4-Night Trip on Avalon Illumination
Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
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!
Included Features:
Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas marketDay 3 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas marketDay 4 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badischer Winzerkeller or excursion the Black Forest; Christmas marketDay 5 Basel (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
Included Features:
Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas marketDay 3 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas marketDay 4 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badischer Winzerkeller or excursion the Black Forest; Christmas marketDay 5 Basel (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
4 Nights
Starting At
$2,624.00
USD
December 19, 2024 through December 23, 2024
Book by:
December 15, 2024 7:00 PM
Includes discount: $375.00, Intra-vacation air transfers. Arrival and destination airfare not included.
ID: 7675006
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day
2
Speyer. Excursion To Heidelberg
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About Avalon Illumination
Ship Overview
Avalon Illumination
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.
Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2014
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
67
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Symbol Legend
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Sky Lounge |
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Navigation Bridge |
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Sky Grill |
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Whirlpool |
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Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings |
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Deck Game Area |
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Observation Lounge |
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Panorama Bistro |
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Panorama Lounge |
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Bar |
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Reception |
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Elevator |
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Lobby |
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Club Lounge |
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Gallery |
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Dining Room |
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Fitness Center |
Deck plans are not yet available
Additional Tour Details
Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
NOTES
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.
Ship Overview
Ship Overview
Avalon Illumination
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.
Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2014
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
67
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Deck Plan Details
Symbol Legend
![]() |
Sky Lounge |
![]() |
Navigation Bridge |
![]() |
Sky Grill |
![]() |
Whirlpool |
![]() |
Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings |
![]() |
Deck Game Area |
![]() |
Observation Lounge |
![]() |
Panorama Bistro |
![]() |
Panorama Lounge |
![]() |
Bar |
![]() |
Reception |
![]() |
Elevator |
![]() |
Lobby |
![]() |
Club Lounge |
![]() |
Gallery |
![]() |
Dining Room |
![]() |
Fitness Center |
Deck plans are not yet available
Additional Tour Details
Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
NOTES
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.
About Avalon Waterways

Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’.
Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
About Avalon Waterways

Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’.
Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.