Celebrate this magical time of year with a Christmastime river cruise vacation starting in the Czech Republic, on through the heart of Germany, and ending in Switzerland.

Prague, the beautiful Czech capital, is set on the banks of the Vltava River and a Local Guide will be proud to show you the famous sights. The Christmas market offers rows of brightly decorated wooden huts selling ornaments and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content and try a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls.

Board your ship in Nuremberg, Germany, host to one of the oldest Christmas markets. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the illuminated Old Town. 200 stalls sell traditional German Christmas wares and seasonal delicacies. In delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find nativity scenes built by local citizens throughout the town. Learn about holiday traditions as you cruise to Würzburg, and here 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 that are dotted along the Main River. In Rüdesheim on the Rhine River, see Europe’s largest nativity scene with life-size figures. Visit Heidelberg Castle, which towers magnificently over the city, before cruising to Strasbourg, France. This time of year, the historic charm of the city is mixed with the festive aromas, sights, and sounds—creating a truly magical atmosphere! Visit the gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the famous Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, before ending in Basel Switzerland.

City Highlights

Day 1 Prague: arrival day at leisureDay 2 Prague: guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit to Hradčany Castle; Christmas marketDay 3 Prague—Nuremberg (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Nuremberg: choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas marketDay 5 Bamberg: guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture Day 6 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; Christmas marketDay 7 Main river village: baking demonstration on board, guided walkDay 8 Wiesbaden. Excursion to Rüdesheim: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treatDay 9 Heidelberg–Speyer: guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, Christmas markets; time at leisure for Christmas markets in SpeyerDay 10 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas marketDay 11 Breisach: excursion the Black Forest; Christmas marketDay 12 Basel (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WNM-2019