Avalon Waterways - Avalon Tranquility II - Christmastime in Alsace and Germany - Switzerland to France to Germany: 5 Days from R 55 920 pps from 02 Dec 24 - 06 Dec 24

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When can I go?

02 December 2024 – 06 December 2024

Description

This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest.

What’s included in the deal?

• 5 Days on board the Avalon Tranquility II in a Deluxe Stateroom Category P cabin
• All meals onboard and selected drinks
• Port charges and gratuities
• All taxes, levies & surcharges (estimate)

Bonus

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
• Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

PACKAGE EXCLUDES

All Items of a personal nature. Meals not mentioned. Medical and Travel insurance. Visas and passports

Terms & Conditions

• Packages are subject to availability at the time of the reservation.
• Passport & visa cost (if applicable), travel insurance & items of a personal nature are not included.
• Prices are subject to change without prior notice due to airfare increases and currency fluctuations.
• Re-booking and cancellation fees apply.
• All prices are per person sharing unless otherwise specified.
• Standard terms and conditions apply.

Hotel Info

Why we love it

This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered 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. There is no better setting than at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. The city is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. There’s plenty of time to find just the right Christmas present amongst the array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts before this magical European river cruise ends in Frankfurt, Germany.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

Day 1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city centre, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest 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, OR: DISCOVERY 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. In the afternoon, 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Joyeux Noel in Strasbourg CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion in a wine country village in beautiful Alsace. Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the glowing winter markets of Strasbourg. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (B,L,D)

Day 4
SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
Winter Wonders Fit for a King DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent 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 After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)

Day 5
FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am. (B)

Dest. Info

Switzerland

With its soaring Alpine mountains, pretty castles, clear lakes and spectacular scenery, Switzerland is a holiday paradise. This little country is renowned for its banks, the luxury watch-making industry, incredible winter sports, diverse holiday offerings and fabulous food. Shopping is a delight, dining out a treat at a choice of excellent restaurants, and the country’s Alpine wonderland is a haven for skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer months.

Swiss cities like Geneva, Lucerne and Zurich are contemporary and modern with plenty to delight, including charming scenery and historical Old Towns. Swiss cheese and chocolate are world-famous – for a good reason. You can sample these, as well as other delicious dishes, including many that have been influenced by the bordering countries of France, Italy, Austria and Germany.

France

Travel to France to explore one of Europe’s most romantic destinations, and the most-visited country in the world. Its sheer diversity of places to see and things to do is what makes France such a popular holiday destination. Nowhere else can you enjoy so many different experiences, landscapes and so much beauty. Here you can soak up the sun on glorious beaches in the French Riviera, dine, shop and sightsee in Paris, revel in the beauty of Provence and go skiing in the French Alps.

With an excellent transportation system making travelling around France a cinch, this beautiful, stylish country is just begging to be explored. You can tour the country by car or train, visiting exciting destinations and immersing yourself in French culture. Or if you prefer, you can stay in just one part of this stunning country. It’s all up to you. Wherever you go in France, you’ll enjoy superb cuisine and a variety of exciting tourist attractions showcasing the country’s incredible art, culture and history.

Germany

Travel to Germany to visit modern cities, picture-postcard towns and villages, pagan-inspired festivals and romantic castles. It’s a fascinating land to explore any time of year and offers endless things to do. In the summer, visitors head into the mountains for hiking and climbing experiences. In the winter, the Bavarian Alps set the scene for exciting adventures.

Germany’s capital, Berlin, is a thriving modern metropolis and an exciting destination to visit, with a legendary nightlife and numerous historical attractions including the remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. Munich, capital of Bavaria, is full of museums, galleries and beautiful churches to explore. In the summer, visitors head into the mountains for hiking and climbing adventures. Frankfurt, the country’s financial hub, is home to one of Europe’s largest stock exchanges as well as a rich selection of museums and nightlife as good as Berlin’s.