Embark on an 8-day winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River aboard Avalon Expression. Begin in Basel, Switzerland, and explore festive Christmas markets in France, Germany, and Holland. Discover the Black Forest's natural beauty in Breisach, marvel at Strasbourg's gothic cathedral and Christmas tree, visit Heidelberg's castle or Mainz's Gutenberg Museum, and be enchanted by Rüdesheim's unique musical instrument museum. Experience Cologne's gothic architecture and Christmas market delights before ending in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise.
Highlights
Explore festive Christmas markets along the scenic Rhine River journey
Cruise Amsterdam’s canals and historic homes dating back to "Golden Age"
Visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
Explore Mainz' architecture like Heidelberg Castle or Gutenberg Museum
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Discovery: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:
Discovery: Visit Badische 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.
You may choose to follow your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller with a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the afternoon, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Classic: Join a city sightseeing tour, including Strasbourg’s 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. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Classic: Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle 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: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
In your free time visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sound.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim..
Discovery: Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Spend some free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Rüdesheim’s Christmas markets, while warming up with some hot-mulled wine or their local delicacies.
En route to Koblenz, 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. Overnight cruise to Koblenz
Classic: Take a guided city walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time enjoying the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
With a free day to explore before your cruise ends, 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,9092-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Wifi
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Panoramic windows
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
5 days ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
6 days ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
6 days ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
6 days ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
