Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, soaking in the festive spirit of Christmas. This multi-day tour takes you from the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland to the vibrant city life of Amsterdam. Experience the magic of the Black Forest, the charm of Strasbourg's winter markets, the historical allure of Heidelberg Castle, and the musical marvels of Rüdesheim. Savor the flavors of the Rhineland in Cologne and marvel at the architectural beauty of Amsterdam's Golden Age. Each day is packed with guided tours, cultural experiences, and free time to explore at your own pace. Enjoy comfortable overnight stays on a luxurious Suite Ship®, complete with meals and live entertainment.
Included
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
Cruise ship
Avalon View:
The Avalon View is the newest addition to the 2020 Avalon Suite Ship fleet. With the youngest fleet of ships on Europe's waterways, Avalon Waterways continues our outstanding commitment to comfortable luxury and excellence with the View. Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's incomparable window-facing "Beds with a View". Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center for bikes and active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and activities. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Library books, cards, and board games are favorites in the Club Lounge, and our Observation Lounge affords the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular scenery.
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
stateroom-suite: 7 night(s); Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland
- Basel
- Zürich - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the beautiful cities of Zürich or Basel. Arrive by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city and immersing yourself in the Christmas traditions. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board and prepare for an evening cruise to Breisach.
Day 2 – Day 2: The Enchanting Black Forest
- Strasbourg
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- Freiburger Münster
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Embark on a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, a place of local traditions and vibrant Christmas mood. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center, nestled amid the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may also opt for a guided excursion to the charming village of Colmar, known for its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 3 – Day 3: Christmas Cheer in Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
- Mainz
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- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Join a city sightseeing tour that includes Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, famous for 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. You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit Alsace's wine country. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Mainz.
Day 4 – Day 4: Historical Wonders in Heidelberg and Mainz
- Mainz
- Heidelberg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime, marvel at the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, 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 visiting the local Christmas market. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you dock overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 5 – Day 5: Musical Marvels and 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 for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience 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 breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you dock overnight in Koblenz.
Day 6 – Day 6: Celebrations in the Rhineland
- Cologne
- Koblenz
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Take a guided city walk of Cologne, famous for its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your 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. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Amsterdam.
Day 7 – Day 7: The Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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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 the stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace, soaking in the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition. You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you dock overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your enchanting Christmas cruise comes to an end. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before disembarking and bidding farewell to Amsterdam.
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