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Basel at Christmas, Switzerland

Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Envision
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Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the brightly illuminated and decorated Old Town. In delightful Bamberg which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find nativity scenes built by local citizens throughout the town. Learn about holiday traditions as you cruise to Würzburg, and here walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residenz then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein. Visit Heidelberg Castle then enjoy the historic charm of Strasbourg. Continue exploring Breisach before concluding in Basel. 
Visit beautiful and historic StrasbourgEvening in FrankfurtExplore the unique architecture of BambergEvening light over NurembergBasel at Christmas, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Take a tour of Nuremberg's medieval architectures
  • Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes
  • Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum in Rothenburg
  • Come along for city sightseeing of Strasbourg like the gothic cathedral
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Nuremberg, Germany | Embark

Welcome to Nuremberg, where your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.

Day 3: Bamberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 4: Wurzburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 5: Main River Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 6: Frankfurt

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Classic: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim.

Day 7: Heidelberg | Speyer

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: 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.

Explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board

Day 8: Strasbourg | France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village.

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.

Day 9: Breisach

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:

Discovery: Join a guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.

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, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas season.

Day 10: Basel, Switzerland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision Dining Room
Avalon Envision Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Envision Stateroom
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Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Stateroom
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Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
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Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Envision Royal Suite
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Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • 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
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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