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Festive Season in the Heart of Germany 2023

From Frankfurt, Germany to Nuremberg, Germany
Length: 6 Days - Departs: Sat, Dec 16, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!

Save $1000 on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3073
Promotion Image

Save $1000 on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Save $1000 on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Europe river cruise to receive $1000 off per couple ($500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Jan 03, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 1, 2022 and January 3, 2024 for travel in 2023. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer combinable only with Welcome Back Credit. Applies to new 2023 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW0991 PRMW0991

Save $1,500 + $599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3143
Promotion Image

Save $1,500 + $599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Save $1,500 + $599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Europe river cruise to receive $1500 off per couple ($750 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price, combinable with $599 Airfare promotion. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Jan 03, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $750 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between January 3, 2023 and January 3, 2024 for travel for select cruises in 2023. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with $599 Airfare promotion (PRMYKU) and Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2023 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1003 PRMW1003

$2,400 Off per couple on select 2023 Europe river cruises + $599 Air

Mention Promo Code: PT3166
Promotion Image

$2,400 Off per couple on select 2023 Europe river cruises + $599 Air

$2,400 Off per couple on select 2023 Europe river cruises + $599 Air

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $2400 off per couple ($1,200 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price, combinable with $599 Airfare promotion. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Jan 03, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $1,200 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between March 1, 2023 and January 3, 2024 for travel for select cruises in 2023. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with $599 Airfare promotion (PRMYKU) and Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2023 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1015 PRMW1015

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Mention Promo Code: PT2971
Promotion Image

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Promotion Details
Book a select Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $4000 off per couple ($2000 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Jan 03, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $2000 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Group Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 4, 2022 and January 3, 2024 for travel on select 2023 departures. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Cannot be used in conjunction with any air promotion. Applies to new group bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW0935 PRMW0935


River Cruise Itinerary

Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship® festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season. Embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise in Frankfurt, Germany, and join us behind medieval walls and towered gates to enjoy a guided walking tour in a picturesque village along the Main River. Celebrate the season in charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping vineyard-covered hills. Visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Take a guided tour in Nuremberg, with free time to visit the Christmas market—one of the most famous in the world. Wander through Old Town illuminated with holiday lights and decorations, and be sure to sample some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a Nuremberg specialty. While on board, you’ll also hear all about German Christmas traditions. Historical treasures of Germany are perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and sumptuous treats of the joyous holiday season on this unforgettable European Christmas river cruise.

  1. Day 1
    FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
    Sat, Dec 16, 2023
    Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(D)FRANKFURT-FESTIVE-LIGHTS.jpg
  2. Day 2
    MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
    Sun, Dec 17, 2023
    Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)MAIN-RIVER-VILLAGE-FESTIVE-COOKIES.jpg
  3. Day 3
    WÜRZBURG
    Mon, Dec 18, 2023
    Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)WURZBURG-FESTIVE.jpg
  4. Day 4
    BAMBERG
    Tue, Dec 19, 2023
    Christmas Customs and Cradle ScenesDISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)BAMBERG-FESTIVE.jpg
  5. Day 5
    NUREMBERG
    Wed, Dec 20, 2023
    Legends and History Lessons CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg
  6. Day 6
    NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
    Thu, Dec 21, 2023
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)NUREMBERG-FESTIVE.jpg

Countries Visited

Germany

Rivers Visited

Main

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Inclusions

  • 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.


Accommodation Information

Port charges:
$150

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Avalon Waterways' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Avalon Waterways has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.

It all starts with Avalon Waterways' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Avalon Waterways' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.

WELCOME ABOARD

New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:

  • Social distancing throughout embarkation
  • Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew
  • Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)

FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT:

In addition to Avalon Waterways' Open-Air staterooms, the air in the ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE:

New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise include:

  • Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest
  • Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
  • Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction
  • Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills
  • Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS:

  • Electrostatic disinfecting systems
  • UV disinfecting systems

TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS:

Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:

  • More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
  • Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space
  • Self-serve stations, including buffets, drinks, specialty coffees and snacks have been replaced with crew service
  • All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of á la carte menu choices
  • Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas

COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS:

Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures:

  • Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
    • Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
    • Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
  • Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
  • Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items
  • Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
  • Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene

FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH:

Ensuring a healthy crew, including:

  • Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
  • Daily temperature checks
  • Social distancing in crew living quarters
  • Regular health screenings

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 66 reviews - currently showing 20 reviews with comments only

Great service. All done quickly & efficiently. Great cruise. Great price

This was my fourth river cruise with Avalon, and I love everything about them! The ships, the rooms, the staff, the food - all excellent. The staterooms have every imaginable convenience. The variety and quality of the meals are top notch. The staff was incredibly helpful and cheerful, and they are welcoming to solo travelers, like myself. I would happily book a fifth European cruise with them, until I run out of rivers!

Had a wonderful time. Everything was to our expectations and more. Will do it again.

Avalon had all details worked out, never felt confused or unsure of the daily activities. Worry free vacation

Our Cruise Director Yony was fabulous our waiter/waitress

Nina was just terrific, very informed about traveling with tips to help novice travelers. Any questions we had she answered promptly, found all the discounts she could which made the tip more affordable for us. I would highly recommend her as we are going to use her to book again for our next adventure.

Overall a great trip since my wife and I did a lot of things on our own with the Captain's blessing like riding bikes along the Danube and meeting the boat at the next port. If you are looking for an active trip with lots to do, Avalon's Active Discovery cruise would be for you.

We were very pleased with everything. Only one area that was somewhat disappointing. Our train ride for our extended days in Paris. There were four couples, eight people. We all had first class tickets and two couples, four people were in one car and were offered two meals; breakfast, lunch and drinks. Two couples, four people (us in our car) were not offered any food. So upon arrival two couples were able to start touring immediately. We had to find something to eat first at our own expense.

Sailing with Avalon was fantastic. The ship was really nice - like new even thou it was 4 years old, The food and drinks provided were gourmet cuisine. The tour director Monica was wonderful- extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The crew was great - so friendly and bent over backwards to serve us with a smile. Avalon did a great job getting people to feel comfortable and interact with each other. We all felt like good friends at the end of the trip. The included tours were excellent - led by knowledgeable persons native to the countries who shared much local history. Since the Danube was low we were unable to start our cruise in Nuremburg as planned, but Avalon took us all at no additional cost to a great classical concert in Vienna which was an optional excursion previously. The optional excursions were also excellent - a good variety led by knowledgeable locals who really wanted to share with us everything they could to help us understand the history as well as the present day political and economic situations in these various countries. I admit the great weather may have helped our overall great experience, but I cannot say enough good things about traveling with Avalon. I would definitely recommend them to friends and would love to travel with them again soon.

Best experience ever! From booking to traveling, just what was expected.

Avalon provides great service, excellent meals and a beautiful ship to travel on.

Everything was well done - including late breakfast!

The cruise director was was excellent. The entire staff on the Avalon Impression was amazing!

These Avalon guys are great! Food, accommodations, people - hard to find fault with anything. We saved quite a bit by booking an early season cruise and could see why. The weather was okay, but not great, and the flowers in The Netherlands were a little short of their peak.

Avalon continues to provide a superior class service for the price. Our river cruise boat had a large cabin with ample space, and a bathroom big enough that two people could use it at the same time when getting ready. The personal service by not only the cruise director, but all the staff on board, was excellent. I would not hesitate to use Avalon in the future.

The hotel in Prague was not near the city center, requiring a subway ride to get to the historic area. The hotel was very nice, but staying in the historic area has benefits. Also the choice of restaurants at the hotel we stayed at were limited.

Absolutely a wonderful trip! The Capitals of Europe River Cruise was excellent, and we added Berlin to our experience. I would recommend Avalon Waterways as the "only" way to travel down the Danube. We are looking forward to another River Cruise in the future!

Everything was great with the exception of the last part of the trip, we were supposed to be staying at the intercontinental hotel in Prague and to our surprise we were at the Hilton and we had extended our time in Prague and had to switch hotels. Other than that it was a great trip! 

Staff on the boat were great ! We had a serious problem with luggage on the trip. No luggage for 4 days. The staff helped in any way they could. Because of Easter we were unable to shop for anything and they washed clothes for free and gave us some badly needed toilet articles.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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