Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day tour through the heart of Europe, soaking in the festive spirit of Christmas. This multi-day tour takes you on a journey through Holland, Germany, and France, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical sightseeing, and culinary delights. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Black Forest of Germany, every day promises a new adventure. Experience the charm of traditional Christmas markets, marvel at ancient castles, and indulge in local delicacies. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply a lover of travel, this tour offers something for everyone.
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 Waterways River cruise ship
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: 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: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Castle de Haar
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Amsterdam, Holland. Your journey begins with a warm welcome aboard your Suite Ship. Arrive by 3:30 pm and settle in before 5 pm. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure, or join an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, a charming village known for its historic windmills and Dutch houses. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as we dock overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
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Begin your day with a guided canal cruise, sailing past the stately homes of Amsterdam's Golden Age. After the cruise, join your Adventure Host for special activities. Enjoy meals on board as we set sail in the afternoon for Cologne, Germany, where we will dock overnight.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Take a guided city walk of Cologne, home to a soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time basking in the festive glow of Cologne's Christmas markets. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Rüdesheim
Day 4: Exploring Rüdesheim
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before arriving in Rüdesheim. Visit the unique Mechanical Music Museum on a guided tour and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Spend the evening enjoying live entertainment on board as we dock overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure. Alternatively, take a guided city walk and visit the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the captivating history of printing. We set sail in the evening for Strasbourg, France, where we will dock overnight.
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, visiting the gothic cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time exploring the French winter markets of Strasbourg. In the evening, we set sail for Breisach, Germany, where we will dock overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach to Basel
- Basel
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- Wutach Gorge
- Stadtgarten Freiburg
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest or visit a local winery in Breisach for a wine tasting. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center. In the evening, we set sail for Basel, Switzerland, where we will dock overnight.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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Your enchanting 8-day tour concludes with breakfast. Please arrange for flights to depart from Zürich airport after 10 am or Basel airport after 8 am.
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