Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound) 2024
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Description
Summary
Description
Experience the magic of the festive season on a multi-day tour that takes you through the heart of Switzerland and Germany. This enchanting journey will lead you through charming cities, picturesque vineyards, and the mystical Black Forest, all adorned with the twinkling lights and vibrant colors of Christmas markets. From the Swiss raclette in Zurich to the Black Forest cake in Breisach, your taste buds will be treated to a variety of regional delicacies. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process in Baden, explore the gothic architecture of Strasbourg, and marvel at the world's largest wine barrel in Heidelberg. This tour is the perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and festive cheer.
Included
4 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
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
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Map
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Attractions
Spalentor
Château de Haut-Andlau
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Speyer Cathedral
Freiburger RieselfeldDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Zurich or Basel to Breisach
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- Spalentor
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Welcome to Switzerland! Your journey begins in either Zurich or Basel, where you must arrive by 3 pm. Once on board your Suite Ship, take a leisurely stroll through the city center, basking in the festive illumination and savoring Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets, and Swiss raclette. As evening falls, we set sail for Breisach, where you'll spend the night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Wutach Gorge
- Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Start your day with a visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe, nestled between the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a wine tasting. Alternatively, join a guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. You may also opt for an excursion to the charming village of Colmar. Spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach's lovely Christmas market before we cruise overnight to Strasbourg.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg to Speyer
- Strasbourg
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- Château de Haut-Andlau
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Today, explore the city of Strasbourg, known for its gothic cathedral with ancient murals and an astronomical clock. Don't miss the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to join an optional excursion to a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend your free afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg before we set sail for Speyer, where you'll spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Speyer to Frankfurt
- Frankfurt
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
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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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights, sounds, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. As evening falls, we cruise to Frankfurt, where you'll spend the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Departure from Frankfurt
- Frankfurt - Departure day
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Your enchanting multi-day tour concludes with breakfast this morning. Please arrange for flights to depart from Frankfurt airport no earlier than 10 am. We hope you've enjoyed this magical journey through the festive heart of Switzerland and Germany.
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