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Christmas Markets River Cruise

Dec 15 - 22, 2026

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Your Advisor

Tracy Novek

Integrity Destinations LLC

FST: TI116347

CST: 2132885-40

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tracy@integritydestinations.com

719-321-6612

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Overview

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 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.

Day 1 · Tue, Dec 15 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

About Your Cruise Line - Avalon Waterways

Embark on an Avalon river cruise with your choice of over 70 cruises on 10 rivers through 22 countries. Explore Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt in the relaxed luxury only Avalon Waterways can deliver. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea or from the French countryside to the waterways of Holland. Enjoy first-class service and award-winning excursions through the vineyards of France or Portugal, the vistas...

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About Your Ship - Avalon Envision

Just envision Europe's most spectacular views passing your panoramic window like ever-changing picture postcards. The Avalon Envision brings this dream to life as part of the youngest fleet of ships on Europe's waterways. Avalon continues our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury and excellence with the Envision.

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Amsterdam

Dec 15

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the...

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Day 2 · Wed, Dec 16 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

Dec 16

AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful Amsterdam Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age." AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE T...

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Day 3 · Thu, Dec 17 · Cologne, Germany

Cologne

Dec 17

COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend free time enjoying the fest...

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Day 4 · Fri, Dec 18 · Rüdesheim, Germany

Rüdesheim

Dec 18

RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM 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 pas...

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Day 5 · Sat, Dec 19 · Mainz, Germany

Mainz

Dec 19

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, ...

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Day 6 · Sun, Dec 20 · Kehl, Germany

Kehl

Dec 20

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg CLASSIC 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 Petit...

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Day 7 · Mon, Dec 21 · Breisach, Germany

Breisach

Dec 21

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST The Beautiful Black Forest DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Frei...

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Day 8 · Tue, Dec 22 · Basel, Switzerland

Basel

Dec 22

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. BASEL-FESTIVE-SUNRISE.jpg Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss...

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