1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert

Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine with 3 Nights in Lake Como, 1 Night in Lucerne with Swiss Alps (Northbound) 2027

From Lake Como, Italy to Frankfurt, Germany
Length: 12 Days - Departs: Fri, Nov 26, 2027
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 26, 2027
Arrival
Dec 07, 2027

Why Pay Retail? Call us or click for a quick quote and save money!

This river cruise qualifies for unpublished pricing. Please call us or Click Here To Get Our Low Price

All the River Operators Offers & More

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!

River Cruise Itinerary

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.

  1. Day 1
    LAKE COMO, ITALY
    Fri, Nov 26, 2027
    Welcome to Italy! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
  2. Day 2
    LAKE COMO
    Sat, Nov 27, 2027
    Historic Center and Gothic StyleCLASSIC 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)
  3. Day 3
    LAKE COMO
    Sun, Nov 28, 2027
    Breathtaking ViewsEnjoy 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)
  4. Day 4
    LAKE COMO–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
    Mon, Nov 29, 2027
    A Historic Bridge and Heart of a LionTravel to Lucerne. CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.(B)
  5. Day 5
    LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
    Tue, Nov 30, 2027
    Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingCLASSIC 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®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
  6. Day 6
    BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
    Wed, Dec 01, 2027
    German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC 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 MarketsEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Thu, Dec 02, 2027
    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)
  8. Day 8
    LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
    Fri, Dec 03, 2027
    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)
  9. Day 9
    RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
    Sat, Dec 04, 2027
    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryCLASSIC 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)
  10. Day 10
    COLOGNE, GERMANY
    Sun, Dec 05, 2027
    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 marketsDISCOVERY 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)
  11. Day 11
    MAINZ
    Mon, Dec 06, 2027
    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)
  12. Day 12
    FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
    Tue, Dec 07, 2027
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
•Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

Meals:





Accommodation Information

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.6
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.8
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 46 reviews - currently showing 11 reviews with comments only

Everything was first class. Especially the Keukenfhof Tulip Gardens. All the tours were guided nicely.

We had such an amazing trip and met such wonderful people! This was our second Avalon trip this year and won’t be our last!

It was wonderful. More then I expected.

Everything went without a hitch. Our agent had everything perfectly arranged and managed! We had a great time.

Avalon was excellent in every way. Beautiful room, excellent service, and delicious food. They performed without a hitch.

The ship was very smooth. Staff was outstanding and worked to fill your wishes. Food prepared let one experience the local cuisine. I put on weight, diet starts now. Weather cooperated for our trip and it didn't rain.

This was our first river cruise and the ship, the crew, the level of service and the food met or mostly exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Avalon Waterways to anyone.

We got exactly what we were looking for. The river cruise on Avalon was such a great experience and we will surely do another one in the future.

Our Cruise Director, Akos, did a wonderful job making the necessary changes to our itinerary due to the high water situation. He and the staff were always helpful when having questions about a variety of situations. A pleasure being on the Avalon Envision!

Wonderful crew and ship! We had a fantastic time and would recommend to others. Dan & Gail

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Avalon Waterways
    Ship
    Envision
    Starts
    Lake Como
    Ends
    Frankfurt
    Days
    12
    From
    $6,500

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Low Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got a great deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2024 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!