Aboard Avalon Illumination with Avalon Waterways
Cruise Overview
This festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire.
Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations.
There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany, and be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg.
Next stop is delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, throughout town, you’ll see nativity scenes built by local citizens.
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards.
Walk through the halls of 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).
Explore one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River.
Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations.
As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.
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.
