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2024 Season

Christmastime from Vienna to Basel


cruise: WVM
16 days Vienna to Basel
This holiday river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria. And the views along the way can’t be outdone—towns and villages decorated for the holidays and beautiful views as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal. Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Frankfurt, Germany. In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries—sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season. In Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. In Würzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Your next stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river—sure to be even more appealing illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Take an excursion to Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley wine region to experience the joyful Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy Christmas market lights and delights through Heidelberg and Speyer before sailing to Strasbourg for the La Petite France district and shimmering Christmas markets. Continue on to the Black Forest for a traditional Bavarian Christmas atmosphere Your delightful festive cruise ends in Basel.

cruise

at-a-glance


Day 1 Vienna (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market

Day 3 Wachau Valley–Melk–Grein: Scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; onboard Austrian cookies tasting; guided tour in Grein

Day 4 Passau: Guided tour; Christmas market

Day 5 Regensburg: Guided tour; Christmas market

Day 6 Nuremberg: Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Day 7 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: Guided tour, see the Marienplatz, Christmas market

Day 8 Nuremberg: Day at leisure to visit Christmas market

Day 9 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture

Day 10 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop’s Residence; Christmas market

Day 11 Miltenberg: Guided tour

Day 12 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treat

Day 13 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market

Day 14 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market

Day 15 Breisach: Choice of visit to a local winery in Breisach or excursion the Black Forest

Day 16 Basel (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

The "Starting at" or "From" listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.