Christmastime In Alsace And Germany
5 Days
Tour Description
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!
Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
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!
Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Priced From:
$ 4543pp *
Start Location: Frankfurt, Germany
End Location: Basel, France
Major Destinations: Heidelberg Castle ,Strasbourg,Breisach
Breakfast Meals Included:
4
Lunch Meals Included:
3
Dinner Meals Included:
4
Itinerary
Day
1
FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
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
SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
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.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day
3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
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.
Savour 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
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, 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 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, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach's Christmas Markets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
Day
5
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn't leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2026-12-18
Return Date :
2026-12-22
Single :
6845 NZD
Twin :
4543 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2026-12-06
Return Date :
2026-12-10
Single :
6845 NZD
Twin :
4543 NZD
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