Embark on a 5-day Christmas Markets cruise from Basel to Frankfurt aboard Avalon Panorama. Explore Breisach and the Black Forest with guided tours of Freiburg’s medieval center or local traditions. Stroll through Strasbourg’s La Petite France, visit its Gothic cathedral, and enjoy winter markets. Take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle to see the Great Vat and the city’s Christmas markets. Optional excursions include Colmar and Alsace wine villages. Enjoy seasonal treats like waffles, gingerbread, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake while experiencing the festive lights, local culture, and charming European towns.
Highlights
Explore Breisach Christmas Market and enjoy festive local treats and drinks
Discover Freiburg’s medieval streets nestled in the scenic Black Forest
Stroll through Strasbourg’s La Petite France District and picturesque streets
Tour Heidelberg Castle ruins and see the world-famous Great Vat
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® awaits boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel should arrive by 3 pm. Guests should be on board by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive lights, and savor Christmas treats such as waffles, gingerbread, sweets, and Swiss raclette.
Day 2: Breisach, Germany | Excursion to Black Forest
Classic Excursion
Take a guided tour of Freiburg’s medieval city center, nestled within the Black Forest and surrounded by vineyards and Upper Rhine Valley gardens, OR
Discovery Excursion
Join a guided tour of the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the festive Christmas atmosphere.
In the afternoon, choose an optional guided excursion to the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. Alternatively, explore Breisach’s Christmas market at leisure, sampling pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.
Classic Excursion
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 in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg.
Discovery Excursion
Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, 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 sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
Day 5: Frankfurt | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,6192-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer
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, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer.
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 bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer
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 bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
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, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets
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, In-room safe, Elegant, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Double sinks, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets.
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
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
Cruise taxes
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
Porterage
Passport or Visa fees
Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
