One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town with its imposing castle. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Your ship will be decorated and dressed up in Christmas colors. You will have free time to explore some of Europe’s famous Christmas Markets where you will find all sorts of gifts to bring home. Disembark your cruise ship in Basel and transfer to Zürich for the Monograms portion of your vacation. Along the way, enjoy a special highlight excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and some free time to explore lovely Lucerne. Spend an overnight in vibrant Zürich before your included first-class, high-speed train ride to Como. An included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the gothic Town Hall, and the imposing Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing included boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its century-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, Italy; or take the funicular to the village of Brunate—your Local Host can help you decide!

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): welcome reception; Illumination Cruise during Lights FestivalDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise Day 3 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk, Christmas MarketDay 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: guided sightseeing in Koblenz; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; excursion to Heidelberg; guided visit of the castle, see the Great VatDay 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; onboard woodcarving demonstration, Christmas MarketDay 7 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a local woodcarver’s workshop; Christmas marketZürich & Lake Como: 4 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits & special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed train (first-class) Zürich-Como; transfers to/from train stations; round-trip boat ride Como–Bellagio.

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel•Buffet breakfast daily while in Zürich & Lake Como

Notes

NOTES:In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be altered or operated by motorcoach.In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAZ1-T-2017