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2023 Season

Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound)


cruise: WAZ2-T1
10 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Lucerne
Your 10-day winter wonderland river cruise vacation includes stays in Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland— all beginning with your Avalon Rhine River cruise embarking from Amsterdam. Before sailing down the Rhine River, you’ll enjoy a guided canal cruise through the colorful capital of Holland.

Next, you’ll cruise to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture—an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Here, wander through the Christmas market, try some traditional Lebkuchen and get some inner warmth with a cup of Glühwein. Later, relax on the Sky Deck of your ship as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. 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.

Sail into Mainz and 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. Continue your River cruise to Strasbourg, France to see its gothic cathedral with stunning murals and stained-glass and home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe and its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree.

Then, stop in Breisach, Germany, 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.
Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a walking tour in Lucerne
Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

cruise

at-a-glance


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: Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; 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

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 Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer

Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Mount Pilatus-Lucerne: Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

Day 9 Lucerne: Full day at leisure

Day 10 Lucerne: Your vacation ends this morning

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. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

The “Starting at” or “From” listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.