DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Meals

Breakfast: 11 Lunch: 7 Dinner: 9

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

HighLights

Strasbourg
Heidelberg Castle
Rüdesheim
Bamberg
Prague

DAY 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich 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 savour 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 centre, 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. In the afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas season. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach's lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
DAY 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Joyeux Noel 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 a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savour the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. 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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. 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-D-kind instrumental experience in Rudesheim, enjoy a special treat. Don't miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. 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. DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)
DAY 7: WURZBURG
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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum-the world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg's Christmas markets. 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. Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. 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. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample Favourite Bavarian fare-bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights. 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 cafes 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 Hradcany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town's Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)
DAY 12: PRAGUE
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Map

Earn from 11,792 Qantas Points pp~

Was $12,544 pp*

FROM

AUD

$12,013.76 pp*

BookDates & Prices

Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France, with two nights in Prague. 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 Christkindlsmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers through Heidelberg, a Main river village, Wurzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.

Disembark your Suite Ship in Nuremberg, and travel to the golden city of Prague to enjoy the spectacular Christmas markets in the Czech Republic’s stunning capital. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy ship-to-hotel transfer. See Hradčany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Experience the “Golden City” of Prague as it shines with holiday magic on this shining European Christmas holiday.

Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.

Map

Leisurely On the go

I want to travel in

2025

2026

Days

Countries

Switzerland, France, Germany, Czech Republic

Meals

11breakfasts;

7lunches;

9dinners;

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

Tour Code

WMNE

Price

*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 10 December 2026 departure

CAT B

~Each person on the booking will earn 1 point per $1 spent on their portion of the booking.

Highlights

Strasbourg

Heidelberg Castle

Rüdesheim

Bamberg

Prague

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Day 1

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich 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 savour Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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 centre, 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. In the afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas season. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach's lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Joyeux Noel 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 a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savour the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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-D-kind instrumental experience in Rudesheim, enjoy a special treat. Don't miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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. DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 7

WURZBURG

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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum-the world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg's Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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. Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample Favourite Bavarian fare-bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

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 cafes for dinner and Czech Beer. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 11

PRAGUE

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradcany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town's Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 12

PRAGUE

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (1)

Start trip: Basel

End trip: Nuremberg

Start trip: +2 days in Basel

End trip: Prague

End your holiday with 2 nights in the "Golden City" of Prague and enjoy free time to explore its spectacular Christmas markets (WMNE)

Map

Leisurely On the go

I want to travel in

2025

2026

Days

Countries

Switzerland, France, Germany, Czech Republic

Meals

11breakfasts;

7lunches;

9dinners;

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

Tour Code

WMNE

Price

*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 10 December 2026 departure

CAT B

~Each person on the booking will earn 1 point per $1 spent on their portion of the booking.

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Highlights

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The Cruising Experience

Christmastime From Basel To Nuremberg With Prague

Earn from 11,792 Qantas Points pp~

Map

Itinerary

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

WURZBURG

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

BAMBERG

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

NUREMBERG

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

PRAGUE

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

PRAGUE

INCLUDED MEALS

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (1)

Map

Next Section

Highlights