Christmastime in the Heart of Germany

6 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Frankfurt, December 6–11, 2027
Escorted by Christine McGlashen

Every year, our travelers ask if we will offer another personally escorted Christmas market cruise.

In December 2027, we’re saying yes (Christmas 2026 is already sold out)

Join The Joy of Travel and Christine McGlashen for a festive river journey through Germany during one of the most magical weeks of the year. From glowing market squares to medieval towns dressed in twinkle lights, this is a holiday experience rooted in tradition, culture, and meaningful moments.

If Christmas in Europe has been on your heart for years, this is your invitation.

The Experience

Sail from Nuremberg to Frankfurt along the Main River, unpacking once and settling into a beautifully decorated Avalon ship while centuries-old towns unfold outside your window.

Along the way, you’ll experience:

  • Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt

  • The medieval charm of Bamberg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Würzburg’s baroque beauty and vineyard-covered hills

  • Festive market squares glowing in Frankfurt

Expect the scent of gingerbread and roasted almonds, hand-carved wooden ornaments, choirs singing in candlelit churches, and mugs of warm Glühwein shared with fellow travelers under winter skies.

This isn’t a rushed holiday shopping trip. It’s a slow, immersive celebration of European Christmas traditions.

Email Christine with questions or to reserve your spot

Traveling with Christine

Christine McGlashen will personally escort this sailing, which means you’ll travel with a trusted Joy of Travel advisor throughout the journey.

That means:

  • A built-in community of like-minded travelers

  • Seamless coordination from beginning to end

  • Support before, during, and after the trip

  • The confidence of knowing someone from home is right there with you

It’s the joy of independent exploration paired with the ease of traveling together.

December 6–11, 2027
Pricing & What’s Included

Your investment includes far more than just a cabin.

Each price below includes:

  • The cabin category listed for the Christmas in the Heart of Germany itinerary

  • All port fees and taxes

  • Travel insurance

  • Prepaid gratuities (complimentary when you book with The Joy of Travel)

Cabin Categories

Top Deck Panoramic Suites
$5,493 per person

Middle Deck Panoramic Suites
$5,458 per person

Lower Deck Cabins
$3,838 per person

Christmas market cruises are among the most requested and fastest-to-fill sailings in Europe. Booking early ensures the best cabin selection and secures your space on this escorted departure.

Let’s Make Christmas 2027 Unforgettable

Some memories don’t belong under the tree.

They belong wandering cobblestone streets dusted with winter frost… sailing quietly past castle-lined riverbanks… and raising a glass to the season in a centuries-old town square.

If you’ve been waiting for the right Christmas market cruise, this is it.

Reserve Your Space

To learn more or secure your cabin, contact Christine directly:

Email: Christine@thejoyoftravel.net
Phone: 405-219-0753

We would love to help you celebrate the season in Germany in 2027

 

Day by Day Itinerary

1 NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

  • Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

  • Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.

  • Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

  • Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.

  • OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

  • dinner

2 NUREMBERG

  • Legends and History Lessons

  • Classic Excursion - Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - 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 Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.

  • Discovery Excursion - Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard your ship to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs.

  • Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

  • EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

  • breakfast

  • lunch

  • dinner

Click on map to view larger

3 BAMBERG

  • Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

  • Classic Excursion - 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 Excursion - Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.

  • AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

  • breakfast

  • lunch

  • dinner

4 WÜRZBURG

  • Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet

  • Classic Excursion - 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 onboard.

  • EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG

  • breakfast

  • lunch

  • dinner

5 MILTENBERG

  • Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

  • Classic Excursion - Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.

  • Discovery Excursion - Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.

  • AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

  • breakfast

  • lunch

  • dinner

6 FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

  • Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

  • Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.

  • breakfast

Have a Question? Ask Christine Directly

Thinking about joining us? Curious if this trip is the right fit for you? Christine loves talking travel and is happy to help you decide.

📞 Call or text Christine: 405-219-0753
✉️ Email: Christine@thejoyoftravel.net

Reserve your spot

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.

Personally Escorted Experience
Our group tours are thoughtfully designed to be personally escorted by a Joy of Travel professional when minimum participation is met. If the group does not reach 20 travelers, the tour will still operate exactly as planned—with all included services, experiences, and guided touring—just without a Joy of Travel personal escort.