Basel to Mainz Cruise | Avalon Waterways® Christmastime

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Countries:

France, Germany, Switzerland

Embark:

Disembark:

Frankfurt

Ship:

Avalon Envision

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This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. An area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. The city s home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century.

Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. There’s plenty of time to find just the right Christmas present amongst the array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts before this magical European river cruise ends in Frankfurt, Germany.

Day	Activity
Day 1	Depart USA
Day 2	BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Day 3	BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Day 4	STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
Day 5	SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Day 6	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

Day	Activity
Day 1	Depart USA
Day 2	BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Day 3	BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Day 4	STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
Day 5	SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Day 6	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

Day	Activity / Description
Day 1	Depart USA Depart the US on your overnight flight.
Day 1	Date: 11-Dec-2021, Sat
Day 2	BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2	Date: 12-Dec-2021, Sun
Day 3	BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. 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. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample bretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3	Date: 13-Dec-2021, Mon
Day 4	STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4	Date: 14-Dec-2021, Tue
Day 5	SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg. Explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of these sparkling winter wonderlands. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5	Date: 15-Dec-2021, Wed
Day 6	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6	Date: 16-Dec-2021, Thu

Day	Date	Activity / Description
Day 1	11-Dec-2021, Sat	Depart USA Depart the US on your overnight flight.
Day 2	12-Dec-2021, Sun	BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3	13-Dec-2021, Mon	BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. 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. Alternatively, spend your afternoon leisurely browsing Breisach’s lovely Christmas market to sample bretzels, mulled wine, and Black Forest cake.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4	14-Dec-2021, Tue	STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5	15-Dec-2021, Wed	SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg. Explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of these sparkling winter wonderlands. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6	16-Dec-2021, Thu	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Departure:- 11 December 2021

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Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Northbound) 2021

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