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Special Offers
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Promotion Details
With the Welcome Back Credit, the more you travel, the more credit you earn toward future vacations. You can easily redeem your Welcome Back Credit towards a future Globus or Cosmos tour, or use your credit to experience a Monograms package or Avalon Waterways river cruise. In addition to the Welcome Back Credit program, if your plans changed, you could also be holding onto additional travel credits through a Letter of Credit and Peace of Mind Bonus Credit. The credit amount is based on the overall value of your vacation, from a $100 - $250 credit per person.
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
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The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Oberammergau, Monograms City Getaways, and Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, 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. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. 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. Stop in Frankfurt and then sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bam-berg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube,” with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
- Day 1BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)Sat, Nov 29, 2025Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)BASEL-FESTIVE-MARKET.jpg
- Day 2BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FORESTSun, Nov 30, 2025German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample pretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)BLACK-FOREST-CLOCK.jpg
- Day 3STRASBOURG, FRANCEMon, Dec 01, 2025Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER(B,L,D)STRASBOURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 4SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSIONTue, Dec 02, 2025Winter Wonders Fit for a King DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)HEIDELBERG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 5FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIMWed, Dec 03, 2025Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,D)RUDESHEIM-COFFEE.jpg
- Day 6MAIN RIVER VILLAGEThu, Dec 04, 2025Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights 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
- Day 7WÜRZBURGFri, Dec 05, 2025Old 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
- Day 8BAMBERGSat, Dec 06, 2025Christmas 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
- Day 9NUREMBERGSun, Dec 07, 2025Legends 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
- Day 10NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH. NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION)Mon, Dec 08, 2025This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel.CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,D)MUNICH-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 11NUREMBERGTue, Dec 09, 2025Legends and History LessonsCLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg
- Day 12REGENSBURGWed, Dec 10, 2025Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)REGENSBURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 13PASSAUThu, Dec 11, 2025Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)PASSAU-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 14MELK–WACHAU VALLEYFri, Dec 12, 2025Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.VIENNAViennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)MELK-ABBEY-STAIRCASE.jpg
- Day 15VIENNASat, Dec 13, 2025Royal Collections and Culinary Confections CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)VIENNA-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 16BUDAPEST, HUNGARYSun, Dec 14, 2025War Heroes and Hot WaterCLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
- Day 17BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)Mon, Dec 15, 2025Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)BUDAPEST-COFFEE-PASTRY.jpg
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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
Gateway city for arrivals is Zürich
Port charges:
$480
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.
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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.
Overall Rating
4.2
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
4
Wonderful river cruise on the Rhine. Superb crew and service. Excellent food. Excellent tours.
Phil.... is THE REASON I took this trip and had a marvelous time! HE is THE ONLY help I need from now on in booking trips ANYWHERE!
This was our first trip on a river boat. The Avalon staff was exceptional! We were treated like kings and queens.
Very well organized - from the arrival to departure there was never an issue. Everything was clearly explained daily. Basel to Amsterdam is the better direction to travel.
This river cruise exceeded expectations. It was A+ from start to finish. The ship room size was excellent, the crew was awesome, and the food was very good and varied.Our local guide experts provded a bonus level of expertise, were witty and interesting. Gusta was an excellent tour director, keeping everything on time, providing tips and insights to various places we were visiting. Our waitress in the dining room was Elena and she was always pleasant, on task and provided a very good level of service for our meals.
Avalon was fabulous..
Our Avalon cruise was an absolutely wonderful and unforgettable experience, and a dream vacation. Our cruise director Bart was outstanding and enhanced our cruise experience. We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere onboard, and the beautiful scenic cruising itinerary and interesting ports. All included tours and excursions were well organized with knowledgeable and great tour guides. The crew provided excellent services. We were however disappointed with the dinner menus, with regards quality of food and preparation. Breakfast and lunches were good. We also would have liked more flexibile times or buffet options for dinners at overnight ports,
We enjoyed the Danube Tour, but preferred the previous Avalon tour in France. This tour focused more on cities whereas the France tour from Nice to Paris stopped at smaller towns.
GREAT CRUISE -WONDERFUL BOAT AND ACCOMMODATIONS ; WISH A FEW LAND TOURS SLIGHTLY LONGER-IE ENOUGH TIME TO STOPIN QUICKLY SEE SAY THE SYNAGOGUE OR THE CATHEDRAL--EXAMPLE BUDAPEST LAND TOUR.
The guides for the most part were excellent some the stops were an added joy. Duration , Bratislovia and Linz were surprisingly wonderful the entertainment was beyond my expectations I had a wonderful trip.to top it off we had exceptional weather
My only criticism of Avalon is that the company does not take into account the dining experience for groups. Dining tables are on a "first come-first-serve" basis. This means rushing to get a table nightly so that 5 couples can eat together, leaving our mportant port talks early to secure a table . A luxury cruise experience should not require one to do this.
The trip was spectacular. Met all expectations. The only negative comment would be related to the Avalon Rep in Prague due to lack of assistance and presence.
I thought our leading tour guide did a terrific job. She started every event, every talk right on time. She said that was part of her German upbringing. She was concerned about every passenger and dealt with one issue we had promptly and professionally. The local tour guides were routinely well informed, personable, and helpful.
Avalon Waterways does a great job. The ships are in very good shape, nicely appointed and offer great itineraries and excursions.
This was a wonderful trip. We are thankful to our agent at Affordable Tours for recommending this Avalon Danube trip. Our cruise director was excellent and humorous. Food and wine was excellent. Staff provided superb service.
This cruise was great and all the details we received about everything was all correct. Thank you.
I talked to a lot of the other passengers and learn that they got a lot of perks that my wife and I did not receive. If I book another trip through Avalon, I will wait until the "last minute" and look for a lower price and perks like free airfare. We also talked to people on other cruise lines and saw that there was a lot of competition for our travel dollars.
Avalon Waterways Panorama was a beautiful ship. The food was great, and the afternoon and evening programs were interesting. The crew director was excellent: he was very knowledgeable and helpful and his talks about the various sights we were visiting were very instructive. His concern for and accessibility to the passengers set the tone for the crew members; they provided uniformly excellent service with a smile. All in all, a wonderful experience!
The river cruise exceeded our expectations! The vessel and staff were wonderful. The itinerary was all-encompassing and the tours interesting. We had absolutely no complaints about any aspect of the cruise, other than we didn't want to leave the boat. We returned home weary but very happy.
Our river cruise was fabulous. Ship & staff were excellent. Food very good. Tours were excellent. Everything was very organized. Can't wait to go on another Avalon river cruise. The agent at Affordable Tours did a great job for us. I have already recommended him to friends. Thanks for everything.
This was a great trip. excellent job in supplying all details and assistance that "older people" like my wife and I need.
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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This was our second Avalon cruise and we recommend them to everyone!