Begin this exhilarating vacation with 2 nights in Lucerne, where you’ll walk across the famous covered Chapel Bridge and ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mt. Pilatus for a birdseye view over the town, lake and surroundings. (Departures October 19 to November 2 visit the Swiss Transport Museum as transportation up Mt. Pilatus is unavailable due to maintenance.) Then one of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to the Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam. Be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. 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 sort of gifts to bring home.

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Zurich, Switzerland–Transfer to Lucerne. Welcome to Switzerland! Day 2 Lucerne. Guided sightseeing, see the Lion Monument, walk across CHAPEL BRIDGEDay 3 Lucerne–Transfer to Basel (Embarkation): Mountain excursion; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a woodcarver’s workshop; Christmas marketDay 5 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral, Christmas MarketDay 6 Excursion to Heidelberg–Mainz: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Christmas MarketDay 7 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and enjoy a special treat in Rüdesheim; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; guided walk in KoblenzDay 8 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk, Christmas MarketDay 9 Amsterdam: canal cruise and Illumination Cruise during Lights Festival.Day 10 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vesselBuffet breakfast daily in Lucerne

Notes

NOTES: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-WZAE-T-2017