Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)


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Overview
Highlights
- Onboard welcome reception
- Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market
- Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
- Choice of Freiburg sightseeing or excursion the Black Forest; Christmas market
- 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
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary

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
(Dinner)
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
DISCOVERY 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. Alternat...
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
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.
Yo...
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest CLASSIC 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 Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest t...
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn't leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
(Breakfast)
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings
Other Avalon Waterways Reviews
My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.
The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...
Great Staff
The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...
Avalon consistency—good!
Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...
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Accommodation
The Westin Grand Frankfurt
This classic luxury 371-room hotel offers high quality service and an excellent location, just steps away from the famous Zeil shopping mile and exclusive Goethestrasse with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the property. Three restaurants and bars offer a great choice of cusine to suit every palate, you may choose between regional or international cuisine, Japanese sushi & teppanyaki as well as Chinese. For relaxation and revitalization, there is an indoor swimming pool and fitness area complete with Finnish sauna and steam room.
Frankfurt
Germany
Konrad-Adenauer Str. 7
Renaissance Zurich Tower
This 300 room luxury hotel is housed in a modern tower building located in the vibrant Zurich West quarter. The exclusive Grill restaurant serves urban cuisine and the lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and cocktails. Other amenities include a fitness area on the 15th floor with city views, sauna and steam bath.
Zurich
Switzerland
Turbinenstrasse 20
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