Your European vacation begins with a stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour, includes the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to Swiss Alps. 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. 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
   LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

   Sun, Dec 05, 2027

   Welcome to Switzerland
   
   The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center.
   
   
2. Day 2
   LUCERNE

   Mon, Dec 06, 2027

   A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion
   
   CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.
   
   (B)
   
   
3. Day 3
   LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Dec 07, 2027

   Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
   
   CLASSIC This morning, 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).
   
   Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.
   
   EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
   
   (B,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Wed, Dec 08, 2027

   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)
   
   
5. Day 5
   KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

   Thu, Dec 09, 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)
   
   
6. Day 6
   LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

   Fri, Dec 10, 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)
   
   
7. Day 7
   RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

   Sat, Dec 11, 2027

   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)
   
   
   
   
8. Day 8
   COLOGNE, GERMANY

   Sun, Dec 12, 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 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)
   
   
9. Day 9
   MAINZ

   Mon, Dec 13, 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)
   
   
10. Day 10
    FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)

    Tue, Dec 14, 2027

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)