Festive on the Rhine 2025
Festive on the Rhine
Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands
December 13-20, 2025
Starting at:
$3,834pp double occupancy
$5,979pp single occupancy
Embark on a December journey along Europe’s most legendary river, starting in Basel, Switzerland, and stopping in France, Germany, and Holland. Experience the charm of festive Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and holiday traditions at every stop. Marvel at Strasbourg’s giant Christmas tree and Gothic cathedral, explore Heidelberg’s castle or Mainz’s Gutenberg Museum, and soak in the beauty of the Rhine Gorge. Enjoy the magic of Rüdesheim’s musical museum and Cologne’s iconic cathedral, where Glühwein and Lebkuchen add to the festive cheer. End your journey in Amsterdam, cruising its elegant canals lined with Golden Age homes. This unforgettable holiday adventure is the perfect way to celebrate the season with our group!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation):
Explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition.
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Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
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Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Evening Cruise to Breisach
Meals Included: Dinner
*It is best to arrive by Dec 12th to board the ship on time in lieu of flight delays.*
Day 2 - Breisach, Germany
The Beautiful Black Forest
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Discovery Excursion: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood, OR:
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Classic Excursion: 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.
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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.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Strasbourg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Strasbourg, France
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
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Classic Excursion: 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. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Overnight Cruise to Mainz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Mainz, Germany
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine. In your free time visit the local Christmas market: explore at your own pace to soak up the sights and sounds.
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Discovery Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:
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Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
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Overnight Docking in Rüdesheim
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim to Koblenz, Germany:
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country. Spend some free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Rüdesheim’s Christmas markets, while warming up with some hot-mulled wine or their local delicacies.
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Discovery Excursion: 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.
En route to Koblenz, 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.
Enjoy free time in Koblenz to explore local Christmas markets on your own before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
Overnight Docking in Koblenz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Cologne, Germany
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets.
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Discovery Excursion: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
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Discovery Excursion:This afternoon enjoy an onboard lecture to learn about European Christmas traditions.
Afternoon/Overnight Cruise to Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
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Classic Excursion: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”.
With a free day to explore before your cruise ends, 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.
Overnight Docking in Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Relish in the memories made as your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations
Deluxe Stateroom Category D/E
Panorama Suite Category A/B/P
What's Included:
Accommodations
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7 nights onboard the Avalon View
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Pre-paid Gratuities
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Port Charges (Taxes and Fees)
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All Meals:
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Afternoon Tea
Four-course dinners -
Welcome & farewell cocktails
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Daily Happy Hours
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Unlimited fine beverages, spirits & wine
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Daily Excursions
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Complimentary Room Service
Complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink
Your Host
Lauren Towles
Lauren is the owner of Passport Rendezvous Travel. Her love of travel led her to create this travel company as she spent the last 16 years traveling to over 14 countries around the world from Spain to Thailand. "Travel is my therapy, there's nothing better than losing yourself in a new culture experiencing their cuisines, history, and adventures creating those lasting memories that last a lifetime!"
Come join us for an adventure of a lifetime!
TRAVEL INSURANCE*:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, Passport Rendezvous strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.
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Avalon Waterways Trip Protection
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$359.00 per person for vacations $2,500.00 - $4,000.00
$439.00 per person for vacations $4,000.00 - $6,000.00
$479.00 per person for vacations $6,000.00 and up
Pre-existing conditions included when purchased within 14 days of initial deposit. Travel Protection rate is calculated off the base rate of your cruise. Travel Protection rates may increase with additional extensions or upgrades.
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*If you do not get travel insurance, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of not having travel insurance and consequences associated with that. ( You usually have 7 days to purchase insurance. An email will be sent to you to confirm if you need a waiver or not. )
Travel Style:
Relaxed
For travelers who want a slow-paced, laid-back experience.
These trips are focused on relaxation and comfort. You’ll have plenty of downtime, enjoy luxurious stays, and take in the destination at a leisurely pace. Ideal for those who want minimal effort and lots of pampering.
Due to the nature of getting on and off the cruise ship, you should have the ability to maneuver on-boarding and off-boarding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Payment schedule is as follows:
$350 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit due immediately to secure your spot.
The remainder balance will be divided into monthly payments. The amount will vary depending on when you book your spot. See the monthly payment schedule when checking out. You can choose auto-pay or pay at your convenience until the final balance is due.
Final balance due by September 3, 2025.
REVISION FEES
On or Before Final Payment Date
All revisions to a reservation will incur a minimum $30 per person fee plus any airline change fees (minimum $300 per participant up to full airfare amount). These fees are non-refundable.
After the Final Payment Date
Any change to a participant’s name, trip date, or itinerary after the final payment date is treated as a full cancellation and new reservation. All cancellation fees apply in these instances. All other revisions apply the same revision fee as above.
CANCELLATION CHARGES (not including deposit)
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Final Payment Date – 30 days: 50%
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29 – 1 days: 80%
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Day of departure or later: 100%
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For Double Occupancy: If a person can no longer attend and can’t receive a refund, then they can possibly file a claim if it’s for a covered reason or if they have cancel for any reason coverage. (Travel insurance is very important!)
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For Double Occupancy: If your roommate cancels, you may be responsible for finding a new roommate or be liable to pay a single supplement fee. If you need to pay a fee, it will be at the discretion of the tour operator. You can file an insurance claim to possible get paid back the incremental cost which may be paid at the discretion of the insurance company if covered in your terms. (Travel insurance is very important!)
For inquiries, contact planwith@passportrendezvous.com