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La Petite district in Strasbourg

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany

Basel to Frankfurt - Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Panorama
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On this 5-day cruise aboard Avalon Panorama, you journey from Switzerland through Germany and France along the Rhine River during the festive Christmas season. You board in Basel before cruising to Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, known for its traditional villages and seasonal delicacies. In Strasbourg, France, you explore one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets and visit the Gothic cathedral and historic city center. You continue to Speyer and join an excursion to Heidelberg to see the castle ruins and lively Christmas markets spread across the city squares. The cruise concludes in Frankfurt after a final breakfast onboard, with time to experience the region’s illuminated riverside towns and festive atmosphere.
Basel at Christmas, SwitzerlandDiscover charming HeidelbergExplore quaint towns along the RhineStroll through romantic StrasbourgLa Petite district in Strasbourg
Highlights
  • Visit Breisach and explore the Black Forest traditions
  • Discover Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and Christmas markets
  • Tour Heidelberg Castle and enjoy nearby Christmas markets
  • Experience Rhine River views of festive villages and towns
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Basel, Switzeland | Embark

Arrive in Switzerland, with flights into Zürich or Basel scheduled to land by 3 pm. You board your Suite Ship® in Basel and must be on board by 5 pm. After embarkation, you stroll through the city center, where you see festive illumination and sample Christmas delicacies such as waffles, gingerbread, sweets, and Swiss raclette. In the evening, you begin your cruise as the ship departs for Breisach.

Day 2: Breisach | Excursion to Black Forest

You arrive in Breisach and take part in a choice of excursions focused on German winemaking and the Black Forest. You join a guided tour either through Colmar, exploring its canals and historic streets, or into the Black Forest to experience local traditions and Christmas atmosphere. In the afternoon, you may join an optional guided excursion to Freiburg’s medieval city center, or you spend time at leisure browsing Breisach’s Christmas market where you can sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake. In the evening, you enjoy live entertainment on board featuring Christmas carols before continuing your cruise overnight to Strasbourg.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER

Day 4: Speyer, Germany | Heidelberg Excursion

Winter Wonders Fit for a King
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 morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

Day 5: Frankfurt | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Panorama

Avalon Panorama Exterior

Avalon Panorama

The Avalon Panorama first set sail in 2011 as a brand new kind of ship for Avalon Waterways, taking inspired design to a whole new level. It was the first of its kind, a Suite Ship with two full decks of suites featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony.
Avalon Panorama Sky Deck
Avalon Panorama Fitness Center
Avalon Panorama Sky Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,243 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Avalon Panorama Deluxe StateroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom BathroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom Layout
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.
Avalon Panorama Deluxe StateroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom BathroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom Layout
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
Avalon Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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
Avalon Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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.
Avalon Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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
Avalon Panorama Royal SuiteAvalon Panorama Royal Suite Layout
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.
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

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