Compare Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel with 2 Nights in Prague by Avalon Waterways vs Paris to Berlin: Art & the Alps by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 5,537 | $ 4,249 |
| Price Per Day | $ 461 | $ 202 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 1 lunch |
| Description | Celebrate this magical time of year with a Christmastime river cruise vacation starting in the Czech Republic, on through the beautiful views of the heart of Germany, and ending in Switzerland. Prague, the beautiful Czech capital, is set on the banks of the Vltava River and a Local Guide will be proud to show you the famous sights. The Christmas market offers rows of brightly decorated wooden huts selling ornaments and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content and try a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. Board your ship in Nuremberg, Germany, host to one of the oldest Christmas markets. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the illuminated Old Town. 200 stalls sell traditional German Christmas wares and seasonal delicacies. In delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find nativity scenes built by local citizens throughout the town. Learn about holiday traditions as you cruise to Würzburg, and here walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residenz—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses that are dotted along the Main River. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your cruise to Speyer and visit Heidelberg Castle, which towers magnificently over the city, before cruising to Strasbourg, France. This time of year, the historic charm of the city is mixed with the festive aromas, sights, and sounds—creating a truly magical atmosphere! Visit the gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the famous Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, before ending in Basel Switzerland. |
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to see less; it just means you have to plan more. Lucky for you, we’re pretty great planners. Cross nine countries off your list in 21 thrilling days and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer. Check out the galleries and museums of Paris, the beauty of the Swiss Alps, delicious Italian cuisine (and, of course, wine!), the exciting nightlife of Berlin, and Prague, and the Eastern charms of Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest. Do more, spend less. |
Day 1: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. 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 beside the Vltava River.
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Day 2: PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
CLASSIC 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.
(Breakfast)
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Day 3: PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Enjoy a free morning before your transfer to Nuremberg, where your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 4: NUREMBERG
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
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. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: WÜRZBURG
Old Saint Nicholas, 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim, enjoy a local special treat. Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 9: HEIDELBERG EXCURSION. SPEYER
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 10: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
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 to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village.
Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
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, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas season.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(Breakfast)
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Day 1 Paris
Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.
Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.
Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.
Day 3 Paris/Interlaken
Travel from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 Interlaken
Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!
Day 5 Interlaken
Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.
Day 6 Interlaken/Rome
Travel to Rome by bus and train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.
Day 7 Rome
Opt to check out famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 8 Rome/Florence
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio.
Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy. Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!
Day 9 Florence
Free day in Florence to explore. Opt for a day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Florence/Venice
Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city's winding streets on your own.
Opt to take a ride in a gondola, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.
Day 11 Venice/Ljubljana
Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.
Day 12 Ljubljana/Vienna
Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.
Day 13 Vienna
Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner 'dancing' horses.
After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).
Day 14 Vienna/Budapest
Travel from Vienna to Budapest by train and take orientation walk upon arrival before enjoying a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Hit up the city's nightlife in the evening on a Big Night Out with the group.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Budapest
Free time to explore. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets, cruise the Danube, or check out the thermal baths.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 16 Budapest/Krakow
Enjoy free time to explore Hungary's capital. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets or visit the thermal baths. Visit a G Adventures-supported café that assists Hungarians living with a disability before boarding the overnight train to Krakow.
With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do.
Day 17 Krakow
Use free time today to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk.
Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.
Day 18 Krakow/Prague
Take a day train to Prague, then enjoy an orientation walk around town, including a visit to a genuine beer hall. Later, enjoy your Big Night Out with the group. Na Zdravi!
Imagine a city lined with Bohemian art, beer halls offering the finest brews in the region, tranquil gardens, and ornate chapels - it's no wonder why visitors fall in love with this place. Take the afternoon and get lost.
Day 19 Prague
Free day for exploration—check out the Prague castle complex or walk the cobblestone streets through the old town and Jewish ghetto.
Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.
Day 20 Prague/Berlin
Take a train to Germany and enjoy an orientation walk in Berlin. Opt to check out the city's vibrant nightlife.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Day 21 Berlin
Depart at any time.
