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Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Festive Time on Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

Basel - Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Expression
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Embark on an 8-day winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River aboard Avalon Expression. Begin in Basel, Switzerland, and explore festive Christmas markets in France, Germany, and Holland. Discover the Black Forest's natural beauty in Breisach, marvel at Strasbourg's gothic cathedral and Christmas tree, visit Heidelberg's castle or Mainz's Gutenberg Museum, and be enchanted by Rüdesheim's unique musical instrument museum. Experience Cologne's gothic architecture and Christmas market delights before ending in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise.
Christmas MarketChristmas Market!Visit the bustling Christmas market in Germany for a fantastic holiday celebrationChristmas Markets in RudesheimToys in the Christmas MarketWander a cozy Christmas MarketLa Petite district in StrasbourgVisit castle ruins in the German countrysideExplore the historic old town KoblenzExplore CologneExplore quaint towns along the RhineEnjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne
Highlights
  • Explore festive Christmas markets along the scenic Rhine River journey
  • Cruise Amsterdam’s canals and historic homes dating back to "Golden Age"
  • Visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
  • Explore Mainz' architecture like Heidelberg Castle or Gutenberg Museum
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Welcome to Switzerland. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition.

Day 2: Breisach

Discovery: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:

Discovery: Visit Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting.

You may choose to follow your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller with a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the afternoon, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Overnight cruise to Strasbourg.

Day 3: Strasbourg

Classic: Join a city sightseeing tour, including Strasbourg’s s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Overnight cruise to Mainz.
 

Day 4: Mainz | Heidelberg

Classic: Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel," OR:

Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

In your free time visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sound.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim..

Overnight docking in Rudesheim

Day 5: Rudesheim | Rhine Gorge | Koblenz

Discovery: Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.

Spend some free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Rüdesheim’s Christmas markets, while warming up with some hot-mulled wine or their local delicacies.

En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. Overnight cruise to Koblenz

Day 6: Cologne

Classic: Take a guided city walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time enjoying the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. 

Overnight cruise to Amsterdam.

Day 7: Amsterdam

Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” 

With a free day to explore before your cruise ends, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Overnight docking in Amsterdam.

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
 

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Expression

Avalon Expression Panorama Suite

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,909 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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