Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2025
5 Day River Cruise Frankfurt to Basel
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, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this 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 savor the holiday season in traditional and beautiful Christmas traditions of European winter markets and festivities!
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Dates & Pricing
Friday 12 Dec 25 — Wednesday 17 Dec 25 | Starting at $2,499 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
Day 2 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: | Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market |
Day 3 Strasbourg: | Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market |
Day 4 Breisach: | Choice of Freiburg sightseeing or excursion the Black Forest; Christmas market |
Day 5 Basel (Disembarkation): | Your cruise ends this morning |
- 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.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
ITINERARY
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
Accommodations
Frankfurt | Zurich |
Moderate Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Konrad-Adenauer Str. 7 Frankfurt Germany
This classic luxury 371-room hotel offers high quality service and an excellent location, just steps away from the famous Zeil shopping mile and exclusive Goethestrasse with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the property. Three restaurants and bars offer a great choice of cusine to suit every palate, you may choose between regional or international cuisine, Japanese sushi & teppanyaki as well as Chinese. For relaxation and revitalization, there is an indoor swimming pool and fitness area complete with Finnish sauna and steam room.