Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine

from€2379
for 7 nights

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!

What’s Included:

  • Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
  • Return flights from Dublin to Amsterdam / Basel to Dublin
  • Return airport transfers
  • 7  nights onboard 5 star Avalon Illumination
  • Gourmet cuisine with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner onboard
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Happy Hour every evening serving complimentary drinks and cocktails
  • Your preference of Classic or Active included excursions and sightseeing
  • Onboard gratuities included
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour with complimentary hot beverages & snacks
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 20kg check in bag per person

Upgrade to Panoramic Suite €650 per person

 

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 unrivaled 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.

Avalon Panorama

The Avalon Panorama led the way as the first of its kind in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites complete with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You’ll cruise in river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony in a 200-square-foot suite that’s 30% larger than the industry standard. Our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view, so you can stretch out and relax with the world at your feet. Retire each evening and wake each morning to a panorama of picture-postcard scenes! Exciting onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro. There’s no better way to take in the view than cruising in Europe in the spacious comfort of the Avalon Panorama.

Prices
Dates Cabin Type Price
22 Nov 2025 Twin sharing €2379 Book Now
22 Nov 2025 Single €3492 Book Now
Agent
Chloe B
Chloe B
Booking Remarks
Optional insurance (conditions apply)
A non-refundable, non-transferable booking deposit of 15% is required. Full payment if departure within 16 weeks.
Holidays & offers are subject to availability at the time of booking
These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Fly from the Dublin and arrive in Amsterdam, where you will be met and transferred to your river ship.

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.

Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 2

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic Excursion

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Day 3

Cologne, Germany

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Classic Excursion

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 RÜDESHEIM
Day 4

The Rhine Gorge, Germany

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

Discovery Excursion

Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

Day 5

Mainz, Germany

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

Discovery Excursion

Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel”, OR:

Classic Excursion

Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Day 6

Strasbourg, France

Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg

Classic Excursion

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 Petite 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.
Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace’s wine country today.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

 

Day 7

Breisach, Germany

The Beautiful Black Forest

Discovery Excursion

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:

Classic Excursion

Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
After your visit to the winery, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
Day 8

Basel, Switzerland

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning, then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Some departures may disembark in Hüningen (France), just across the river or in Breisach (Germany).
View full itinerary