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Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Dec 8 - 15, 2026
One of Europe's most legendary rivers. Seven nights of festive magic. And a Christmas market in almost every port.
This 8-day journey along the Rhine River begins in Basel, Switzerland and winds through France, Germany, and Holland arriving in Amsterdam just in time to feel the full glow of the season. Every town is festively lit, every square smells of Glühwein and roasted almonds, and every day brings a new Christmas market to explore.
With Avalon Waterways, the details are handled. Guided excursions, all meals, regional wine and beer, Wi-Fi, gratuities - it’s all included in one price. All you have to do is show up and let the Rhine do the rest.
Itinerary
Trip Details
Tue, Dec 8: Basel, Switzerland
Wed, Dec 9: Breisach, Germany
Thu, Dec 10: Strasbourg, France
Fri, Dec 11: Mainz, Germany
Sat, Dec 12: Rüdesheim, Germany
Sun, Dec 13: Cologne, Germany
Mon, Dec 14: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tue, Dec 15: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Full Itinerary
Trip At A Glance
Dates: December 8–15, 2026
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Ship: Avalon Suite Ship®
Route: Basel → Amsterdam
Countries: Switzerland · Germany · France · Holland
Ports: Basel · Breisach · Strasbourg · Rüdesheim · Koblenz · Cologne · Amsterdam
Inclusions
One price. No surprises. Here’s what’s built into your fare:
- 7 nights aboard an Avalon Suite Ship® — Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open into a unique Open-Air Balcony
- Avalon Choice® excursions — at every port, choose from Classic, Active, or Discovery guided experiences led by Certified Local Guides
- All meals — daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with FlexDining® flexibility (Panorama Dining Room, Panorama Bistro, Sky Deck Grill, or breakfast in bed)
- Regional wine and beer with every lunch and dinner; sparkling wine at breakfast
- Specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and soft drinks all day in the Club Lounge
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- AvalonGO® mobile app — itineraries, maps, dining menus, and local tips
- Onboard evening entertainment — live local musicians, cultural performances, and enrichment talks
- Gratuities for the cruise director, ship crew, and local guides — fully covered
- Port charges included
- 24/7 Club Lounge with snacks and specialty beverages
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, premium loungers, and shade system
- Fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, and Kinesis machines
Not included:
- International airfare (flights to Basel / from Amsterdam)
- Pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations
- Optional excursions (Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, special evening events, biking tours)
- Spa and salon services
- Laundry and onboard shop purchases
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal incidentals
Your Floating Winter Retreat
Avalon Suite Ships® are designed around one idea: give you more room to exhale. With 80% of staterooms as Panorama Suites — 30% larger than the industry standard — and fewer passengers on board, you’ll never feel crowded.
Staterooms & Suites
- Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open into a unique Open-Air Balcony
- Comfort Collection beds with luxurious mattress toppers and Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Individual climate control, in-room safe, and mini refrigerator
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels and 50+ free movie options
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Dining
- FlexDining® — choose your setting: Panorama Dining Room, Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Deck Grill, or in-cabin
- Fresh, regional ingredients prepared by talented chefs; Avalon Fresh® healthy options at every meal
- Regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine at breakfast; specialty coffees, teas, and soft drinks all day
Onboard Amenities
- Club Lounge: 24/7 specialty coffees (cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate), teas, pastries, and snacks
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, premium loungers, and shade system
- Fitness center: cardio equipment, free weights, and Kinesis machines
- Evening entertainment: live local musicians, cultural performances, and regional enrichment talks
- AvalonGO® mobile app with daily itineraries, local tips, and dining menus
Ready to Sail into the Season?
December departures on the Rhine fill quickly - this journey is one of the most beloved in all of river cruising. If you’ve been dreaming of Christmas markets from a window on the water, this is your trip.
Reach out and I’ll help you choose your stateroom, plan your arrival, and support an amazing travel experience.
- Email: Melinda@WithHeartTravel.com
- Phone: 310-903-5107
Your Advisor
Melinda Alcosser
With Heart Travel
melinda@withhearttravel.com
310-903-5107