From

£2,321pp

Prices shown exclude flights and transfers

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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 Residenz—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at 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.

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

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. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic

<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Dinner

Welcome in Nuremberg, where your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 2 NUREMBERG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Living Heritage and History Lessons

Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

Day 3 BAMBERG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Cherished Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.

Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.

Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

Day 4 WÜRZBURG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Ornaments, Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Day 5 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.

Join a Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

Day 6 FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements. Request a callback or email us.

Notes

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Start sooner, stay longer

Start sooner, stay longer. Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Special interest cruises

Ship details

Onboard every one of our Suite Ships you'll find the same exacting standards and attention to detail. They all feature our one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites, with the widest opening windows in river cruising, and beds facing the incredible views. This cruise operates on the following ships.

Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Imagery II

One of 2016's two new additions to the youngest fleet on Europe's waterways, the Imagery II continues all of Avalon's outstanding Suite Ship traditions. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, an elevator, alternative light dining options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro, and an expansive Sky Deck with whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, a shade system, and deck games.

Royal Suite (Suite)
300 - sq.ft - (Royal)

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Double sinks
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
200 - sq.ft - (Royal,Sapphire)

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - floorplan

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E, D)
172 - sq.ft - (Indigo)

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E, D) - floorplan

Two windows
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Deck Plans

Avalon Tranquility II

Another exciting Suite Ship® graces the rivers of Europe in 2015. The intimate setting of the Avalon Tranquility II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony®. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard-perfect for stretching out and relaxing-or even throwing a private cocktail party for up to six adults in the spacious sitting area. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.

Royal Suite (Suite)
300 - sq.ft - (Royal)

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Double sinks
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
200 - sq.ft - (Royal,Sapphire)

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E, D)
172 - sq.ft - (Indigo)

Two windows
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary bottled water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports

Deck Plans

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