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Tour Netherlands Aw_Amsterdam Aw_Artistryii Aw_Basel Aw_Christmastime Aw_Cologne Aw_Expression Aw_France Aw_Germany + 26 More Aw_Holland Aw_Illumination Aw_Mainz Aw_Panorama Aw_Rhine River Aw_Strasbourg Aw_Switzerland Aw_Tranquilityii Aw_Vista Aw_Zurich Basel Breisach Cologne Europe France Germany Heidelberg Holland Switzerland Mainz Mount Pilatus Rhine Gorge Rudesheim Strasbourg Avalon Waterways 10 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Lucerne

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise along 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 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. You’ll sail to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your European vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a walking tour in Lucerne. With services provided by Monograms®, you’ll have a Local Host® to arrange your sightseeing, free-time recommendations, and any other assistance you need during your 2-night stay in Lucerne. Your scenic river cruise on the Romantic Rhine River, and complete vacation package in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

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 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 RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

Day 4: RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine CountrySail 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.DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

Day 5: MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. 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.”EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)

Day 6: 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)

Day 7: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking 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.After your visit to the winery, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)

Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)-MOUNT PILATUS-LUCERNE

Disembark your Avalon ship and join the Monograms portion of your vacation. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). Later join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)

Day 9: LUCERNE

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Your Local Host can help you plan your day. (B)

Day 10: LUCERNE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 10

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 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 RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 4: RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine CountrySail 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.DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 5: MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. 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.”EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)
Day 6: 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)
Day 7: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking 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.After your visit to the winery, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)-MOUNT PILATUS-LUCERNE
Disembark your Avalon ship and join the Monograms portion of your vacation. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). Later join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)
Day 9: LUCERNE
Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Your Local Host can help you plan your day. (B)
Day 10: LUCERNE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

ROMANTIC RHINE WITH 2 NIGHTS LUCERNE - SOUTHBOUND