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Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with Melissa Ragazzi

Dec 13 - 21, 2027

Your Advisor

Melissa Ragazzi

Independent Advisor, Trey Tracy Travel LLC

melissa@treytracytravel.com

6015407336

Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Trip Highlights

Embark in Basel, Switzerland – Begin your holiday adventure with stunning views of the Rhine River and charming Swiss architecture.
Breisach, Germany – Gateway to the Black Forest, known for:
- Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks
- Storybook scenery with smoke curling from traditional houses
Strasbourg, France – On the French-German border, home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets (dating back to the 16th century):
- Breathe in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits
- Visit the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral with its astronomical clock
Heidelberg, Germany – Explore the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the town:
- Enjoy ice skating at the foot of the castle
- Wander through five different town-square Christmas markets
Sail the Rhine Gorge – Marvel at dramatic cliffs, fairy-tale castles, and stunning winter scenery en route to Rüdesheim:
- Warm up with Rüdesheim’s signature coffee and festive music traditions
Cologne, Germany – Experience the soaring Cologne Cathedral and:
- Enjoy a concert in the baroque venue at Engers Castle
- Savor Glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst, and local treats
- Shop for unique crafts, ornaments, and gifts at Cologne’s Christmas markets
Disembark in Frankfurt – End your magical cruise with time to explore and pick up those last holiday treasures.

Day 1 · Mon, Dec 13 · Arrive in Zurich

Arrive in Zurich

Your adventure begins in Zurich, Switzerland, where you’ll enjoy a 1-night hotel stay at Radisson Blu Airport. Take time to explore Zurich’s charming Old Town or relax after your flight. The next morning, we’ll transfer together to Basel to board ...

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Radisson Blu Airport

Dec 13 – Dec 14

Rondellstrasse, Zürich Airport, 8058 Zürich, Switzerland

Location This business hotel is located opposite arrivals in Zurich Airport. Guests will find numerous shops within the airport and bus and train transportation within 250 metres of the hotel. Zurich city centre is approximately a 10-minute journe...

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Day 2 · Tue, Dec 14 · Basel, Switzerland

About Your Cruise Line - Avalon Waterways

Face it. We’ve redefined River Cruising. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon. Relax in spacious Panorama Suites, where beds actually face the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows - so you can fall in love with every heart-melting view. Aboard our award-winning Suite Ships - awarded Best River Cruise Line and Best Cabins by Cruise Critic – you’ll enjoy bigger experiences and smaller crowds. From your choice of daily excursions to complimentary Happy...

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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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Basel

12:00AM

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination...

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Day 3 · Wed, Dec 15 · Breisach, Germany

Breisach

12:00AM

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest CLASSIC 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...

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Day 4 · Thu, Dec 16 · Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany

Kehl

12:00AM

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg 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 Peti...

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Day 5 · Fri, Dec 17 · Ludwigshafen, Germany

Ludwigshafen

12:00AM

LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION Winter Wonders Fit for a King DISCOVERY 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 marke...

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Day 6 · Sat, Dec 18 · Rüdesheim, Germany

Rüdesheim

12:00AM

RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country CLASSIC 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 ta...

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Day 7 · Sun, Dec 19 · Cologne, Germany

Cologne

12:00AM

COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland CLASSIC Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, OR: CLASS...

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Day 8 · Mon, Dec 20 · Mainz, Germany

Mainz

12:00AM

MAINZ Printing Halls While sailing to Mainz, enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations. CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. Spend fre...

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Day 9 · Tue, Dec 21 · Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt

12:00AM

FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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