Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Amsterdam
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an enchanting 8-day tour through the heart of Europe, where the magic of Christmas comes alive. This multi-day tour takes you on a journey through Holland, Germany, and France, immersing you in the festive spirit of the season. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Black Forest, you'll experience a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Enjoy guided tours of historic cities, explore charming Christmas markets, and savor local delicacies. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and an array of activities, this tour promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

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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

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Avalon Vista or Avalon View or similar

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7 nights stateroom accommodation

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control and in-room safe

USB Ports

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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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

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Destinations

Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne

Map

Attractions

Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
photo of view Schwabentor - historical city gate in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany,Freiburg im Breisgau Germany.Freiburger Rieselfeld
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Photo of Castle de Haar with the bridge in the foreground, located in Utrecht ,Netherlands.Castle de Haar
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
Architectural detail of the Museum of Modern Art in Strasbourg on a winter day. Inaugurated in December 1998 by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann.Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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  • Castle de Haar
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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Arrive by 3:30 pm and board your Suite Ship®. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure, or join an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village known for its historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner on board and prepare for an overnight stay in Amsterdam.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne

  • Amsterdam
  • Cologne
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Start your day with a guided canal cruise, gliding past the stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise towards Cologne, Germany. Participate in special activities hosted by your Adventure Host and prepare for an overnight cruise to Cologne.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Cologne

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Take a guided city walk of Cologne, home to the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time soaking in the festive atmosphere of Cologne's Christmas markets. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey through the Rhine Gorge

Day 4: Journey through the Rhine Gorge

  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
  • More

Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the ancient castles perched on cliffs above the water. In Rüdesheim, take a guided tour of the unique Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Spend the evening enjoying live entertainment on board.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg to Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Pharmacy Museum
  • Heidelberg Palace
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city. Alternatively, take a guided city walk and visit the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the captivating history of printing. After a day of exploration, cruise overnight to Strasbourg, France.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg to Breisach

  • Strasbourg
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  • Petite France
  • Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Join a city sightseeing tour in Strasbourg, exploring the 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 festive atmosphere. Cruise overnight to Breisach, Germany.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach to Basel

  • Basel
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  • Wutach Gorge
  • Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Join 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 on a guided tour. After a day of exploration, cruise overnight to Basel, Switzerland.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell in Basel

  • Basel - Departure day
  • More

Your enchanting Christmas tour ends with breakfast in Basel. Plan your departure flights from Zürich airport after 10 am or Basel airport after 8 am.

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