embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise from Switzerland to Austria. Experience the holiday season like never before, from the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg's Christmas markets. Discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, your Avalon Suite Ship® is decked out for the holidays, brimming in holiday spirit. See the shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music, peace, and merriment. Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers from Heidelberg to Passau-and quaint villages in between. Continue in the holiday glow in Austria to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then spectacular Vienna for a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River. A perfect ending to a festive river cruise showing you some of the best that Germany and Austria have to offer this time of year!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 Passion, Avalon Panorama | $9,242 | 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
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 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 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.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(B,D)
Day 6 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 WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 WÜRZBURG
Old Saint Nick 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). EXCURSION TO MUNICH (EMBARKATION)
This morning disembark the vessel which has brought you to Nuremberg and drive to Munich
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.
(B,D)
Day 11 NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons
A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 12 REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Discovery
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 13 PASSAU
Saint Stephen’s, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 14 MELK, AUSTRIA
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
Discovery
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 15 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Discovery
Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 16 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)Need more information?
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