Name: Christmastime from Frankfurt to Vienna
Brand: Avalon Waterways

Overview

Sail with Avalon Waterways on Avalon Tranquility II, departing from Basel for a 10-night exploration of Northern Europe and Baltic Sea, promising an unforgettable journey at sea. Calling at Breisach, Bernkastel-Kues, and Cologne among 3 ports, this cruise is packed with opportunities to explore. Every day offers something different - from new ports to explore to peaceful evenings at sea aboard Avalon Tranquility II. Secure your place from just £2,750 per person on this exceptional Avalon Waterways cruise.

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

Day 1

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 2

Breisach

Breisach is set on a hilltop, overlooking the Rhine and the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region. The town’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking tower, is a prominent landmark visible from the river.Breisach’s compact historic centre offers quiet streets, traditional wine taverns and small museums. The surrounding rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s best white wines.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Day 6

Bernkastel-Kues

Often called the 'Pearl of the Moselle', these twin towns straddle both sides of the river. Guests flock here for its medieval market square, the ruins of Landshut Castle and the surrounding vineyards, best explored on guided hikes or cycling tours.

Day 7

Trier

Trier is considered Germany’s oldest city, with layers of history waiting to be uncovered. Wander among remarkably preserved Roman ruins like Porta Nigra, then delve into more recent history at the birthplace-turned-museum of Karl Marx. Alongside its historical intrigue, the city offers plenty of culinary appeal, from the lively market to its leafy beer gardens.

Day 8

Cochem

If you're looking to step into a fairytale, this is the right place. Perched on a dramatic bend in the Moselle, Cochem exudes storybook charm, crowned by the magnificent Reichsburg Castle – a visit here is an absolute must.

Day 9

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.

Days 10-11

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 1

Basel

Day 2

Breisach

Day 3

Strasbourg

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Days 10-11

128

Passengers

Crew

2015

Launched

2022t

Tonnage

110m

Length

12m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Avalon Tranquility II

Your Avalon river cruise will bring new tranquility to your traveler's soul, but you'll also find plenty of ways to excite your adventurous spirit to cruise your way! While on board, enjoy the intimate setting of the Avalon Tranquility II with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.

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