Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
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.
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
Avalon Vista or Avalon View or similar
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
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
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey through the Rhine Gorge
Day 4: Journey through the Rhine Gorge
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell in Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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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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