15 Dec - 22 Dec 2023
We strive not to be beaten on price!
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 decorated 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.”
Avalon Panorama accommodates 166 passengers. A unique Suite Ship, it was the first of its kind in the industry with two full decks of suites featuring a wall-to-wall panoramic window that transforms the living space into a unique open-air balcony. The suites' full-size seating area is ideal for quiet moments to yourself, or is spacious enough to host a private cocktail party for new found friends. The clever positioning of the bed ensures superb river views when you wake and retire.
Avalon Panorama Cruise CalendarIn Europe, see the iconic sights of Paris and Budapest, Vienna and Bucharest. Explore the nooks and cobbled alleys of medieval quarters, and visit the sleepy towns and riverside villages that inspired the great artists. Rub shoulders with locals in colourful wine gardens and lively bierkellers, and then lose yourself on vineyard strolls and bike rides through shady orchards on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhône.
To celebrate your passions and pursuits, we,ve crafted a series of engaging special interest cruises. Indulge your passions at no additional cost with our exclusive and diverse selection of themed cruises. From food and wine to art, history and music, each cruise includes a stimulating range of tailored activities and excursions - both on and off the ship.
More Avalon Waterways Cruises