30 Nov - 07 Dec, 2020 - Festive Season in the Heart of Germany
Day 1 Arrive Prague
Day 2 Prague
Day 3 Nuremberg, Embarkation Avalon Imagery II
Day 4 Nuremberg
Day 5 Bamberg
Day 6 Wurzburg
Day 7 Main River -> Frankfurt
DAY 1 ARRIVE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Set on the banks of the Vltava River, you will be immersed in holiday spirit as you explore the famous Christmas markets with rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Stand in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate art piece and visualization of time unlike anything else in the world—and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town. Also not to be missed are the chimney cakes picture below!
DAY 2 PRAGUE (B)
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
Classic Included Activity
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
DAY 3 PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) (B, D)
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®Board your ship in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany. And be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
DAY 4 NUREMBERG, GERMANY (B,L,D)
Living Heritage and History Lessons
Classic Included Activity
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic Included Activity
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. BE sure to sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
DAY 5 BAMBERG, GERMANY (B,L,D)
Cherished Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Classic Included Activity
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.
Discovery Included Activity
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
DAY 6 WÜRZBURG, GERMANY (B,L,D)
Ornaments, Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet
Classic Included Itinerary
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
DAY 7 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE, GERMANY (B,L,D)
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Classic Included Itinerary
Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
Discovery Included Itinerary
Join a Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Mainz, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.
Day-By-Day Itinerary (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner