CHRISTMASTIME ON THE ROMANTIC RHINE
CRUISE & TOUR

FRANKFURT TO ZURICH
5th December 2027

At Christmas, Europe feels like the season’s true home — where traditions began and still quietly
endure. Medieval squares glow with centuries-old markets, carols drift through cathedral streets, and
simple rituals — warm bread, spiced wine, candlelight — evoke a deep sense of history and belonging.

It’s a time when you can step into traditions that have been shared for generations.
Join us in December 2027 for a fully hosted 12-day small-group journey, featuring an 8-day Avalon
Waterways river cruise along the romantic Rhine from Frankfurt to Basel, with time to explore Zurich.
Travelling by river offers a gentler, more intimate way to experience Europe during the Christmas season —sailing overnight and waking each morning in the heart of a new town, with festive lights, markets, and daily rhythms unfolding around you.

Board in Frankfurt and follow the Rhine past vineyard-covered hills and castle-crowned cliffs. Step
ashore in Heidelberg to explore its Old Town and hilltop castle, then wander through festive markets set across its squares. In Strasbourg, stroll among timber-framed houses, cobbled courtyards and cathedral spires as one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets fills the streets with lights, music and spice.

In Breisach — gateway to the Black Forest — discover regional flavours and the charm of this storied
landscape.

Onboard your Avalon Suite Ship, the experience is just as memorable. Panorama Suites open wall-to wall to the river, with beds facing the view so the Rhine is always in sight, while light-filled spaces create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Dining is a highlight in its own right, with epicurean menus inspired by the regions you travel through — from seasonal specialties to fresh, locally sourced ingredients — paired with thoughtfully selected wines, beers and spirits. Whether enjoying an elegant dinner, a casual lunch or a glass of wine as the scenery drifts by, each moment is designed to be savoured.

By day, explore timeless towns rich with festive tradition; by night, return to warmth, comfort and everchanging river views. Thoughtfully paced and seamlessly hosted, this is more than a journey — it’s a rare kind of immersion, where history, ritual, atmosphere and ease come together, and where Christmas is not just something you see, but something you feel part of.

CHRISTMASTIME ON THE ROMANTIC RHINE
Germany, France and Switzerland - December 2027

from $16,995 per person twin share (single supplement available)

Departs 5th December 2027

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

FRANKFURT - Stroll through one of Germany’s oldest and largest traditional Christmas markets and savour your first
taste of glühwein (mulled wine) and other Yuletide treats.
MAINZ - Guided tour of the Gutenberg Museum, bringing to life the revolutionary story of printing and its world-changing impact.
COLOGNE - Explore the 5,000 year history of chocolate at
Schokoladen Museum, then visit Cologne Cathedral one of
Europe’s tallest and most celebrated Gothic churches.
RHINE GORGE - A UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of hilltop
castles and lush terraced vineyards.
RÜDESHEIM - A guided tour around Siegfried's Mechanical
Music Cabinet, where rare centuries-old automated instruments blend engineering and art in a magical way.
LUDWIGSHAFEN - Visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent red-sandstone hilltop ruin where you can see the world’s oldest and largest wine barrel.
STRASBOURG - Explore Europe’s oldest Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, founded in 1570.
FREIBURG or BLACK FOREST - Take a stroll through Freiburg and explore its medieval architecture and deep history, or
take a trip into the charming towns, dense evergreen forests and misty valleys of the Black Forest.
COLMAR
Beautifully preserved half-timbered medieval and early- Renaissance houses along storybook canals - a highly recommended optional excursion.
ZURICH
Shop for last minute presents at the city’s famous boutiques.