Christmastime in Alsace and Germany - December 17th - 21st, 2025
Christmas Markets River Cruise with Avalon Waterways + Optional Pre- and Post-Cruise City Stays in London, England and Frankfurt, Germany
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. An area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
There is no better setting than at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. The city is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock.
You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. There’s plenty of time to find just the right Christmas present amongst the array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts before this magical European river cruise ends in Frankfurt, Germany.
Avalon Panorama Christmastime in Alsace and Germany (Northbound) River Cruise Travel Dates
Embarkation: Basel, Switzerland - December 17th, 2025
Day 1: Basel, Switzerland
Day 2: Breisacht, Germany
Day 3: Strasbourg, France
Day 4: Speyer, Germany
Day 5: Frankfurt, Germany
Disembarkation: Frankfurt, Germany - December 21st, 2025
**Current discounted, per person river cruise pricing for this sailing starts at $3,400 for double occupancy category B stateroom. Upgrades for an added cost are available to a Royal Stateroom.
Our exclusive groups pricing includes prepaid gratuities & onboard bonus amenities.
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Pre-Cruise Option: London, England
You can choose to fly directly into Basel on December 17th, or stay in that region a few days early. However, I will be leading a small group experience to London, England to visit their Christmas lights displays and having a holiday high tea before we fly to Basel. The tentative dates of this will be December 13th - 16th, flying to London on December 12th from the US. This experience will be billed separately and RSVP sign-ups will begin December 2024.
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Post-Cruise Option: Frankfurt, Germany & Surrounding Cities
For those wishing to stay longer in Germany post-cruise, I will be leading a two night custom extension of additional Christmas Markets in the Frankfurt region of Germany. While the itinerary is still in development, possible cities visited will be Mannheim and/or Mainz Germany, and a possible return visit to Strasbourg, France for the day. This experience will be billed separately and RSVP sign-ups will begin December 2024.
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Flights
Avalon Waterways can assist with arranging flights for our group; we can customize flight options beginning February 2025 depending on. the pre- and post- cruise options guests choose to participate in. Pricing quoted does not include flights to and from Europe.
Christmastime in Alsace and Germany: River Cruise Itinerary
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Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
Dinner
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Day 2:
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Winter Wonders Fit for a King
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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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
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Deluxe Stateroom
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Prices begin at $2065 per person for two travelers in a category E stateroom on deck 1.
Panorama Stateroom
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Prices begin at $2,922 per person for two travelers in a category B stateroom on deck 2.
Royal Stateroom
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Prices begin at $3637.00 per person for two travelers in a Royal Stateroom suite on deck 3.
What’s Included with Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration. Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you'll see how the tides they are a-changin'.
Dining
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Activities
Active shore excursions, both included and optional
Fitness Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:Bikes
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Canoe and kayak excursions
Fitbits®
Walking Sticks
Binoculars
Daypacks
Yoga Mats
Fitness bands
Suite Fleet
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
