8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Frankfurt to Basel 2027(WEZ)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Frankfurt to Basel

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine

Starting from $3,701
Ship(s): Avalon Envision, Avalon View
8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Frankfurt to Basel 2027 - WEZ
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1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)

River Cruise Description

This Christmastime river cruise is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, Germany, then sail up the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland, passing beautiful views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated. This one-of-a-kind Christmas river cruise through France and Germany takes you on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. At this time of year, an ice rink at the foot of the castle glistens with good cheer where a very special Christmas market spans more than five town squares! Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and other local specialties. You'll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts to carry the festive charm home. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-this stunning city dates back to the 16th century. Breathe in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits as you bask in the holiday atmosphere, including a visit to Strasbourg Cathedral. Marvel at the Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. This Christmas river cruise along the Rhine River also takes you to Breisach-the the gateway to Germany's Black Forest. Discover its unrivaled natural beauty and signature Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Storybook Christmas charm doesn't get better than this as smoke curls from the chimneys of traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland with timeless Christmas traditions of European winter markets wrapped in your memories to last a lifetime!

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Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)		 
Nov 30, 2027Avalon View$4,401Call Us!
Dec 7, 2027Avalon Envision$4,301Call Us!
Dec 14, 2027Avalon View$3,701Call Us!
Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
(D)

Day 2 MAINZ

Printing Halls
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Spend free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Mainz. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated strolls for ornaments and handmade pieces.
This evening, enjoy heartwarming Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)

Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Classic
Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
Discovery
Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely Baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)

Day 4 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and the seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(B,L,D)

Day 5 LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Discovery
Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO KEHL
(B,L,D)

Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
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.
Savor 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 BREISACH
(B,L,D)

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:
Classic
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, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach’s Christmas Markets
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)

Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn't leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
(B)
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