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CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE with 3 its in Lake Como + 1 nt in Lucerne
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Your European vacation begins with a stay in Como and Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas.
In Como, an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic Town Hall, the impressive Duomo, and a boat ride on the lake. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to stunning Mount Pilatus.
Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship in Basel, Switzerland for an unforgettable Christmas river cruise on 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! Continue to 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.
Day 1: Lake Como
Welcome to Italy! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
Day 2: Lake Como
Historic Center and Gothic Style
CLASSIC EXCURSION: Join a Guided Walking Tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. Embark on a Boat Ride on Lake Como which includes a stop in beautiful Bellagio. (B)
Day 3: Lake Como
Breathtaking Views
Enjoy the day at leisure to relax, recharge, or explore the lakeshores. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your free time in Lake Como! Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or some shopping. And be sure to taste the authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant! (B)
Day 4: Lake Como – Lucerne, Switzerland
A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion
Travel to Lucerne.
CLASSIC EXCURSION: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)
Day 5: Lucerne – Swiss Alps – Basel (Embarkation)
CLASSIC EXCURSION: En route to Basel, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).
Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®. (B, D)
Day 6: Breisach, Germany – Excursion to the Black Forest
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: 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)
Day 7: Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg, France
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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)
Day 8: Ludwigshafen
Winter Wonders Fit for a King
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: 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 Rudesheim. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Rudesheim – Rhine Gorge
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: 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)
Day 10: Cologne, Germany
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: 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)
Day 11: Mainz
Printing Halls
While sailing to Mainz, enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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)
Day 12: Frankfurt (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Inquire for current pricing and promotions.
2026 | WZA5-T3 | CHRISTMASTIME ON THE ROMANTIC RHINE WITH 3 NIGHTS IN LAKE COMO + 1 NIGHT IN LUCERNE WITH SWISS ALPS NORTHBOUND
2027 | WZE2 | CHRISTMASTIME ON THE ROMANTIC RHINE WITH 3 NIGHTS IN LAKE COMO + 1 NIGHT IN LUCERNE WITH SWISS ALPS NORTHBOUND
LAKE COMO - FRANKFURT – 2026
December 4 – 15 – Avalon Vision
LAKE COMO - FRANKFURT – 2027
November 26 – December 7 – Avalon Envision
December 10 – 21 – Avalon Envision
Inquire about other preferred river cruise suppliers: Uniworld River Cruise, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Viking, Ama Waterways, Scenic.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s).
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05 | Avalon Waterways WZA5-T3 (2026), WZA-T3 (2027)
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