Festive Season on Romantic Rhine with 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London 2020 (Northbound)

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH. (D)

Day 2 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.

Follow your visit to Badische Winzerkeller with a free afternoon in Breisach for shopping and taking a break in one of the many cozies cafés.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG. (B,L,D)

Day 3 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN. (B,L,D)

Day 4 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, OR:

CLASSIC 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ. (B,L,D)

Day 5 RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE—KOBLENZ
Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience.

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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE. (B,L,D)

Day 6 COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

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 7 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

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 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)—PARIS, FRANCE
Transfer from your Avalon ship to the train station, where you begin your Monograms package.

Travel to Paris by high-speedtrain (first class). (B)

Day 9 PARIS
Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a SEINE RIVER CRUISE. Embark your comfortable boat near the Eiffel Tower and spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's important landmarks such as the L'Institut de France; magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral where Napoleon was crowned emperor in 1804; Hôtel de Ville, the city's municipal headquarters; the Conciergerie, formerly a notorious prison where Marie-Antoinette spent the last days of her life; famous Louvre Palace and museum; and much more. (B)

Day 10 PARIS
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the “City of Lights”. Your Local Host® will help you get the most out of your stay in Paris. (B)

Day 11 PARIS—LONDON, ENGLAND
Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class). (B)

Day 12 LONDON
Morning guided sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Take photos of the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel situated on the river bank, and the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline. (B)

Day 13 LONDON
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore London at your own pace. Your Local Host® will help you get the most out of it. (B)

Day 14 LONDON
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Day 2 Breisach: choice of Black Forest Excursion, or visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer; Christmas market
• Day 3 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
• Day 4 Excursion to Heidelberg. Mainz: choice of excursion to Heidelberg, guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat, or guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; Christmas market
• Day 5 Rüdesheim—Rhine Gorge: special treat; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; Christmas market; scenic sailing through the Rhine Gorge
• Day 6 Cologne: guided city walk; Christmas market
• Day 7 Amsterdam: canal cruise
• Day 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)—Paris, France: travel to Paris by high-speed train (first class)
• Day 9 Paris: guided sightseeing, Seine river cruise
• Day 10 Paris: full day at leisure
• Day 11 Paris—London, England: travel to London by high-speed train (Standard class)
• Day 12 London: guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays)
• Day 13 London: full day at leisure
• Day 14 London: your vacation ends this morning

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River, which starts in Switzerland with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Each town is festively lit and decorated and strains of Christmas carols fill the air. You’ll board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. Sail for Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Explore the warm and friendly Christmas market with traditional festive offerings. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe with a spectacular Christmas tree. Visit Heidelberg’s castle ruins towering above the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below, or enjoy a leisurely sail to Mainz and browse its charming Christmas market. Sail to charming Rüdesheim, home to Europe’s largest nativity scene, and pass through the dramatic views of the 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.”

Transfer by high-speed train to Paris to start your Monograms vacation package with 3 nights in “The City of Light”. Enjoy a VIP sightseeing with an expert guide, drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe, and join a Seine river cruise. You’ll enjoy guided VIP sightseeing in England’s most famous destination, as well as free time to really get to know the city. Sightseeing includes Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Your Monograms vacation package includes helpful onsite support from your expert Local Hosts® both in Paris & London. Your scenic river cruise on the Romantic Rhine River, and complete vacation package in Paris and London are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

• 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

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
Paris: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel 
London: Park Plaza County Hall 

Extra nights per person in Zürich: 
in single room from $198 to $433, in twin room from $129 to $250

• 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 arrivals is Zürich.
• Port charges: $182
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.
• Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• 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.

* 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.