01
Nuremberg
Begin in a city synonymous with Christmas. Nuremberg's historic center fills with traditional stalls, ornaments, seasonal specialties and the unmistakable aroma of its famous gingerbread.
Cruise With Us • December 2027
Christmas Markets with Avalon Waterways
Join Suzanne and Steve for a magical journey through the heart of Europe, sailing from Nuremberg to Basel aboard Avalon Vista during one of the most festive times of the year.
- December 9–18, 2027
- 9 Nights
- Avalon Vista
- Nuremberg to Basel
A European Holiday Tradition
There is something special about Europe at Christmastime
Medieval squares glow beneath thousands of lights. Wooden market stalls fill the streets with handmade ornaments, seasonal treats and local crafts. The aroma of gingerbread, roasted nuts and warm Glühwein drifts through historic old towns.
Now imagine experiencing it all without packing and unpacking at every stop. This Avalon Waterways journey follows the Main and Rhine Rivers from Bavaria to Switzerland, connecting some of Europe's most memorable Christmas destinations in one wonderfully easy trip.
Our featured sailing departs Nuremberg on December 9, 2027 and finishes in Basel on December 18 aboard Avalon Vista.
Recorded Webinar
Want a deeper look at this Christmas Markets journey?
Watch our Christmas Markets webinar for a closer look at the itinerary, Avalon Vista, the Christmas Market experience and what makes this sailing such a special way to experience Europe during the holiday season.
9-Night River Cruise
Nuremberg to Basel
Follow the Main and Rhine Rivers through Germany and France before concluding in Switzerland.
Avalon Waterways 2027 WNM itinerary map. Port order, excursions and docking arrangements are subject to change.
Your Journey Through Europe
Nuremberg, Germany
Begin among one of Europe's most celebrated Christmas Markets.
Begin among one of Europe's most celebrated Christmas Markets.
Bamberg, Germany
Explore a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage city.
Explore a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage city.
Würzburg, Germany
Discover the city's grand architecture and festive market traditions.
Discover the city's grand architecture and festive market traditions.
Miltenberg and the Main River
Half-timbered towns and classic German river scenery.
Half-timbered towns and classic German river scenery.
Frankfurt and Rüdesheim
Experience the Rhine region and its distinctive holiday traditions.
Experience the Rhine region and its distinctive holiday traditions.
Speyer and Heidelberg
Historic streets, castle views and festive town squares.
Historic streets, castle views and festive town squares.
Kehl and Strasbourg, France
Step into one of Europe's most famous Christmas destinations.
Step into one of Europe's most famous Christmas destinations.
Breisach and the Black Forest
Explore southwestern Germany before continuing toward Switzerland.
Explore southwestern Germany before continuing toward Switzerland.
Basel, Switzerland
Conclude your Christmas journey along the Rhine.
Conclude your Christmas journey along the Rhine.
Christmas Markets Galore
The season becomes part of the destination
Each stop brings its own traditions, flavors, architecture and holiday atmosphere.
02
Bamberg and Würzburg
Historic architecture and intimate town centers make these German cities wonderfully atmospheric at Christmastime, with local traditions and festive squares around every corner.
03
Heidelberg and the Rhine
Romantic old towns, castle scenery and river landscapes create a beautiful backdrop as the journey transitions from the Main to the Rhine.
04
Strasbourg
France's Alsace region embraces the season in spectacular fashion. Strasbourg blends French and German traditions with decorated streets, historic buildings and an extraordinary Christmas atmosphere.
Your Home on the River
The Avalon Vista difference
River cruising is especially well suited to a Christmas Markets trip, and Avalon Vista gives you a comfortable place to relax while the scenery of Europe passes just outside.
- 200-square-foot Panorama Suites in Categories P, A and B.
- Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open to create Avalon's signature Open-Air Balcony.
- Comfort Collection beds face the windows instead of the wall, keeping the river view front and center.
- Flexible dining choices and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.
- Classic, Discovery and Active excursion choices are offered throughout the journey.
- Daily Happy Hour adds another enjoyable way to unwind after exploring ashore.
Cruise With Suzanne and Steve
Travel with us, while making the vacation your own
Suzanne and Steve plan to sail aboard Avalon Vista on this December 9, 2027 departure, and we would love to have you join us.
Traveling as part of our group does not mean following a rigid group schedule. Enjoy your included Avalon excursions, explore independently, spend time with other members of the group when you want to, or simply enjoy the journey at your own pace.
The best of both worlds
You have your travel advisors sailing with you and a group of like-minded travelers nearby, while still enjoying the freedom and flexibility that make river cruising so appealing.
Reserved Group Space
Our 2027 Group Pricing
Choose between Avalon's Panorama Suites and comfortable Deluxe Staterooms.
Our group bonus:
prepaid gratuities are included for guests booked into our group.
Panorama Suite
Category P
$17,614
Total per cabin
Based on double occupancy
Based on double occupancy
Panorama Suite
Category A
$17,486
Total per cabin
Based on double occupancy
Based on double occupancy
Panorama Suite
Category B
$17,230
Total per cabin
Based on double occupancy
Based on double occupancy
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
$12,344
Total per cabin
Based on double occupancy
Based on double occupancy
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
$12,344
Total per cabin
Based on double occupancy
Based on double occupancy
Pricing shown is based on two guests sharing a cabin and is subject to availability and change until booked. Traveling solo? Contact us for current single-traveler options.
$692per person
Extend the Holiday
Ask About Adding Prague
Begin with two nights in Prague
Why wait until Nuremberg to begin the Christmas magic? Add Avalon's two-night Prague pre-cruise extension and start your vacation in one of Europe's most beautiful historic capitals.
Prague's Old Town Square comes alive during the holiday season with festive stalls, lights and seasonal traditions beneath the city's famous Gothic architecture.
Two-night pre-cruise stay in Prague
Guided sightseeing plus time to explore
Continue from Prague to Nuremberg to begin the river cruise
Current group extension price: $692 per person
Love the idea but need a shorter getaway?
Ask us about shorter 2027 Christmas Markets options, including opportunities to experience a portion of this festive journey.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Suzanne and Steve actually sailing on this cruise?
Yes. Suzanne and Steve plan to sail aboard Avalon Vista on the
December 9–18, 2027 Nuremberg-to-Basel departure.
Do we have to spend the entire trip with the group?
No. This is a Cruise With Us sailing, not a rigid escorted tour.
You can spend as much or as little time with the group as you wish
and choose the activities and excursions that interest you.
Can I watch the Christmas Markets webinar?
Yes. We have a recorded webinar that takes a closer look at this
Christmas Markets journey, including the itinerary, Avalon Vista
and the overall river-cruise experience.
Watch the webinar here.
Are gratuities included with the group?
Yes. Prepaid gratuities are included for guests booked into our
CruiseOne group.
Does Avalon include shore excursions?
Avalon offers included sightseeing and excursion choices throughout
the itinerary, including Classic, Discovery and Active experiences.
Exact choices are provided by Avalon for your sailing.
Can I add Prague before the cruise?
Yes. A two-night Prague pre-cruise extension is available for
$692 per person. Contact us for current availability.
What is the weather usually like?
December in Central Europe is winter, so cool or cold temperatures
are normal. We recommend layers, a warm coat, comfortable walking
shoes and weather protection so you can comfortably enjoy the markets.
What if I am traveling solo?
Give us a call. Solo availability and pricing can vary by category,
and we are happy to review the current options with you.
When should I reserve my cabin?
Christmas Markets cruises are popular and our group space is limited
by cabin category. Reserving earlier gives you the best opportunity
to secure the room type you prefer.
Come experience the Christmas Markets with us
Sail the Main and Rhine Rivers aboard Avalon Vista and experience Nuremberg, Strasbourg, the Black Forest and more at the most magical time of year.
Nuremberg photo:
Magnus Gertkemper / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 DE
.
Strasbourg and Prague photographs are public-domain images from Wikimedia Commons.
Avalon Waterways imagery and itinerary map courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
