December 4 (overnight flight) - December 13, 2025

Prague | Nuremberg | Bamberg | wurzburg | Miltenberg

sailing aboard AVALON WATERWAYS’ 166-Passenger PAnorama

3nt LAND & 5nt Cruise Pricing From $4,880/person*
(including gratuities & Port Fees)

This Festive 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.

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. Next stop is delightful Bamberg, where nativity scenes built by local citizens are exhibited throughout town. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Explore one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations.

As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1, December 4, 2025: Overnight flight to Prague

Day 2, December 5, 2025: Welcome to Prague, Czech Republic! Today is a free day to enjoy the local sights and sounds of this magnificent capital city - one of Suzanne’s favorites! OVERNIGHT HOTEL IN PRAGUE.

Day 3, December 6, 2025: Prague - This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager. OVERNIGHT HOTEL IN PRAGUE.

Day 4, December 7, 2025: Prague - Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits. 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. OVERNIGHT HOTEL IN PRAGUE.

Day 5, December 8, 2025: Prague - Nuremberg - The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True. 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG.

Day 6, December 9, 2025: Nuremberg - Legends and History Lessons. Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG.

Day 7, December 10, 2025: Bamberg - Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes. 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. Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG.

Day 8, December 11, 2025: Wurburg - Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet. 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 MILTENBERG.

Day 9, December 12, 2025: Miltenberg - Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights. Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn a picturesque Bavarian village. Or choose to join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT.

Day 10, December 13 2025 - Frankfurt (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning after breakfast - flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10am.

Early booking discounts may expire at any time, so get in touch with us today to book now with just a small deposit!

*Pricing is subject to change until booked, is per person, based on double occupancy, and includes early booking discount. Single occupancy is extremely limited and priced at $7,595. Pricing does not include air, travel insurance, or anything not specifically mentioned as included. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm space. Space is limited and space/discounts are subject to availability until deposit is made and booking has been confirmed by Holiday Travel.