Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, immersing yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas. This multi-day tour takes you from the charming Swiss city of Basel, through the mystical Black Forest, the enchanting Strasbourg, the historical Mainz and Heidelberg, the vibrant Rüdesheim and Koblenz, to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Experience the magic of European Christmas traditions, explore medieval city centers, visit world-renowned museums, and savor local delicacies. Each day is filled with unique activities, from guided city walks and canal cruises to wine tastings and Christmas market visits. This tour is a perfect blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer, promising an unforgettable experience.
Included
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Envision: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Vista: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Vista or Avalon View or similar
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
Destinations
Mainz
Amsterdam
Basel
Strasbourg
Zurich
Freiburg im Breisgau
Cologne
ColmarMap
Attractions
Freiburg Minster
Heidelberg Palace
Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
Castle de Haar
Amsterdam Museum
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland
- Zurich
- Basel - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the beautiful Swiss city of Basel. Arrive by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship®. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city and soaking in the Christmas spirit. Overnight cruise to Breisach. Dinner included.
Day 2 – Day 2: The Enchanting Black Forest
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Colmar
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- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Embark on a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, experiencing local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. Alternatively, explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, nestled amid the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. Optionally, visit the charming village of Colmar, known for its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. Overnight cruise to Strasbourg. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Christmas Magic in Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Petite France
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Join a city sightseeing tour, visiting Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, and the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg, soaking in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. Optionally, visit Alsace’s wine country. Overnight cruise to Mainz. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Historical Treasures of Mainz and Heidelberg
- Mainz
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime, marveling at the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure and its famed Great Vat, the 'World’s Largest Wine Barrel'. Alternatively, enjoy a guided city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the captivating history of printing. Spend your free time exploring the local Christmas market. Overnight docking in Rüdesheim. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Wine Country Wonders
- Koblenz
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- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Spend some free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Rüdesheim’s Christmas markets. En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy free time in Koblenz to explore local Christmas markets. Overnight docking in Koblenz. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Celebrations in Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Take a guided city walk of Cologne, visiting its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets. In the afternoon, enjoy an onboard lecture to learn about European Christmas traditions. Afternoon and overnight cruise to Amsterdam. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam's Vibrant Canals
- Amsterdam
- Zaandam
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- Castle de Haar
- Amsterdam Museum
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Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s 'Golden Age'. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition. Optionally, join a guided excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Overnight docking in Amsterdam. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your enchanting Christmas journey through Europe concludes in Amsterdam. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark from your Suite Ship®. Breakfast included.
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