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Christmastime from Vienna to Basel

Aboard Avalon Illumination with Avalon Waterways

Departure Date

8 December 2024

Duration

15 Nights

Cruise Only From

£8,185pp

Cruise Reference

ART-1CHAV20

Cruise Overview

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 Itinerary

Aboard Avalon Illumination

Launch Year: 2014 Length: 135 Width: 12 Currency: EUR Capacity: 166 Crew Count: 47 Deck Count: 4 Cabin Count: 83

Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the gorgeous Avalon features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.

Avalon Illumination Facilities

Avalon Illumination Includes

Cabin Details

Avalon Waterways are pioneering the look of river cruising. Not only are the staterooms and views 30 percent larger than any other small ship in Europe, providing cruisers a renewed feeling of freedom and space, every component of the experience, from bed and bathroom positioning and colour palette∘ to storage space and sound-proof insulation, was wistfully designed for cruisers to ensure they enjoy all that river cruising has to offer.

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