Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Germany and France on this enchanting 5-day tour. From the vibrant city of Frankfurt to the charming town of Basel, this journey offers a unique blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer. Explore the majestic Heidelberg Castle, marvel at the world's largest wine barrel, and lose yourself in the magical Christmas markets of Heidelberg, Speyer, and Strasbourg. Discover the gothic grandeur of Strasbourg's cathedral and the quaint charm of the La Petite France District. Venture into the Black Forest and the vineyards of the Upper Rhine Valley. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of guided tours and free time, allowing you to experience the destinations at your own pace.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Panorama or similar
4 nights accommodation onboard
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
And, much more
Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Imagery II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Map
Attractions
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Freiburger Rieselfeld
St Thomas Church
Petite France
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Frankfurt
- Frankfurt - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Frankfurt, Germany. Your suite ship is ready for boarding by 5 pm. Ensure your flights into Frankfurt arrive by 3 pm. Enjoy your first night on the ship as we set sail for Speyer. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Speyer - Heidelberg
Day 2: Speyer - Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Botanical Garden
- Heidelberg Palace
- Tiergarten Worms
- More
Embark on a guided tour to the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat, the world's largest wine barrel. After the tour, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing morning sailing and explore the Speyer Christmas markets. Enjoy live entertainment on board in the evening as we cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- More
Join a city sightseeing tour that includes the gothic Strasbourg Cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, and the enchanting La Petite France District. You may opt for a guided excursion to beautiful Alsace, a French wine-country village. Spend your free afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg, soaking in the festive lights, music, and seasonal delights. We set sail for Breisach in the evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breisach - Freiburg
Day 4: Breisach - Freiburg
- Wutach Gorge
- Freiburger Rieselfeld
- More
Join a guided tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, nestled in the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. Alternatively, embark on a guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the charming village of Colmar or enjoy the Breisach's Christmas Markets. We cruise to Basel in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Basel
- Basel - Departure day
- More
Your enchanting 5-day tour concludes with breakfast this morning. Please ensure your flights from Zurich airport do not depart before 10 am or from Basel airport before 8 am.
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