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Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg 2027

From Basel, Switzerland to Nuremberg, Germany
Length: 10 Days - Departs: Thu, Nov 25, 2027
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 25, 2027
Arrival
Dec 04, 2027

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Single Supplement Waived on select 2025 Mekong river cruise

Mention Promo Code: PT3253
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Single Supplement Waived on select 2025 Mekong river cruise

Single Supplement Waived on select 2025 Mekong river cruise

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Mekong river cruise in order to waive the single supplement fee. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Category B only. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Single supplement waived on select 2025 Avalon Mekong river cruise departures*
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise in order to waive the single supplement fee. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Category B only. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 8, 2023 and December 31, 2025 for travel on select departures in 2025. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For Groups, selling more than one passenger in a group with this promotion, if available, requires confirmation. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. SWPBU SWPBU

$1500 Off 2025 Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Island cruise

Mention Promo Code: PT3282
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$1500 Off 2025 Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Island cruise

$1500 Off 2025 Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Island cruise

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Island cruise to receive $1500 off per couple ($750 per person). Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Sat, Dec 20, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a 2025 Avalon Waterways Peruvian Amazon with Galapagos Island cruise (WAME, WAMY) to receive $750. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 8, 2023 and December 20, 2025 for travel in 2025. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Not applicable on Suites. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1060 PRMW1060

Save $500 on 2025 From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon

Mention Promo Code: PT3283
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Save $500 on 2025 From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon

Save $500 on 2025 From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon

Promotion Details
Book a 2025 From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon vacation to receive $500 off per couple ($250 off per person) on the cruise/land price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Sat, Dec 20, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a 2025 Avalon Waterways From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon (WAM, WAMQ) vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 8, 2023 and December 20, 2025 for travel in 2025. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Only combinable with Welcome Back and Peace of Mind Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Not Applicable on Owner's Suite. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1059 PRMW1059

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3391
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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $3,000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 10, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and December 10, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146

Save $4,000 on 2025 Mekong River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3392
Promotion Image

Save $4,000 on 2025 Mekong River Cruises

Save $4,000 on 2025 Mekong River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $4,000 off per couple ($2,000 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 10, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $2,000 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and December 10, 2025 for travel at select times in 2024. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1115


River Cruise Itinerary

Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France. From the beauty of the Black Forest to the glistening lights of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, you’ll discover traditions and tastes that warm the heart. With views like no other, the shining stalls with crafts, cuisine, and curios come alive with music and merriment. Visit glowing German Christkindlesmarkt stalls as you cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers through Heidelberg, a Main river village, Wurzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.

  1. Day 1
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
    Thu, Nov 25, 2027
    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 centre, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
  2. Day 2
    BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
    Fri, Nov 26, 2027
    History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC 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:CLASSIC 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board including the best Christmas carols.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Sat, Nov 27, 2027
    Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg 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 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(B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
    Sun, Nov 28, 2027
    Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King DISCOVERY 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(B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM
    Mon, Nov 29, 2027
    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryCLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim, enjoy a special treat.Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
    Tue, Nov 30, 2027
    Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights in Beautiful BavariaDISCOVERY Join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.DISCOVERY Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs. Later, enjoy live entertainment on boardAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    WÜRZBURG
    Wed, Dec 01, 2027
    Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    BAMBERG
    Thu, Dec 02, 2027
    Christmas Customs and Cradle ScenesDISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. 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 Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
  9. Day 9
    NUREMBERG
    Fri, Dec 03, 2027
    Legends and History Lessons 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 Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights. DISCOVERY Join a gingerbread Cooking Demonstration on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
  10. Day 10
    NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
    Sat, Dec 04, 2027
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Main, Rhine

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.2
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.8

Ratings based off 64 reviews - currently showing 11 reviews with comments only

AVALON did NOT disappoint again--- this was our third Riverboat trip with Avalon. Ship was beautiful -- staff was excellent --- food was absolutely amazing. Entertainment was great -- guides for the off boat tours were very knowledgeable and personal.

Avalon vs. Viking: I would probably go back to Viking, but each has it's favorable points and room for improvement. The Avalon ship was spotless and the staff was quite good. The food was fine. The Cruise Director was the best I have experienced anywhere. The cabin was spacious, but I missed having the lanai. The guides were great and timing was spot-on. The onboard entertainer was mediocre at best, though, and that really was a downer. On our Viking cruise two years ago, the onboard entertainer was awesome and a good part of our social time was spent enjoying him in the lounge. This guy on Avalon could not sing and his music was intended for the 80 year old+ audience. No one danced or sang along. Disappointing. One of the special music guests was incredibly good, and the other was incredibly bad.

Our Avalon Waterways river cruise was phenomenal! So much fun! The cruise director was wonderful! The staff and the wait service are going to be missed! The excursions kept us up and moving everyday, which was expected. The local guides were all great! It was a dream vacation for sure! A guided tour of Europe was our best decision. Very happy indeed!

Very pleasant and helpful and resulted in significant savings versus booking directly.

I was a bit skeptical when I booked but that went away the first day. Everyone was very helpful and everything was fabulous, hope we can do another trip soon.

OUr cruise was exactly as described and actually exceeded our expectations. Everything was so well done. Ship was great. Staff wonderful. Food excellennt. Couldn't have asked for moore.

All was good EXCEPT the optional tours were not worth it. The places were beautiful by the guides were not helpful.

We had a change in boats due to water level. It seemed that this crew was not as motivated as the other trips he had with Avalon. The food though good did not give alternated to offer myself and my sister. Staff was not as good as previous trips, had this been our first trip we would not return as the others were outstanding.

Our vacation with Avalon Waterways was fantastic. The Tour Guide, Tony was the best person we have ever met for this type of tour. We are excited to look at other river cruises and will book with them again

Aga is the best. She responded to you promptly and goes out of her way to answer your questions. I had a complication situation in which the Avalon itinerary did not match and thus had arranged for buisiness in one city when indeed the ship was in another city. She call operations for the company found out the exact time things would occur and made a great recommendation for when i could have my business meeting. I encourage management to recognize her efforts!

Avalon River Cruises are GREAT!!! It is even more wonderful than Ocean Cruising. We will do this again.

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