Find the River Cruise you’re looking for...
When do you want to start your cruise?
Where do you want to go?
8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam 2022
Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Starting from $2,848Ship(s): Avalon Panorama, Avalon Tranquility II
River Cruise Description
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 decorat-ed and strains of Christmas carols fill the air. Board your vessel in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Here's your first chance to explore a Christmas market offering many traditional items. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you'll visit the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe and its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. Choose between a visit the ruins of Heidelberg's castle, towering magnificently over the city, and watch the skaters on the ice rink below or a a guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Next up is the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and unique Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You're sure to be enthralled by the life-size figures of Europe's largest nativity scene on the Market Square. Pass through the dramatic views of the Rhine Gorge before arriving in Cologne-your last stop in Germany. Here, you'll explore the 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral. Wander through the Christmas market, try some traditional Lebkuchen and get some inner warmth with a cup of Glühwein. As an exclamation point to this wonderful Rhine river cruise, you'll spend time in Holland's popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. 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."Thanks for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon.Error
I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26, 2022 | Avalon Panorama | $3,948 | Call Us! |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Avalon Panorama | $2,848 | Call Us! |
| Dec 14, 2022 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,698 | 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 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel 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 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 3 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 4 MAINZ . EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine
Discovery
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
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 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.
AFTERNOON/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.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Need more information?
Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?
Call Us Today at 1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?
