Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)
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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!
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Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.
The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.
Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.
![Frankfurt, Germany image](https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cdn-cgi/image/width=700,quality=90/https://widgety-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2022/01/12/16/40/27/d93b2ce1-ff56-4b2e-a21c-64c256df7f64/Avalon_Tranquility II_Exterior_04 _1_.jpg)
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![Strasbourg, France image](https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cdn-cgi/image/width=700,quality=90/https://widgety-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2022/01/12/16/40/27/d93b2ce1-ff56-4b2e-a21c-64c256df7f64/Avalon_Tranquility II_Exterior_04 _1_.jpg)
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Your Avalon river cruise will bring new tranquility to your traveler's soul, but you'll also find plenty of ways to excite your adventurous spirit to cruise your way! While on board, enjoy the intimate setting of the Avalon Tranquility II with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
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