Christmastime in the Heart of Germany – Westbound (Cruise Only)
6 days with Avalon Waterways Rating: Deluxe
Book this River Cruise Now and Save!
Save $300 per couple off this cruise. Expires December 16. Click here for eligible departures.
Save 5% off all trips when you pay with an AMEX Gold or Platinum card . This discount is combinable with all other promotions. Click here for eligible departures.
Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.
River Cruise Itinerary
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 FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Day 6 FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Nuremberg (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Nuremberg: choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
Day 3 Bamberg: guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture
Day 4 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; Christmas market
Day 5 Main river village: baking demonstration on board, guided walk
Day 6 Frankfurt (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
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 Frankfurt, 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
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Sky Deck whirlpool
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
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Avalon Choice® cruising experience
Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
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 FreshSM 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
Spacious, open-seating Panorama 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
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
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
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Coffee or tea after dinner
Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Accommodations on this Tour
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Visionary
Frankfurt: The Westin Grand Frankfurt
Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:
in single room from $178 to $309, in twin room from $107 to $181
Notes
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.
Terms and Conditions
*
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.
800-510-4002
OR
Open Mon-Fri 7am to 10pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am to 8pm, CST