Festive Season on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights Lucerne (Northbound)
10 days with Avalon Waterways Rating: Deluxe
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River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Your Monograms Local Host will help you get the most out of your two nights in Lucerne.
Day 2 LUCERNE
Your guided walking tour includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (B)
Day 3 LUCERNE—MOUNT PILATUS-BASEL (EMBARKATION)
This morning enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).
Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 4 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest
CLASSIC Visit the charming village of Colmar on a Guided Tour of its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional Bavarian butter-making demonstration.
Follow your visit to Colmar with a free afternoon in Breisach, and browse the lovely Christmas market to sample bretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 5 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Gothic Giants, Military Marvels, and Varietal Vintages
CLASSIC 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B,L,D)
Day 6 EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. MAINZ
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of wine
CLASSIC 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.”
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
In your free time in Mainz visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sound.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)
Day 7 RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE—KOBLENZ
Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine Country
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience.
DISCOVERY Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.
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.
Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in Koblenz.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)
Day 8 COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Day 9 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Colorful Amsterdam —with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age
CLASSIC 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Day 10 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Lucerne, Switzerland: welcome to Switzerland
Lucerne: Guided walking tour with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
Lucerne, Mount Pilatus—Basel (Embarkation): excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); onboard welcome reception
Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: choice of Black Forest Excursion, or guided tour in Colmar; Christmas market
Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
Excursion to Heidelberg. Mainz: excursion to Heidelberg, guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat; guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, free time for Christmas market
Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treat; Christmas market; cruise through the Rhine Gorge
Cologne: guided city walk; Christmas market
Amsterdam: canal cruise
Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River. Begin in Switzerland for your Rhine River cruise through France, Germany, and Holland, and delight in the festive lights, decorations, and culinary treats of each Christmas market along the way. Board your vessel in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the unrivaled beauty of the Black Forest. Enjoy the first Christmas market on your Rhine River cruise, in the area known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Continue your European river cruise to Strasbourg, France—home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe with a spectacular Christmas tree as its centerpiece. Visit Heidelberg’s castle ruins towering above the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below. Browse the charming Christmas market in Mainz, and enjoy a guided walk through town, and tour the Gutenberg Museum. Sail to charming Rüdesheim, home to Europe’s largest nativity scene, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge on your way to the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne. Wander through Cologne’s brilliant Christmas market, and try traditional Lebkuchen and Glühwein. You’ll visit Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, and take a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
Ship Amenities - Avalon Panorama:
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
Sky Deck whirlpool
State-of-the-art fitness center
Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
Convenient Elevator Service
Elegant, contemporary design
Outside viewing deck
Headsets for guided shore excursions
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
Additional biking excursions available in Amsterdam, Breisach and Bernkastel
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Avalon Choice® cruising experience
Behind-the-scenes galley tour
Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
Full-size closet mirror
Ship Dining - Avalon Panorama:
Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options at every meal
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily early-riser breakfast
Daily late-riser breakfast
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Healthy meal options
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
Coffee or tea after dinner
Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Accommodations on this Tour
Lucerne: Renaissance, The Hotel Lucerne or Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Lucerne:
in single room $234, in twin room $154
Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room from $204 to $387, in twin room from $132 to $227
Notes
Cabin upgrades are available.
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
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.
Additional Price Details:
Gateway city for arrivals is Zürich.
Port charges: $182.
Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
Terms and Conditions
*
The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.
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