Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a magical 10-day journey through the heart of Europe, soaking in the festive spirit of Christmas. This multi-day tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Black Forest, every day is a new adventure. Explore historic windmills, gothic cathedrals, ancient castles, and world-renowned museums. Savor authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, taste the world's largest wine barrel, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Christmas markets. The tour concludes with a breathtaking excursion to Mount Pilatus, offering spectacular views over central Switzerland. This tour is a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and festive cheer.
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 View or similar
7 nights onboard cruise ship
2 nights in Lucerne
Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Envision: 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 Holland
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Castle de Haar
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. Spend the day exploring the city or join an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village known for its historic windmills. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Join your Adventure Host for a guided canal cruise. Sail past the stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise towards Cologne.
Day 3 – Day 3: Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Take a guided city walk of Cologne, featuring its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time enjoying the festive glow of Cologne's Christmas markets. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Be Merry in Wine Country
Day 4: Be Merry in Wine Country
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rhine Gorge. Visit the incredible Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Explore the city's sparkling winter wonderlands and enjoy live entertainment on board.
Day 5 – Day 5: Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. Alternatively, take a guided city walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. Cruise to Strasbourg in the evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
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Join a city sightseeing tour, including Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Choose a guided optional excursion to Alsace's wine country. Cruise to Breisach in the evening.
Day 7 – Day 7: The Beautiful Black Forest
- Basel
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- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar. Cruise to Basel in the evening.
Day 8 – Day 8: Spectacular Views in Switzerland
- Basel
- Lucerne
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- Mount Pilatus
- Lucerne Needle Dam
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Disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus for spectacular views over central Switzerland. Later, join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, including Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
Day 9 – Day 9: Lake and Mountains
- Lucerne
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the city's many squares and churches or spend your free time shopping in the city center.
Day 10 – Day 10: Farewell
- Lucerne - Departure day
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and the beautiful city of Lucerne.
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