Festive Season on Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

Cruise WZA-T1

Was from

£2,521pp

Now from

£1,996pp

Prices shown exclude flights and transfers

See staterooms,
dates & prices
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Overview

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River, which starts in Switzerland with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Each town is decorated with festive lights with the strains of Christmas carols the air. Board your vessel in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest, an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Here’s your first chance to explore a Christmas mar-ket offering many traditional items. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you’ll visit the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe and its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below, and Mainz for a guided walk and visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Next up is the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You’re sure to be enthralled by the life-size figures of Europe’s largest nativity scene on the Market Square. Pass through the dramatic views of the Rhine Gorge before arriving in Cologne—your last stop in Germany. Here, you’ll ex-plore the 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral. Wander through the Christmas market, try some traditional Lebkuchen and get some inner warmth with a cup of Glühwein.

As an extra celebration of this wonderful Rhine river cruise, spend time in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River, which starts in Switzerland with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Each town is decorated with festive lights with the strains of Christmas carols the air. Board your vessel in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest, an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Here’s your first chance to explore a Christmas mar-ket offering many traditional items. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you’ll visit the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe and its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below, and Mainz for a guided walk and visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Next up is the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You’re sure to be enthralled by the life-size figures of Europe’s largest nativity scene on the Market Square. Pass through the dramatic views of the Rhine Gorge before arriving in Cologne—your last stop in Germany. Here, you’ll ex-plore the 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral. Wander through the Christmas market, try some traditional Lebkuchen and get some inner warmth with a cup of Glühwein.

As an extra celebration of this wonderful Rhine river cruise, spend time in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
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Upgrade your view - on us!

Book a Panorama Suite (B, A or P categories) on selected sailings before 9 November 2020 and we will waive your stateroom upgrade fee, worth an average £999 per person.  

See all cruises in this offer

Valid on the following departures:

  • 27 November 2021
  • 11 December 2021

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic
<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>
Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Dinner

Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH


Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden and learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting.


You may choose to follow your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller with a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the afternoon, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG


Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Gothic Giants, Military Marvels, and Varietal Vintages

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.


Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ


Day 4 EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. MAINZ

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.”Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

In your free time visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sound.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ

Day 5 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE–KOBLENZ

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.


Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz, past the legendary rock of The Lorelei–where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in Koblenz.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE


Day 6 COLOGNE

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.


Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM


Day 7 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”


With a free day to explore before your cruise ends, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM


Day 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements.  Request a callback or email us.

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Christmas markets are open from the first weekend in December, depending on the location.
See staterooms,
dates & prices

Start sooner, stay longer

Start sooner, stay longer. Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

Was from

£2,235pp

Now from

£1,710pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne

10 Day River Cruise Lucerne to Amsterdam

Was from

£3,024pp

Now from

£2,499pp

With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London

12 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£3,498pp

Now from

£2,973pp

With 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£3,814pp

Now from

£3,289pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne, 2 Nights In Paris & 2 Nights in London

14 Day River Cruise Lucerne to London

Was from

£4,287pp

Now from

£3,762pp

Special interest cruises

With Jewish Heritage

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

Was from

£2,714pp

Now from

£2,189pp

Romantic Rhine Author Cruise

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

From

£2,658pp

Festive Season with 2 Nights in Lucerne

10 Day River Cruise Lucerne to Amsterdam

Was from

£3,234pp

Now from

£2,709pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne with Jewish Heritage

10 Day River Cruise Lucerne to Amsterdam

Was from

£3,503pp

Now from

£2,978pp

Festive Season with 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London

12 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£3,646pp

Now from

£3,121pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

From

£3,447pp

With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London with Jewish Heritage

12 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£4,092pp

Now from

£3,567pp

Festive Season with 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£4,111pp

Now from

£3,586pp

Festive Season with 2 Nights in Lucerne, 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London

14 Day River Cruise Lucerne to London

Was from

£4,359pp

Now from

£3,834pp

With 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London with Jewish Heritage

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

Was from

£4,507pp

Now from

£3,982pp

With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

From

£4,045pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne, 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London with Jewish Heritage

14 Day River Cruise Lucerne to London

Was from

£4,881pp

Now from

£4,356pp

with 3 nights in Paris & 3 nights in London (Northbound)

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

From

£4,466pp

With 2 Nights in Lucerne, 2 Nights in Paris and 2 Nights in London

14 Day River Cruise Basel to London

From

£4,834pp

See staterooms,
dates & prices

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Ship details

Avalon Vista

Experience European river views unlike any other ship can offer. The Avalon Vista's two full decks of suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. Enjoy seamless cabin views that bring the view inside on your European river cruise. Our Comfort Collection beds face the window for the ultimate in relaxed luxury with fresh breezes and enchanting scenery. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include a Fitness Center, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.

Avalon Vista Observation Lounge
Avalon Vista Panorama Suite
The Avalon Vista
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Avalon Vista Observation Lounge thumbnail
Avalon Vista Panorama Suite thumbnail
The Avalon Vista thumbnail
Royal Suite (Suite)
300 - sq.ft - (Royal)
Royal Suite (Suite) - floorplan
Picture of Royal Suite
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Double sinks
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
200 - sq.ft - (Royal,Sapphire)
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - floorplan
Picture of Panorama Suite
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E, D)
172 - sq.ft - (Indigo)
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E, D) - floorplan
Picture of Avalon Deluxe Stateroom
  • Two windows
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports
Deck Plans
Avalon Vista deck plan
See staterooms,
dates & prices