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Overview

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. 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.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. While you’re there, why not try a locally-brewed Kölsch beer? Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle towering magnificently over the city. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. The city’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Before the end of your European river cruise vacation, stop in Breisach, Germany, located on the French-German border, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored.

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:

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.

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.

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 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Dinner

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 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 or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 2 AMSTERDAM

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

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

ATERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Day 4 RHINE GORGE—RÜDESHEIM

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine Country
Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim past the legendary rock of The Lorelei–where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

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.

Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

Day 5 MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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

Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

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.”

In your free time visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sound.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Gothic Giants, Military Marvels, and Varietal Vintages

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 Petit 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit to Badische 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, OR:

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.

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

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

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.