Overview
Start:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Finish:Basel, Italy
Duration:9 days
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! Begin your Romantic Rhine holiday your way with a one-night stay in Amsterdam! Join us for a off-the-beaten-path guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets before embarking on your Suite Ship. Continue to explore this 700-year-old city 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. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and 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. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade.
Before the end of your European river cruise holiday, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivalled natural beauty in the area 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.
What's Included
8 breakfasts.
6 lunches.
7 dinners.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Welcome to Holland.
Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.
Day 2 - AMSTERDAM (EMBARKATION)
Amsterdam Off the Beaten Path. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding
CLASSIC - Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,D)
Canals of Colourful Amsterdam
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)
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 RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rudesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei-where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee.
Don't miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 6 - MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 7 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Joyeux Noel in Strasbourg
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 Petite 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.
Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace's wine country today.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
Day 8 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY - Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:
DISCOVERY - Visit to a local winery in Breisach where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC - Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
After your visit to the winery, you may choose to join 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 9 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
Travel Partner
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Cruise without crowds, explore new cultures with ease, and sail in intimate settings when you cruise the world with Avalon Waterways! If you’re considering trading ocean cruising for river cruising, here are some of the biggest differences you can look forward to!