619-324-1444 x3
JONATHAN@PLVACATIONS.COM
Lesbian Christmas Markets Cruise (Olivia)
Olivia Takes You to the Delights of the Winter Season in Europe
Sleigh bells ringing, beautiful lights glistening on pristine snow, mulled wine for your drinking, and holiday music and singing…these are a few of the favorite things you will experience on this beautiful Christmas Market River cruise. Once again, Olivia takes you to the delights of the winter season in Europe with a riverboat cruise through the Christmas Markets, this time in Germany. Start out with the Christmas Market in Frankfurt; also known for its “Pink-Gay” Christmas Market! Experience the festive food and drinks, lights, markets, and decorated trees of the holiday season in some of the most delightful Christmas Markets in Germany. Bring your warm boots, jackets, and mittens, and enjoy the festivities with your fellow Olivians.
*NEW* Take advantage of their 2-night Post-Cruise stretcher to magical Prague!
Avalon Waterways Awards & Accolades Voted Best in European River
Cruise Critic
Voted Best River Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Cruise Critic
Voted Best River Cruise Line Cabins
Cruise Critic
Activity Level: Easy-Moderate
These trips do require a level of mobility, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, and stairs. A “Gentle Walkers” Group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes a shortened version of a tour, keeping in mind as few stairs as possible. If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, they must be collapsible and stored in your cabins. They cannot be used to move around the ship, only to use while off the ship. They may be used on tours that are accessible, but that can be difficult because of the possible snowy conditions, cobblestone streets, stairwells and need to lift them up on curbs.
While Olivia would love everyone to experience an Olivia River cruise, we regret that they cannot provide individual assistance for guests with specific needs, including (but not limited to): mobility and hearing impairment. A qualified and able-bodied passenger must accompany travelers who require assistance.
- Gentle Walkers Group
- Whenever possible, Olivia will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walking—perhaps guests with scooters or canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take photos. For those with mobility issues, Olivia suggests purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide. There are many different styles to choose from online. Please note that on the optional tours, Olivia is not able to offer a Gentle Walkers group. If you are unsure of your ability to take a specific tour, please discuss your concerns with the cruise director on board.
What’s Included
- Accommodation in an Essential Queen room at Kimpton Main Frankfurt Hotel for 1 night, December 2. (Limited twins)
- Breakfast and transfer from Kimpton Main Frankfurt Hotel to the ship on December 3
- Accommodation on Avalon’s Panorama for 5 nights, December 3-8
- Included sightseeing tours
- Visits to several different Christmas markets during the day and evening
- All meals on board the ship. Filtered water replenished daily in your room on board.
- Wine, beer, or soft drinks with included onboard lunches and dinners
- Happy Hour each day on board with complimentary spirits (premium additional cost)
- Coffee, tea, and juices during all meals on board the ship
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and teas on board the ship
- Cookies and fresh fruit available throughout the day on board the ship
- Complimentary wifi on board the ship
- Complimentary Nordic walking sticks for use on shore
- Gratuities to ships’ staff and Avalon Cruise Director
- Olivia’s signature and local entertainment and programming
- Team Olivia assistance throughout
What’s Not Included
- Transfer from airport to Kimpton Main hotel in Frankfurt, and transfer from ship to airport in Nuremberg
- Tips to all local guides and bus drivers on all included and optional tours
- Optional tours
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except where indicated)
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Meals not on board the ship, with exception of breakfast at hotel on December 3
- Laundry
- Phone/Fax
- Travel insurance & personal incidentals
- Optional 2-night extension to Prague December 8-10, 2026
Itinerary
Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship® festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season. Embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise in Frankfurt, Germany, and join us behind medieval walls and towered gates to enjoy a guided walking tour in a picturesque village along the Main River. Celebrate the season in charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping vineyard-covered hills. Visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Continue your Christmastime River cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Take a guided tour in Nuremberg, with free time to visit the Christmas market—one of the most famous in the world. Wander through Old Town illuminated with holiday lights and decorations and be sure to sample some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a Nuremberg specialty. While on board, you’ll also hear all about German Christmas traditions. Historical treasures of Germany are perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and sumptuous treats of the joyous holiday season on this unforgettable European Christmas River cruise.
- Day 1 Frankfurt, Germany Wednesday, Dec 2, 2026
Welcome to Germany! Flights into Frankfurt can arrive at any time for your included hotel night. Please note that the hotel check-in time is 3 pm on December 2. Should you arrive earlier, and your room is not ready, the hotel will store your luggage so you can explore the city or get something to eat locally. A hospitality desk will be available until 5 pm. You will be given a program with the timing of included breakfast, luggage and transfer to the ship for December 3 at check-in. The day and night are yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps you’ll pay a visit to the “Pink” Gay Christmas Market!
You will stay overnight at the Kimpton Main Frankfurt or similar class hotel.
- Day 2 Frankfurt, GermanyThursday, Dec 3, 2026
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding. Later this morning, you’ll transfer to your home for the next 5 nights, the Avalon Panorama Riverboat. Guests must be on board by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore your riverboat on your first night on board.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Main River Village
(B/L/D) - Day 3 Main River Village, GermanyFriday, Dec 4, 2026
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Take a guided tour of a picturesque village along the Main River. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Würzburg
(B/L/D)
- Day 4 Würzburg, GermanySaturday, Dec 5, 2026
Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
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 Würzburg’s Christmas markets.
Evening/overnight cruise to Bamberg
(B/L/D)Optional Excursion
- The beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg.
- Day 5 Bamberg, GermanySunday, Dec 6, 2026
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Today, enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. Later, join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg— the 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Evening/overnight cruise to Nuremberg
(B/L/D)
- Day 6 Nuremberg, GermanyMonday, Dec 7, 2026
Legends and History Lessons
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle. Or 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.
Overnight docking in Nuremberg
(B/L/D)
- Day 7 Nuremberg, GermanyTuesday, Dec 8, 2026
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Or you can continue on Olivia’s optional 2-night post-vacation stretcher in Prague!
(B)
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Entertainment
On this intimate riverboat cruise, you will have the opportunity to be entranced by the exceptional musicianship of Barbara Higbie. Pianist, composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Barbara’s talents have graced more than a hundred albums and stages all over the world, garnered Grammy nominations and earned high praises from other musicians.
Musical comedian, Kristin Key has been reaching millions with her “Lesbian National Anthem’, and clever parodies, and building a lesbian fan base who recognize each other in airports all over the world (IYKYK!). She will have you laughing heartily at yourself!
Your Ship: Avalon Panorama
The Avalon Panorama led the way as the first of its kind in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites complete with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You’ll cruise in river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony in a 200-square-foot suite that’s 30% larger than the industry standard. Our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view, so you can stretch out and relax with the world at your feet. Retire each evening and wake each morning to a panorama of picture-postcard scenes! Exciting onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink wifi access, a well-stocked library, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro. There’s no better way to take in the view than cruising in Europe in the spacious comfort of the Avalon Panorama. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh® menu options, premium coffee, and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Make yourself at home in the Club Lounge with a variety of coffees, teas, cold beverages, and pastries while settling in with your pick of books, cards, and board games. Relax and watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge for the perfect vantage point to peruse Germany’s picturesque villages.
Total Occupancy: 166
- Ship Amenities
- An entirely non-smoking interior
- Lounge
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Beautiful bars and lounges
- Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
- Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board)
- Fitness center
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design throughout
- Elevator
- Bikes, walking sticks, binoculars, daypacks
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Included shore excursions with Local Guide (tipping to guides / bus drivers not included)
- Headsets for shore excursions
- Complimentary “Star-Link” wifi
- Space to relax & unwind
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
- A lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge)
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium loungers
- Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
- Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, with complimentary juices and made-to-order egg station*
- Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Daily “Happy Hour” with complimentary alcoholic drinks as indicated on drink menu
- Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro
- Remarkable service throughout the cruise
- English-speaking crew
- Room Amenities
- 172 – 200 – 300 sq. ft. Staterooms, Suites and Royal Suites, some of the largest on the river
- Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors
- Comfort Collection BedsSM
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane bath products
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar
- Nonallergenic duvets and pillows
- Filtered water replenished in bottles daily
- And, much more
- Dining
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites.
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients.
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal.
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room.
- Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials.
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast.
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats.
- Four-course dinners with a choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese.
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections.
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits*, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor.
- Cocktails* with a view on the Sky Deck.
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day.
*extra charge
Accommodations/Pricing
Standard Staterooms Wait List Only
Suites from $4,999 a Person
EARLY-BIRD PRICES EXPIRE 7/31/2026
Prices shown reflect all current discounts. Prices are per person (PP) based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge, or nondiscountable amount (NDA). Per-person NDA of $499 (subject to change) covers taxes, fees, and gratuities.
TWIN AND QUEEN BED NOTES: We have limited Twin Beds at the Kimpton Main Frankfurt Hotel for the included one-night hotel on Dec 2, 2026. Categories for Twin Beds are noted with a “T” (as in Category ET below), while categories with Queen beds are noted with a “Q” (as in EQ below). This is only for the hotel portion. The ship can have 2 twins or a Queen in all categories. The Royal Suites at the hotel will each have a Queen bed.
Please review Olivia’s Terms and Conditions before contacting us to book this lesbian Christmas markets cruise.
Pricing, availability and itinerary for this lesbian Christmas markets cruise are subject to change. Neither Purple Light Vacations nor Olivia will be responsible for any inaccuracies.
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