Christmastime in the Heart of Germany – Westbound 2019
(Cruise Only)

Day 1 NUREMBERG
Welcome in Nuremberg, where your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)

Day 2 NUREMBERG
Living Heritage 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 favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 3 BAMBERG
Cherished Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

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.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 4 WÜRZBURG
Ornaments, 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 Käthe 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 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)

Day 5 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 Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WIESBADEN (B,L,D)

Day 6 WIESBADEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• Nuremberg (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Nuremberg: choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
• Bamberg: guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture
• Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; Christmas market
• Main river village: baking demonstration on board, guided walk
• Wiesbaden: your vacation ends this morning

This festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany, and be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg. Next stop is delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, throughout town, you’ll see nativity scenes built by local citizens. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residenz—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations.

As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Wiesbaden, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.

• Ship Amenities - Avalon Imagery II:
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
  • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
  • Convenient Elevator Service
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Outside viewing deck
  • Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Complimentary computer use in public areas
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Additional biking excursions available in Amsterdam, Breisach and Bernkastel
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
  • Sky Deck game area
  • Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Avalon Choice® cruising experience
  • Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
  • Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
  • Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
  • Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
  • Full-size closet mirror
• Ship Dining - Avalon Imagery II:
  • Avalon Fresh^SM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Welcome dinner
  • Five-course farewell dinner
  • Spacious, open-seating dining room
  • Daily early-riser breakfast
  • Daily late-riser breakfast
  • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
  • Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
  • Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Healthy meal options
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
  • Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Coffee or tea after dinner

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Visionary
Frankfurt: The Westin Grand Frankfurt

Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:
in single room from $178 to $309, in twin room from $107 to $181

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Gateway city for departure is Frankfurt, Germany.
• Port charges: $130
• Gratuities to Local Guides & excursion drivers are included.
• Triples not available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.