Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a magical 10-day tour through the heart of Switzerland and Germany, immersing yourself in the enchanting spirit of Christmas. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration, culinary delights, and festive activities. From the illuminated city center of Zurich to the medieval architecture of Nuremberg, you'll experience the rich traditions and vibrant Christmas mood of these European gems. Enjoy guided tours through medieval city centers, explore the beautiful Black Forest, and savor local delicacies at charming Christmas markets. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and holiday cheer, promising an unforgettable journey.
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 Tranquility II
9 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Imagery II: 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
Destinations
Basel
Frankfurt (Oder)
Strasbourg
Bamberg
Zurich
Freiburg im Breisgau
SpeyerMap
Attractions
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
Basel Town Hall
Freiburg Minster
Nuremberg lock
Würzburg Residence
Heidelberg Palace
Speyer Cathedral
Old Main Bridge
Freiburger Rieselfeld
Gutenberg Museum
Würzburger Cathedral
Bamberg Cathedral
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Zürich to Basel
- Zurich
- Basel - Arrival day
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- Basel Town Hall
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Welcome to Switzerland! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Zürich. Arrive by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship®. As evening falls, we'll set sail for Basel, where you can stroll through the city center, marvel at the festive illuminations, and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets, and Swiss raclette. Overnight cruise to Breisach.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Strasbourg
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- Wutach Gorge
- Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Start your day with a guided tour of Freiburg’s medieval city center, nestled in the heart of the Black Forest. In the afternoon, you may choose to explore the charming village of Colmar or browse Breisach’s lovely Christmas market. Sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake before we set sail for Strasbourg.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg to Speyer
- Strasbourg
- Speyer
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- Petite France
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Today, we explore the joy of Christmas in Strasbourg. Join a city sightseeing tour, including the city’s gothic cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to join an optional excursion to beautiful Alsace. Spend your afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg, soaking in the festive lights, music, and seasonal pleasures before we cruise to Speyer.
Day 4 – Day 4: Speyer to Frankfurt
- Speyer
- Frankfurt (Oder)
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- Heidelberg Botanical Garden
- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
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Today, we visit the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime. Marvel at the ruins of this renaissance treasure 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 morning sailing and explore the sights and sounds of Speyer Christmas markets before we set sail for Frankfurt.
Day 5 – Day 5: Frankfurt to Main River Village
- Frankfurt (Oder)
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- Gutenberg Museum
- Rheingrafenstein
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Today, we tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim for a unique instrumental experience. Don’t miss the tantalizing treats and seasonal handiwork of the city's sparkling winter wonderlands. As evening falls, we'll cruise to the quaint Main River Village.
Day 6 – Day 6: Main River Village to Würzburg
- Würzburg
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- Nilkheimer Park
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Take a guided tour of a picturesque village along the Main River. Join a German cookie-baking demonstration on board your ship while sailing. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we set sail for Würzburg.
Day 7 – Day 7: Würzburg to Bamberg
- Bamberg
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- Würzburg Residence
- Old Main Bridge
- Würzburger Cathedral
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Today, we take a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg, the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road'. Visit the Old Main Bridge, the towering fortress, and the baroque Bishop’s Residence. You may choose to join an optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Spend free time enjoying the festive glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets before we cruise to Bamberg.
Day 8 – Day 8: Bamberg to Nuremberg
- Bamberg
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- Bamberg Cathedral
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Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. Join a guided sightseeing tour of Bamberg, the medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes and enjoy the quaint Christmas markets. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we set sail for Nuremberg.
Day 9 – Day 9: Nuremberg
- Bamberg
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- Nuremberg lock
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Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or join a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling favorite Bavarian fare.
Day 10 – Day 10: Farewell
- Bamberg - Departure day
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Your magical Christmas journey through Switzerland and Germany concludes today after breakfast. We hope you've enjoyed this enchanting tour and look forward to welcoming you again soon.
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