Day 1 Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
Arrive in Nuremberg today, for embarkation of your river cruise vessel between 4 pm and 5:30 pm. This evening meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Bamberg
Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceYour walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceThis afternoon is free to explore more of the city and wander through the beautifully decorated wooden booths of the Christmas market, at your own pace. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Wertheim–Miltenberg
This morning, stop in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce ornaments that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. In Miltenberg, you’ll discover a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship, as is the Christmas market. Before lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim
After breakfast this morning a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the pretty little town of Rüdesheim, a perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. A visit to SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Afterward, there’s free time to explore. The entire town transforms itself into one large Christmas market, offering products and specialties from a number of nations, all presented in a distinctive manner. You’ll be spoiled by the selection of shops offering a vast variety of Christmas presents and decorations. In the Market Square you’ll find Europe’s largest nativity scene, with lifesize figures. After lunch, return to Frankfurt. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg
This morning, dock in the ancient imperial city of Speyer on the left bank of the Rhine. From here, an included excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take your photos of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. At this time of year an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glühwein, hot punch, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares and you’ll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits—a truly magical atmosphere! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. There’s no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. And if there has been a fresh snowfall, this will indeed be a Winter Wonderland! Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)

Ring in the holidays on this exciting cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. Your vacation begins in Nuremberg where you board your river cruise vessel. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and experience Germany’s most famous Christmas market. On to medieval Bamberg to sample delectable German beers, to Würzburg to visit the Bishop’s Residenz, and to the walled city of Rothenburg. Also visit Wertheim to see the half-timbered houses and shop for blown-glass ornaments, and pretty Rüdesheim with its outstanding Christmas market and life-sized nativity scene. In Heidelberg, marvel at the imposing red stone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere; in Strasbourg, France, enjoy guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and from Breisach, take an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest, home to Black Forest ham and cuckoo clocks.

• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Coffee self-serve beverage station.
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
• Complimentary juices with breakfast.
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
• Four-course dinners with open seating.
• Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
• Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
• English-speaking crew.

• CRUISE: 9-night cruise from Nuremberg to Basel in outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
• NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
• BAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tasting
• WÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz
• MILTENBERG: Guided walk; baking demonstration
• FRANKFURT: Excursion to Rüdesheim, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
• HEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle
• STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
• BREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest

Outside cabin onboard the Avalon Vista

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a changbecomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Port charges: $162
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.