CHRISTMASTIME IN ALSACE & GERMANY - CATEGORY E

This Christmastime river cruise is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Wiesbaden, Germany, then sail up the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland, passing beautiful landscapes and quaint villages festively lit and decorated.

This one-of-a-kind river cruise holiday takes you on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. At this time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. You’ll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts.

Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16^th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. Bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, and containing ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Your river cruise along the Rhine River takes you to Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. An area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better setting than this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Your delightful holiday cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland.

Tour Provider	Avalon Waterways
Number of Days	5
Price From	AUD $2,068
Start Location	Frankfurt, Germany
End Location	Basel, Germany
Age Range	Min :45
Group Size	20 to 44
Tour Style	Comfort
Tour Themes	Marine/Cruise
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Tour departure dates

Start	End	Availability	Price
12 Dec 2018	16 Dec 2018	On Request	AUD $2,068

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY-TRANSFER TO WIESBADEN (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany! This afternoon, transfer by motorcoach to Wiesbaden where you board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (D) NOTE: Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG - SPEYER.

This morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You'll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel." At nearly 7 metres (23 feet) high and 8.5 metres (28 feet) wide, the cask holds over 260,000 litres (58,000 gallons) of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! At this time of year, an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Gluhwein, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares, and you'll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. Rejoin your ship in Speyer, and the afternoon is yours to do as you please. There is plenty of free time to shop for Christmas decorations or gifts at the - Speyer Christmas market. (B,L,D)

Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE.

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is, without a doubt, an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. In fact, on your GUIDED WALKING TOUR you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kleber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathedrale and Place Broglie, its centrepiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you'll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits-a truly magical atmosphere! This afternoon, an optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. This evening, enjoy an onboard WOODCARVING demonstration. (B,L,D)

Day 4: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST.

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany's BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents once described them as black. There's no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. Surely, the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. This afternoon there's free time in Breisach to visit one more Christmas market-or you may join an optional excursion to Colmar in France's Alsace region. (B,L,D)

Day 5: BASEL SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION).

Your holiday ends after breakfast today. (B) NOTE: Flights out of Zurich airport should not leave before 10 am.

CHRISTMASTIME IN ALSACE & GERMANY - CATEGORY E - 2018

Inclusions

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