CHRISTMASTIME IN ALSACE and GERMANY FROM ZÜRICH TO FRANKFURT (WZF2012)

A 5-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $1,099

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Starting Price: $1,099 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 5 Days
Countries Visited: France, Germany
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  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 River Cruise
Tour Category: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WZF-2012
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Christmastime in Alsace & Germany from Zürich to Frankfurt

Vacation Overview
Celebrate the festive season in Central Europe with a magnificent 4-night cruise from Basel to Frankfurt! Stops include Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the red stone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere at the city’s enormous Christmas market. Try some festive Glühwein, smell the aromas of the Christmas markets, shop for local Christmas ornaments, and delight in the holiday cheer. This year, start your holiday season with this joyous and memorable cruise—it’s a vacation of a lifetime!
 
Itinerary
 
 
Ship Details
 
 
 

City Highlights


CRUISE:
Deluxe 4-night cruise from Basel to Frankfurt in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.

BASEL:
Welcome reception

BREISACH:
Excursion to the Black Forest

STRASBOURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

HEIDELBERG:
Take pictures of the castle

Notes
Combine with another Festive Season CruiseCruise from Zürich to Prague - Christmastime Zürich To Prague (WZF + WFN) or cruise from Zürich to Vienna - Grand Christmastime Cruise (WZF + WFN + WNV excluding Prague). Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications.Notes:In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

 

Meals
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

 
 
Day 1:
Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation). Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)

Day 2:
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. 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. And if there has been a fresh snowfall, this will indeed be a Winter Wonderland! Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the 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 Cathédrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece 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! (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg. This morning, dock in the ancient imperial city of Speyer on the left bank of the Rhine. From here, an included excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take your photos of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. At this time of year an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glühwein, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Frankfurt (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 8:30 am. (B)

 

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  • SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
11/25/2012 - 11/30/2012
$1,099
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Avalon Visionary

Ship Overview

2012 brings with it another exciting Suite Ship cruising along Europe's glorious Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. The Avalon Visionary delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include an Internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful open-air bistro.

Avalon Visionary

Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

Category A, B, P Panorama Suite
Category A, B, P Panorama Suite

Category A, B, P Panorama Suite

  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • Open-Air Balcony with full 6-person seating area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity
  • Bed
  • Sink
  • Toilet
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
    • Category E Deluxe Stateroom
    Category E Deluxe Stateroom

    Category E Deluxe Stateroom

  • Two windows
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity
  • Bed
  • Sink
  • Toilet
    • Royal Suite
    Royal Suite

    Royal Suite

  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • Open-Air Balcony with full 6-person seating area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity
  • Bed
  • Toilet
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Double sinks

    • Ship Facts:

    • Inagurated: 2012
    • Length: 361 ft.
    • Decks: 4
    • Staterooms: 64
    • Passenger Capacity: 128

    Ship Amenities:

    Ship Amenities

    • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
    • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
    • Sky Deck with shade system
    • Wi-Fi access
    • Expanded fitness center
    • Non-smoking interior
    • Elevator
    • Modern Finishings
    • Outside Viewing Deck
    • Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
    • English-speaking crew
    • Sightseeing with a Local Guide
    • Cruise Director
    • Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
    • Revolutionary Engineering
    • Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
    • Sky Deck whirlpool
    • Internet corner
    • Hair salon
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi (for 2012)
    • Biking excursions available in Breisach
    • Relax and enjoy onboard movie nights
    • Complimentary use of iPad mobile digital devices (Royal Suites only)

    Price Details US
    Port charges: $60Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $170, in twin room $115Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:in single room $205, in twin room $127Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:Category / Decks / PriceD / Indigo Deck / $85B / Sapphire Deck / $399A / Sapphire Deck / $428P / Royal Deck / $485Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $971

    SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

    SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

     

    With Avalon Waterway's Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. Our cruises give you sweeping views of awe-inspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations like a local. We want to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising. Where no matter how long you're aboard, you'll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly. Offer also valid for the cruise-only itineraries and full offer details below.

     

     

    Cruise Number of Days Departures Map  
    Tulip Time 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam April 6 & April 7, 2013  
    Taste of the Danube 4 days from Vienna to Budapest April 25 & July 26, 2013  
    Taste of the Danube 5 days from Budapest to Vienna April 21 & August 12, 2013  
    Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Paris to Côte d'Azur March 30, April 13, July 6, August 17 & October 12, 2013  
    Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Côte d'Azur to Paris April 7, July 14 & August 11, 2013  
    Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches 8 days from Paris to Paris April 22, July 1, July 15, August 5, August 19 & October 14, 2013  
    Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest August 5, 2013  
    Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Bucharest to Vienna July 3, 2013  
    The Legendary Danube 11 days from Prague to Budapest April 9, August 10 & October 30, 2013  
    The Blue Danube Discovery 13 days from Budapest to Prague July 7, October 24 & Ocober 30, 2013  
    Balkin Discovery 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest April 17 & July 31, 2013  
    Balkin Discovery 11 days from Bucharest to Budapest October 25, 2013  
    Magnificent Europe 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam April 26, August 1 & October 26, 2013  
    Romantic Rhine 8 days from Zürich to Amsterdam April 13, April 21, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, October 26 & November 2, 2013  
    Romantic Rhine 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel April 6, April 14, August 10 & October 26, 2013  
    The Upper Rhine-City of Music 12 days from Zürich to Vienna July 17, 2013  
    European Splendor 13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna July 26, 2013  
    European Splendor 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam July 14 & August 18, 2013  
    Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 10 days from Amsterdam to Paris August 10, 2013  
    Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam October 24, 2013  

     

     

     

    Terms & Conditions: Book a select 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available onselect dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and June 26, 2012 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

    SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

    SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

     

    Have you ever taken a cruise that brought you sweeping views every moment of every day? Or delivered you right to the heart of the cities, towns and small quiet villages to experience the sights and sounds, the people and the cultures there. Have you ever taken a cruise where on shore excursions, and on-board amenities are all included? Have you ever had a vacation that satisfied your mind, body and soul? Here in the sanctuary of our world-class ships, we gracefully deliver the world to you, and you to it. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. And be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other, upon the ships of Avalon.

     

    There's never been a better time for you to take the cruise of a lifetime with an all-inclusive Avalon river cruise. We'll pamper you with large suites, luxurious amenities, exquisite cuisine, and ever changing views every moment of every day. And we'll take you right to the heart of charming cities, and towns where you can spend your days seeing the sights like a local, not like a tourist.

     

     

     

     

    Terms & Conditions:  Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

     

    SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

    SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

     

     

    A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.

     

    Ecuador & the Galápagos
    9 days from Quito to Guayaquil

    Ecuador & the GalápagosThis exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands. Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel, where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal species found only in the Galápagos.

     

    Highlights of Egypt
    9 days from Cairo to Cairo

    Highlights of EgyptSail through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.

     

    Magical China & the Yangtze River
    11 days from Beijing to Shanghai

    Magical China & the Yangtze RiverDiscover China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class, lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.

     

     

     

    Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

     
     

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    All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.