Christmas Markets River Cruise 2027

Arrive in Frankfurt and make your way to the ship, where your elegant Suite Ship awaits on the river. Settle into your comfortable stateroom, meet your fellow travelers, and begin soaking in the charm of the surrounding town as your cruise adventure begins.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Dinner)

Join a guided city walk through the heart of Mainz, where centuries of history come to life. During your exploration, visit the Gutenberg Museum and learn about the revolutionary invention of the printing press and its lasting impact on the world.

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Mainz’s enchanting Christmas markets. Wander through beautifully decorated stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, festive treats, and traditional holiday gifts as the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air.

In the evening, return to the ship where the festive spirit continues with heartwarming Christmas carols and live entertainment on board.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Choose how you would like to explore Cologne today. You may join a guided city walk through the historic center, culminating at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a soaring Gothic masterpiece and one of Europe’s most recognizable landmarks.

Alternatively, indulge your sweet tooth with a guided visit to Cologne’s fascinating Chocolate Museum, where you’ll learn about the 5,000-year history of chocolate and enjoy a delicious tasting experience.

Later, enjoy time at leisure to wander through Cologne’s festive Christmas markets, filled with glowing lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts. Back on board, you may also participate in a workshop exploring traditional European Christmas decorations.

In the evening, guests can enjoy a special holiday concert in a beautiful Baroque setting at Engers Castle, home to the renowned Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Relax on board as your ship cruises through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, where steep vineyard-covered hillsides and ancient castles rise high above the riverbanks. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where according to myth a beautiful siren once lured sailors with her enchanting songs.

Upon arrival in Rüdesheim, join a guided visit to the fascinating Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing instruments that bring music history to life. During the visit, enjoy a tasting of the region’s famous Rüdesheimer coffee, a warm and delicious local specialty.

Afterwards, spend time exploring the town’s festive streets and Christmas markets, where seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and sparkling holiday decorations create a magical winter atmosphere.

In the evening, return to the ship to enjoy live entertainment on board.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Choose between two fascinating excursions today. Travel to the picturesque city of Heidelberg for a guided tour featuring the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, dramatically overlooking the Neckar River. During the visit, see the famous Great Vat, the world’s largest wine barrel, before heading into the charming Old Town to browse Heidelberg’s festive Christmas markets filled with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities. Visit the impressive Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Romanesque masterpiece and one of the most important cathedrals in Europe.

After the tour, take time to explore Speyer’s delightful Christmas markets, where glowing stalls offer local specialties, holiday decorations, and traditional winter delicacies.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Join a guided sightseeing tour through Strasbourg’s historic center, where you’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral known for its intricate stained-glass windows, ancient murals, and remarkable astronomical clock. Continue exploring the picturesque La Petite France district, a storybook neighborhood of charming timber-framed houses, canals, and cobblestone streets.

Later, enjoy free time to wander through Strasbourg’s famous Christmas markets. Browse beautifully decorated stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, festive treats, and seasonal specialties as twinkling lights, holiday music, and the warmth of French Christmas traditions fill the air.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Choose between two guided excursions today. You may travel to Freiburg to explore its medieval city center, where cobblestone streets, historic squares, and colorful buildings are nestled at the edge of the Black Forest. Surrounded by vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, the city offers a charming glimpse into southern Germany’s rich heritage.

Alternatively, journey into the famous Black Forest, where you’ll experience local traditions and the festive atmosphere of the region during the holiday season.

In the afternoon, you may choose an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar in nearby France, known for its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and Renaissance architecture. Guests who remain in Breisach can enjoy free time exploring the town and browsing its cozy Christmas markets filled with seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After disembarking, travel by motorcoach toward the majestic Swiss Alps for a special excursion to Mount Pilatus. Ascend nearly 7,000 feet to take in spectacular panoramic views across central Switzerland, with sweeping vistas of mountains, lakes, and picturesque valleys. If weather conditions do not allow for the ascent, a visit to the fascinating Swiss Transport Museum will be enjoyed instead.

Later, arrive in the beautiful city of Lucerne and join a guided walking tour through its historic streets. Visit Thorvaldsen’s moving Lion Monument, carved into rock to honor Swiss Guards, and stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridges. Take in the charm of Lucerne’s lakeside setting before continuing your journey onward.

Accommodation: Avalon Envision (Breakfast)

Spend the day discovering Lucerne however you wish. Wander through the city’s historic squares and visit its beautiful churches, where centuries of tradition blend seamlessly with modern Swiss life. Stroll along the lakefront, explore quaint alleyways filled with colorful buildings, or browse the shops and boutiques in the lively city center. Whether enjoying local cafés, shopping for Swiss specialties, or simply taking in the scenery, today offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Lucerne at your own pace.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)