Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

The Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard Avalon Illumination, operated by Avalon Waterways. Departing Frankfurt on December 14, 2027, the voyage visits 8 ports. Fares start from $4,951 per person.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Dec 14, 2027
Returns: Dec 21, 2027
Ports of call: 8
Days at sea: 1

from $4,951

$707 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $4,951 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 14, 2027 Frankfurt ‘Hier bin ich Mensch, hier darf ich’s sein’ (‘Here I am man, dare man to be’). This quote by Frankfurt’s most famous son – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – actually comes from his play Faust (and the English translation by Bayard Taylor), but it is also a very fitting way to describe Goethe’s hometown. Frankfurt’s combination of modern skyscrapers housing major finance companies and the old town with its historic buildings and half-timbered houses is unique. And if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, you can take a leisurely walk along the lovely bank of the Main. Frankfurt port guide Search cruises visiting Frankfurt

Day 2 Dec 15, 2027 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Mainz photo — Day 2 Dec 15, 2027 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Day 3 Dec 16, 2027 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Cologne photo — Day 3 Dec 16, 2027 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Day 4 Dec 17, 2027 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Rudesheim photo — Day 4 Dec 17, 2027 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Day 6 Dec 19, 2027 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Strasbourg photo — Day 6 Dec 19, 2027 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Day 7 Dec 20, 2027 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Breisach photo — Day 7 Dec 20, 2027 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Day 8 Dec 21, 2027 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Basel photo — Day 8 Dec 21, 2027 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 96-day span: $4,001 · range $4,001–$4,951

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,951

$707 / night

Fare rows

Deluxe Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,951

$707 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,951

$707 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $7,050

$1,007 / night

Fare rows

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,050

$1,007 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,150

$1,021 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,350

$1,050 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Royal Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,850

$1,264 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 28, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Avalon Waterways and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

Cheaper than 52%

30 days

○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed). · Price verified 23 hours ago.

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $4,951 D Deluxe Stateroom $4,951 E Deluxe Stateroom $4,951

Suite

Lowest Suite $7,050 A Panorama Suite $7,150 B Panorama Suite $7,050 P Panorama Suite $7,350 S Royal Suite $8,850

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 lines at once.

Show all 11 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Deluxe Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	DS	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Panorama Suite	A	Suite
Panorama Suite	B	Suite
Corner Suite	CS	Suite
Owner’s Suite	OS	Suite
Panorama Suite	P	Suite
Royal Suite	RS	Suite
Royal Suite	S	Suite
Upper Suite	US	Suite

Ship

Your ship Avalon Illumination 5★ **2,775** GT **166** guests Built **2014** Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers. Avalon Illumination ship guide Search cruises on Avalon Illumination

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Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

Other available sailing dates
View	From pp	Departs
	from $4,701 $671 / night	Nov 30, 2027Voyage WEZ
	from $4,951 $707 / night	Dec 7, 2027Voyage WEZ

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