Name: Christmastime in the Heart of Germany
Brand: Avalon Waterways

Overview

This 21-night Avalon Waterways cruise aboard Avalon Passion sets sail from Amsterdam, bound for the shores of Northern Europe and Baltic Sea. Calling at Cologne, Passau, and Vidin among 3 ports, this cruise is packed with opportunities to explore. Northern Europe and Baltic Sea has a way of getting under your skin, and seeing it from the water only deepens the experience. Book this Northern Europe and Baltic Sea cruise from just £9,310 per person for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 3

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 4

Rüdesheim

Day 5

Miltenberg

Day 6

Würzburg

Day 7

Volkach

Day 8

Bamberg

Day 9

Nuremberg

Bavaria's second biggest city is well worth visiting. Its Christmas Market offers a wealth of handcrafted ornaments, and many visitors are drawn by the city's beer cellars. For those interested in history, there is a considerable amount to explore, including the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg trials were held.

Day 10

Regensburg

This pretty German city is remarkably well-preserved, with landmarks including a notable cathedral and a bridge that has inspired fascinating local lore. It’s also a beer lover’s paradise, with atmospheric spots to try the local varieties, complemented by traditional sausage and sauerkraut.

Day 11

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Day 12

Melk

This city is full of historical treasures, but Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, makes it a must-visit destination on the Danube.

Day 13

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Days 14-15

Budapest

Day 16

Vukovar

Day 17

Novi Sad

Day 18

Belgrade

From Belgrade Fortress, which is full of heritage to whet the appetite of history buffs, to museums like the Nikola Tesla Museum, there's plenty to explore in Serbia's capital. The neighbourhood of Skadarlija is the Balkan answer to Montmartre, known for its kafanas (picture something between an old-school tavern and a coffeehouse).

Day 19

Golubac

Day 20

Vidin

One of the main attractions in Vidin is Baba Vidin, a 10th-century medieval castle that played a key role in Ottoman rule. Today, you can visit to see the collection of weapons and artefacts on display. The city is also a great place to shop for products made with world-famous Bulgarian roses.

Days 21-22

Oltenita

Days 1-2

Amsterdam

Day 3

Cologne

Day 4

Rüdesheim

Day 5

Miltenberg

Day 6

Würzburg

Day 7

Volkach

Day 8

Bamberg

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

This city is full of historical treasures, but Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, makes it a must-visit destination on the Danube.

Day 13

Vienna

Days 14-15

Budapest

Day 16

Vukovar

Day 17

Novi Sad

Day 18

Belgrade

Day 19

Golubac

Day 20

Vidin

Days 21-22 Oltenita

Oltenita

166

Passengers

Crew

2016

Launched

2775t

Tonnage

135m

Length

12m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Avalon Passion

We're so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened this Suite Ship the Avalon Passion. Gracing Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Great service and cabin

Panorama Suite was great although really a good sized room, not a suite. Service was excellent, room cleaned twice a day. Food delicious though slightly better at the start of the trip. Would have liked a few more activity options so will be back for an Active and discovery cruise next time.

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:06:50

First time doing a river cruise - Amsterdam to Basel -, it was quite a different experience from the mid-size ships ocean cruises. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere without loosing your privacy, the attention to detail by the staff small team, the fine dining from breakfast to diner to snacks. The surprised from a less romantic Rhine River than I was expecting was largely compensated by the thrill at each gate crossing (and there are many!) that makes this cruise so special. A marvellous way to see my beloved Europe from a different angle!

Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista

Reviews

2023-03-28 14:56:18

Avalon Waterways Avalon Impression

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:11:22

Avalon Waterways Avalon Expression

Reviews

2022-10-24 19:07:40

Had a super river cruise through Provence in the searing heat of the summer. We were worried that the river might be too low but it was fine. All the excursions were wonderful, not too long or arduous and l would never have thought that ld be inspired to emulate Van Gogh's Starry Night. What a brilliant trip, everything was wonderful, the only down side was the long transfer back to Lyons to fly home. With hindsight l would have chosen a rail option Thanks

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews