Dec. 9-16, 2025

Festive Time on the
Rhine River

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany — and touches Holland, France, and Switzerland!

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany — and touches Holland, France, and Switzerland!

At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and decor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored.

This magnificent Avalon river cruise begins in Amsterdam and will carry you past the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where you will see ancient castles, and charming villages, walk past history and visit some of the oldest and finest shops in Europe!

8 days, Amsterdam to Basel

What to
Expect

This magnificent Avalon river cruise begins in Amsterdam and will carry you past the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where you will see ancient castles, and charming villages, walk past history and visit some of the oldest and finest shops in Europe!

This magnificent Avalon Christmas Market river cruise begins in Amsterdam and will carry you past the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where you will see ancient castles, and charming villages, walk past history and visit some of the oldest and finest shops in Europe!

DAY 1

Amsterdam

Welcome to Holland! With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Meals included: Dinner

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany — and touches Holland, France, and Switzerland!

DAY 2

Amsterdam

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past the stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

DAY 3

Cologne

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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei — where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

DAY 4

Rhine Gorge

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei — where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent Renaissance treasure towering above the city, OR: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

DAY 5

Mainz

Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent Renaissance treasure towering above the city, OR: Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. 

DAY 6

Strasbourg

Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. Spend your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. 

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR: 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.
DAY 7

Breisach

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR: Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

If you are interested in experiencing the Festival time on the Rhine with Red Orchid Travel, contact Renee Blokzyl.
DAY 8

Basel

It’s time to say goodbye to the new friends you made, you’re allowed to depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ship: Avalon View

Pricing:

Double Occupancy

CAT B: $6,252 CAD pp

CAT A: $6,302 CAD pp

CAT P: $6,352 CAD pp

Single Occupancy

CAT B: $9,812 CAD pp

CAT A: $9,890 CAD pp

CAT P: $9,967 CAD pp

PRICING ABOVE HAS

$500 OFF

Cruise details

Pricing Includes:

Gratuities, standard Wi-Fi, an excursion per port, beer and wine with meals, Happy Hour with free cocktails, 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day.

Does Not include:

Who is this trip for?

1) Are you someone who values flexibility, open-mindedness, and a positive outlook on life? Do you enjoy meeting new people and connecting with others while travelling? 

 2) If you are keen on experiencing a wide range of activities and are eager to be a better traveller by respecting different cultures and the environment, then this trip is for you. 

 3) Red Orchid Women’s Travel welcomes those who prioritize connection, adaptability, and a positive impact on the places they visit. Join us if you share these values and are ready for a fulfilling travel experience.

Pre- and Post-cruise

Hotels


We’ve vetted and hand-selected the best hotels around the world with location, comfort, and style in mind. Enjoy first-class hotels in each destination, and check in with the confidence that we’ve already checked everything out for your comfort and convenience.

Movenpick Amsterdam City hotel
AMSTERDAM

Movenpick Amsterdam City
$192 CAD per person
(Double occupancy)

Renaissance Zurich Tower
ZURICH

Renaissance Zurich Tower
$244 CAD per person
(Double occupancy)

Registration Form

Fill out the information as it appears on PASSPORT:
Please note that misspelled or incorrect names could cause additional fees to be corrected, as well as a denial of boarding.