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 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.” Continue on to Cologne, a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture. 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
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
V149 Operated by Avalon Waterways
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Amsterdam to Basel 2020
Day 1 - Amsterdam (Holland)
Embark your ship in Amsterdam. Flights must arrive by 3:30pm, and guests must be on board by 5pm. (D)
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Cruise to Cologne overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)
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. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim
Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim past the legendary rock of the Lorelei. In Rudesheim, take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. Based on your departure, enjoy a special treat. Don't miss the tantalising treats and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. Dock overnight in Rudesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Mainz
Today choose between two excursions. The first is a guided city tour in Mainz, including a visit to the Guttenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. The second option is 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'. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Strasbourg (France)
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. Savour 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Breisach (Germany)
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. Alternatively, 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 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Basel (Switzerland)
Disembark after breakfast. (B)
Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
Basel to Amsterdam 2020
Day 1 - Basel (Switzerland)
Embark your ship in Basel. Flights into Zurich and Basel must arrive by 3pm. Guests must be on board by 5pm. (D)
Day 2 - Breisach (Germany)
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, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Strasbourg (France)
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. Overnight cruise to Ludwigshafen. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Mainz (Germany)
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." Alternatively, enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Rudesheim
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. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Cologne
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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Amsterdam (Holland)
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, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Amsterdam
Disembark after breakfast. (B)
Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner