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Basel at Christmas, Switzerland

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine

Basel to Frankfurt - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon View
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Embark on an 8-day Christmas river cruise from Basel to Frankfurt aboard the Avalon View. Begin in Switzerland before sailing the Rhine River to explore the festive markets of France and Germany. In Breisach, choose to visit the beautiful Black Forest or medieval Freiburg. Continue to Strasbourg, France, to discover its ancient Christmas market and Gothic cathedral. Sail to Germany to explore the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle and browse the holiday stalls of Speyer. Cruise the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. In Rudesheim, visit the Mechanical Music Museum, then head to Cologne for a chocolate tasting or city walk. Conclude your journey in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum before disembarking in Frankfurt.
Explore BaselRomantic evening light over BaselExplore quaint towns along the RhineEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near RudesheimExplore CologneBasel at Christmas, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Experience local traditions on a guided tour to the magical Black Forest
  • Visit the Gothic cathedral and ancient Christmas market in Strasbourg
  • Learn about chocolate production at Cologne's incredible Chocolate Museum
  • See the captivating history of printing at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
Activities
Places Visited
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. Board your Suite Ship by 5 pm, ensuring that your flight into Zürich arrives by 3 pm or your flight into Basel arrives by 4 pm. Walk through the city center to view the holiday lights and try seasonal foods such as waffles, gingerbread, sweets, and Swiss raclette. Later, depart on an evening and overnight cruise to Breisach. Please note that some departure dates operate this itinerary in the reverse route, sailing from Frankfurt to Basel.

Day 2: Breisach, Germany | Excursion to Black Forest

Choose between a guided tour of Colmar to view the canals of "Little Venice" and historic monuments, or a guided tour of the Black Forest to experience local traditions and the Christmas atmosphere. In the afternoon, join an optional guided excursion to Freiburg's medieval city center or spend your free time exploring the Breisach Christmas Markets. Conclude your day with an evening and overnight cruise to Kehl.

Day 3: Kehl | Excursion to Strasbourg, France

Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
Classic Excursion
Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’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 this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Ludwigshafen

Day 4: Ludwigshafen, Germany | Excursion to Heidelberg

Winter Wonders Fit for a King
Discovery Excursion
Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg, OR:

Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.

This evening, enjoy the cheer of Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.
Evening cruise to Rudesheim

Day 5: Rudesheim | Rhine Gorge

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.

This afternoon, 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.

Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
Evening cruise to Cologne

Day 6: Cologne

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Classic Excursion
Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:

Classic Excursion
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets

Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.

Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
Evening cruise to Mainz

Day 7: Mainz, Germany

Printing Halls
While sailing to Mainz, enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Spend free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Mainz. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated stalls to find the perfect ornaments and handmade pieces.
Evening cruise to Frankfurt

Day 8: Frankfurt | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon View

Avalon View

Avalon View

Bask in the unparalleled scenery of the Danube on an Avalon View river cruise. It?s the newest Suite Ship by Avalon Waterways, offering passengers a top-notch cruise experience with award-winning Panorama Suites and masterfully designed common areas.
Avalon Bar
Avalon Dining Room
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$4,851 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon Deluxe Stateroom
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Bathrobes & slippers, Individual climate control, Large mirror in the bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon Deluxe Stateroom
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Individual climate control, Large mirror in bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Panorama Suite
Cat. B
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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Panorama Suite
Cat. A
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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, and European-style duvets.
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Panorama Suite
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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Coffee table, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
Avalon Royal Suite LayoutAvalon Royal Suite
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, In-room safe, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, 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
  • Port Fees
  • 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
  • Cruise taxes
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
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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