Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound)

Welcome to Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Arrive by 3:30 pm and board your Suite Ship. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure, soaking in the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition. Alternatively, join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, a historic site known for its iconic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Overnight stay will be on the ship docked in Amsterdam. Dinner will be served on board.

Start your day with a guided canal cruise, exploring the iconic waterways of Amsterdam. Admire the stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age' as you glide past. After the cruise, embark on an afternoon and overnight journey to Cologne, Germany. All meals for the day will be served on board.

Arrive in Cologne and embark on a guided city walk, visiting the city's soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne's Christmas markets. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise overnight to Rüdesheim. All meals for the day will be served on board.

Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime, marveling at the ruins of the 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. After your day in Heidelberg, embark on an evening and overnight journey to Strasbourg, France. All meals for the day will be served on board.

Join a city sightseeing tour in Strasbourg, visiting the city's 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, soaking in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. Later, embark on an evening and overnight journey to Breisach, Germany. All meals for the day will be served on board.

Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. Alternatively, visit a local winery in Breisach where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. You may also choose to join a guided tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center. After your day in Breisach, embark on an evening and overnight journey to Basel, Switzerland. All meals for the day will be served on board.

Disembark your Avalon ship in Basel and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus, journeying almost 7,000 ft. up for spectacular views over central Switzerland. In case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. Later, join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. After your day in Lucerne, continue your journey to Como, Italy. Breakfast will be served on board.

Take a guided walking tour which includes the charming historic center of Como, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating Gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. Experience a boat ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como. Breakfast will be served.