Festive Season on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights Lucerne 2019
(Northbound)

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)

• 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

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 in Europe
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Complimentary computer use in public areas
  • 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
  • Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Avalon Choice® cruising experience
  • Behind-the-scenes galley tour
  • Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
  • 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
  • Sky Deck game area
  • 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 Fresh^SM 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
  • Welcome dinner
  • Five-course farewell dinner
  • Spacious, open-seating 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
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
  • Healthy meal options
  • Light lunch & 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

Lucerne: Renaissance, The Hotel Lucerne or Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann 
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista

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

• 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.

* 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.