Black Friday•TourRadar+ Early Access  up to 70% OFF

Ends:2D21H36M7S

Switch to the app and book faster and easier!

Where?
When?
2
Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Where to?

Traveling when?

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel 2026

10 days
•
From Nuremberg to Basel
4.6 (236 reviews)
  • Medieval castle architecture with half-timbered houses.
  • Historic church and square with clear sky.
  • Vineyard with a city view in the background.
  • Aerial view of Bamberg with its historic buildings.
  • Würzburg palace on a hill with a stone bridge over a river.
    View all
  • Red-roofed city with a large palace in the background.
  • Heidelberg with its castle and old bridge over the river.
  • River view with historic buildings and church in Heidelberg.
  • Statue and people walking near Speyer Cathedral.
  • Traditional houses with a canal in Strasbourg.
    View all

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

  • Travel inspiration for similar adventures
  • Alerts of the newest adventure deals

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter, check your inbox!

It seems you have entered this contest already! Keep an eye on your inbox for the winner.

Plan your adventure:
Gold Operator
Avalon Waterways
River Cruise
Cruise scenic waterways for effortless exploration
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 30 - 160
Ages 8+

Explore our featured adventures

TourRadar earns higher commission on featured adventures here.

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg
    Meals
    Dinner (Traditional holiday fare and hot libations)
  3. Day 2

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle
    • Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds

    Optional Activities

    • Browse Christmas Markets of Nuremberg
    • Sample Bavarian fare at Christmas markets
    Landmarks
    Kaiserburg Castle
    Nuremberg Gothic Cathedral
    Nuremberg Rally Grounds
  4. Day 3

    Bamberg

    Bamberg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg with nativity scenes
    • Onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing

    Optional Activities

    • Browse Bamberg Christmas markets
    • Sample traditional German dumplings, sausage, and Bavarian ale
    Landmarks
    Bamberg
  5. Day 4

    Würzburg

    Würzburg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with Old Main Bridge, fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residence

    Optional Activities

    • Guided Optional Excursion to Rothenburg
    • Visit Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum
    • Browse Würzburg Christmas markets
    Landmarks
    Old Main Bridge
    Würzburg Bishop's Residence
    Rothenburg ob der Tauber
    Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum
  6. Day 5

    Miltenberg

    Miltenberg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg with medieval half-timber homes
    • German Cookie-Baking Demonstration onboard
    Landmarks
    Miltenberg
  7. Day 6

    Frankfurt - Rüdesheim

    Frankfurt - Rüdesheim
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim

    Optional Activities

    • Browse Rüdesheim Christmas markets
    • Shop for seasonal handiwork in Rüdesheim
    Landmarks
    Mechanical Music Museum
    Rüdesheim
  8. Day 7

    Speyer - Heidelberg

    Speyer - Heidelberg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat

    Optional Activities

    • Visit local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg
    • Explore Speyer Christmas markets
    • Browse seasonal handiwork and treats in Speyer
    Landmarks
    Heidelberg Castle
    Great Vat
  9. Day 8

    Strasbourg

    Strasbourg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • City Sightseeing tour including gothic cathedral, stained-glass, astronomical clock, and La Petite France District

    Optional Activities

    • Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace wine-country village
    • Browse Strasbourg French winter markets
    Landmarks
    Strasbourg Cathedral
    La Petite France District
  10. Day 9

    Breisach - Black Forest

    Breisach - Black Forest
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided Tour of Freiburg's medieval city center with Black Forest views, vineyards and gardens
    • Guided Tour of the Black Forest with local traditions and Christmas mood

    Optional Activities

    • Guided Optional Excursion to Colmar village with half-timbered buildings and Christmas markets
    Landmarks
    Freiburg
    Black Forest
    Colmar
  11. Day 10

    Basel

    Basel
    Meals
    Breakfast

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Avalon Waterways

Gold Operator
Rating
4.6 (236 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
73%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Avalon Waterways Ship

  • Avalon Illumination
    Avalon Illumination
    Part of Avalon's cutting-edge fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Illumination came onto the river cruising scene with a bang. This… Read more
    Built
    2014
    Guests
    84 - 166
    Crew
    47
    Length
    135 m / 443 ft
    Suites
    67
    Staterooms
    16
    Gross Tonnage
    2775 gt
    Beam
    12 m / 39 ft
    Cruising Speed
    12 kn / 22 kph / 14 mph
    Staterooms / SuitesDeck PlansDining

Reviews from other tours by Avalon Waterways

  • Pierre-Paul4.8•October 2026
    This was a very enjoyable trip despite the change that had to be done due to low water levels in the river. The...
    Show more
  • Charles5.0•September 2025
    We would like to thank our Statesman Attendee that took care of all our needs in our room 107. He was friendly and...
    Show more
  • Klaus5.0•July 2024
    Led by Nour
    ship was excellent, food and drinks were great, adventures perfectly organized,all crew members were extremely...
    Show more

Sign up or log in to access your TourRadar+ savings

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends in2d2h36m7s
  • From Thursday
    9 Dec, 2027
    To Saturday
    18 Dec, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Avalon Vista
    From:
    US$9,298 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    Taxes
    $324
    2027 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    7 Dec, 2028
    To Saturday
    16 Dec, 2028
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Avalon View
    From:
    US$6,598 per person
    Taxes
    $324
    2027 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    7 Dec, 2028
    To Saturday
    16 Dec, 2028
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Avalon View
    From:
    US$6,598 per person
    Taxes
    $324
    2028 Version
    View this tour

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Unlock exclusive TourRadar+ member savings

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Avalon Waterways with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to know

Tour ID: 241214

The practical details for your trip across Germany, France and Switzerland: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

  • Pay in installments

    Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $426.

  • Deposit only

    Book now with just a $250 deposit. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure.

  • 2 local currencies

    You’ll encounter Euro in France and Germany, Swiss Franc in Switzerland.

  • Plug types C, E, F, J

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Germany, France and Switzerland.

  • Currencies

    €
    Euro

    France and Germany

    Fr.
    Swiss Franc

    Switzerland

  • Plugs & adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J.

    • Type C

      Only used in France and Germany

    • Type E

      Only used in France

    • Type F

      Only used in Germany

    • Type J

      Only used in Switzerland

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

    This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.

  • Payment information

    Pay now
    A $250 deposit
    Balance due
    95 days before departure
    Installments
    Interest-free, every two weeks
    Currency
    USD
    Booking fee
    None

    Book now with just a $250 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $426 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 28th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

    Accepted for Avalon Waterways tours

    • Visa
    • Maestro
    • Mastercard
    • American Express
    • PayPal

    TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.

  • Cancellation Policy

    Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

    Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…

    Your money is protected. TourRadar is an authorized agent of Avalon Waterways, and we handle payments so you don’t have to. Payment is securely transferred to the operator based on your departure date.

  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

    Checking which travel protection options are available for you…

  • Best price guarantee

    Found a lower price for the same tour elsewhere? We work directly with every tour operator, so we can match it.

    How it works

    1. Find a lower price

      Spot the same tour cheaper on another site or agency.

    2. Send us the quote

      Contact us before you book.

    3. We match it

      If the quote qualifies, you book with us at that price.

    Your quote needs

    • Same tour and operator
    • Same start and end dates
    • Same number of travelers
    • Same inclusions and destinations
    • Same booking and cancellation terms, in the same currency
    • A link to the site or agency offering it

    What doesn’t count

    • Quotes issued more than 24 hours ago
    • Cash back or loyalty program rebates
    • Itineraries that are similar but not identical
    • Similar tours run by a different operator
    • Bookings already confirmed on TourRadar

    Every new booking also counts toward your , which unlocks extra savings.

  • Accessibility

    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

  • People also viewed

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

  • Travel inspiration for similar adventures
  • Alerts of the newest adventure deals

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter, check your inbox!

It seems you have entered this contest already! Keep an eye on your inbox for the winner.

Plan your adventure:

Earn while you share

With TourRadar RISE, you can earn commission when someone books a tour through a link you share — like this one.

Keep Exploring Europe

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec