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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel 2022
Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound)
Starting from $2,598Ship(s): Avalon Panorama
River Cruise Description
One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on 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. 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. Stop in Breisach, Germany, located on the French-German border, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beau-ty-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.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 2022 | Avalon Panorama | $2,598 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
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."
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Discovery
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
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 and 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 a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 5 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 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Joyeux Noël 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Discovery
Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
Discovery
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
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 or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)
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