Avalon Tranquility II, Festive Season In The Heart Of Germany ex Frankfurt to Nuremberg

Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colours 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 ginger bread), a Nuremberg specialty. While on board, you’ll also learn how to bake a traditional cookie recipe and 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.

Day 1
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)

Day 2
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
DISCOVERY - Join a Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
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 Kathe 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)

Day 4
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
DISCOVERY - 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 on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 5
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

Day 6
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Another exciting Suite Ship graces the rivers of Europe in 2015. The intimate setting of the Avalon Tranquility II® features two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard-perfect for stretching out and relaxing-or even throwing a private cocktail party for up to six adults in the spacious sitting area. Onboard amenities and services include free Wi-Fi access, Internet corner, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.