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 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. You’ll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Strasbourg 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 the Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock.

Your Christmas river cruise along the Rhine River takes you to Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this magical time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland. Don’t miss this experience to savour the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!

Day 1
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (D)

Day 2
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven's Time, and Joyeux Noel
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)

Day 4
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY - Visit to Badischer 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.
After your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, 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
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)

Day 5
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn't leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

The beautiful Avalon Illumination® has graced the waterways of Europe since 2014. Like its sister ship, the Avalon Expression, the Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony?. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites? are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.