Avalon Panorama, Romantic Rhine (festive) ex Amsterdam to Basel

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on 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 unrivalled 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.

Day 1
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
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
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 RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 4
Eat, Drink and be Merry in Wine Country
Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim 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 RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 5
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, OR:
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
Joyeux Noel 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 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
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY - Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany's southernmost wine country in Baden and learn about the vintners' process in the vineyards here, 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 Badischer Winzerkeller, 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
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am (B)

Notes: Christmas markets are open from the first weekend in December, depending on the location.

A brand new kind of ship, the Avalon Panorama set sail in 2011, taking inspired design to a whole new level. A unique 'Suite Ship', the Avalon Panorama 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. As you cruise along Europe's finest rivers - the Danube, Rhine, or Main - enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, the Panorama Suite? is more than 30% larger than the industry standard, and it gives you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the magnificent passing scenery. Exciting onboard amenities include an Internet corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Open-Air Bistro. There's no better way to cruise in Europe than in the spacious comfort offered on the Avalon Panorama.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.