RACV Logo
Holidays
Things to do
Getting around
Holiday planning
Conference & events
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Find my member number
Continue as guest
Your member number is located on your membership card, membership renewal notice, club account statement or payment advice.

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

package saved
click to save
Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WZE
Overview
Destination:
Germany, 
Switzerland, 
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Frankfurt, Germany
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
November 2027 - December 2027
8 Day River Cruise Basel to Frankfurt
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Take in the unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better storybook setting at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Continue to Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blending the cultures of both countries in the home of one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits and bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. Take an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink glistens at the foot of the castle amid Christmas markets spanning five town squares. Sail the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim where musical traditions and signature coffee warm up the season. In Cologne, feel the Christmas spirit with a concert in the beautiful baroque venue at Engers Castle and see the soaring steeples of the cathedral in this captivating city. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.
Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
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 and delight in Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

(D)

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, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.

In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach’s Christmas Markets

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL

(B,L,D)

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 Petite France District.

Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

(B,L,D)

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 markets in Heidelberg, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.

This evening, enjoy the cheer of Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)

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 tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.

This afternoon, 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 Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

(B,L,D)



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:

CLASSIC 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

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ

(B,L,D)

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 free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Mainz. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated stalls to find the perfect ornaments and handmade pieces.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(B,L,D)

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

(B)

Dates

Select a date or submit general enquiry

Enquire now

Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
expand all
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$7,205 $6,878 *
Member price from
$6,878*
per person
7 nights
Check departures
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Enquire now
Call 1800 850 888
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
Make appointment
You might also like
c043af1337bf495809b5986d5fc0f04f