Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day tour through the heart of Europe, immersing yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas. Starting in Switzerland, this multi-day tour will take you through the winemaking region of Germany, the charming French city of Strasbourg, the historical city of Heidelberg, the wine country of Rüdesheim, the monumental city of Koblenz, the gothic city of Cologne, and finally, the colorful canals of Amsterdam. Experience local traditions, visit historical sites, and indulge in local delicacies. This tour is a perfect blend of guided activities and free time for personal exploration. Enjoy the warmth and glow of European Christmas markets, savor local wines, and marvel at ancient castles and cathedrals. This tour promises a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
Included
7 nights accommodation omboard Avalon Waterways cruise ship
Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Panorama or Avalon Expression 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
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
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
Strasbourg
ZurichMap
Attractions
Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Heidelberg Palace
Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
Stadtgarten Freiburg
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Zürich/Basel to Breisach
- Zurich - Arrival day
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Welcome to Switzerland! Your journey begins in either Zürich or Basel, where you must arrive by 3 pm. Spend the day exploring at your leisure, soaking in the Christmas spirit before boarding your Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Set sail in the evening for Breisach, Germany, where you will spend the night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Begin your day with a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, experiencing local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. Alternatively, visit a local winery in Breisach to learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. You may also choose to join an optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar. In the evening, cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you will spend the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg to Mainz
- Mainz
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
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Join a city sightseeing tour in Strasbourg, visiting the Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg, taking 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. In the evening, cruise to Mainz, Germany, where you will spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Mainz to Rüdesheim
- Mainz
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. Alternatively, enjoy a guided city walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. Spend your free time exploring the local Christmas market before setting sail for Rüdesheim, Germany, where you will spend the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Mainz
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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 Rüdesheim's Christmas markets, 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, taking in breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and passing the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy free time in Koblenz to explore local Christmas markets on your own before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
Day 6 – Day 6: Koblenz to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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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. In the afternoon, set sail for Amsterdam, Netherlands, where you will spend the night.
Day 7 – Day 7: 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 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 or join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your enchanting 8-day tour through the heart of Europe concludes in Amsterdam. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and begin your journey home.
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