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Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine

Basel to Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon View
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Embark on an 8-day cruise along the Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Avalon View. You begin your Christmastime cruise in Switzerland before heading to Breisach, Germany, to explore the beautiful Black Forest. Next, visit Strasbourg, France, to discover its Gothic cathedral and wander through one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets. Continue to Germany to tour Heidelberg Castle's ruins or enjoy a guided walk in Mainz. In Rudesheim, experience the Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before sailing through the dramatic, castle-lined Rhine Gorge. Explore Cologne's twin-spired cathedral and taste traditional Lebkuchen at the festive markets. Conclude your holiday adventure in Holland with a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways.
Explore CologneExplore BaselRomantic evening light over BaselExplore quaint towns along the RhineEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near RudesheimEnjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne
Highlights
  • Take a guided tour to experience the natural beauty of the Black Forest
  • Discover Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and festive La Petite France
  • Explore the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and see its famed Great Vat
  • Explore the elegant waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise
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, where your Suite Ship is ready for boarding for your journey, which sails from Basel to Amsterdam or from Amsterdam to Basel. Ensure your flights into Zurich or Basel arrive by 3 pm, as you must be on board the ship by 5 pm. During your free day before the cruise, you have time to explore local Christmas traditions. In the evening, you cruise to Breisach.

Day 2: Breisach, Germany | Excursion to Black Forest

Join a full-day guided tour to the Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, or take a guided tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center situated amid the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You also have the option to join a guided excursion to visit the village of Colmar to see its medieval and early Renaissance buildings. In the evening, you cruise overnight to Strasbourg.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
Classic Excursion
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’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 | Excursion to Heidelberg

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime 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 Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, 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 sounds.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
Overnight Docking in Rudesheim

Day 5: Rudesheim | Rhine Gorge | Koblenz

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.
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.

Koblenz
Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz to explore local Christmas markets on your own before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
Overnight Docking in Koblenz

Day 6: Cologne

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Discovery Excursion
Classic 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
This afternoon, enjoy an onboard lecture to learn about European Christmas traditions.
Afternoon/Overnight cruise to Amsterdam

Day 7: Amsterdam, Holland

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Classic Excursion
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.
Overnight Docking in Amsterdam

Day 8: Amsterdam | 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
$6,329 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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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.
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