Festive Season on the Romantic Rhine 2020 (Southbound)
8 days with Avalon Waterways Rating: Deluxe
Book this River Cruise Now and Save!
Fly for free from select gateways on certain 2020 Europe river cruises. Expires December 16. Click here for eligible departures.
Save up to $1,500 per couple off 2020 Europe cruises. Expires December 16. Click here for eligible departures.
Pay no single supplement in certain cabin categories on select river cruises. Expires December 16. Click here for eligible departures.
Travel on select 2020 itineraries with Avalon Waterways and receive a Welcome Back Credit of $100 to $250 per person after your trip. The credit can be applied toward a subsequent trip with Avalon Waterways . Click here for eligible departures.
Save 5% off all trips when you pay with an AMEX Gold or Platinum card . This discount is combinable with all other promotions. Click here for eligible departures.
Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
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 (D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
ATERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
CLASSIC 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 (B,L,D)
Day 4 RHINE GORGE—RÜDESHEIM
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.
DISCOVERY 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 (B,L,D)
Day 5 MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
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.”
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 (B,L,D)
Day 6 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.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY 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:
DISCOVERY 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 (B,L,D)
Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise
Day 3 Cologne: guided city walk; Christmas market
Day 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: scenic sailing through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; Christmas market
Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: choice of guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, or excursion to Heidelberg, guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat; Christmas market
Day 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
Day 7 Breisach: choice of Black Forest Excursion, or visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer
Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation): your cruise ends this morning
All This Included
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.
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
Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room from $221 to $401, in twin room from $140 to $237
Extra nights per person in Zürich:
in single room $225 in twin room $152
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.
Gateway city for departures is Zürich, Switzerland.
Port charges: $182
Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.
All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. Cabin upgrades are 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.
800-510-4002
OR
Open Mon-Fri 7am to 10pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am to 8pm, CST