Avalon Waterways 2011 – Christmas time in Alsace & Germany

Overview
Celebrate the festive season in Central Europe with a magnificent 4-night cruise from Frankfurt to Basel! Stops include Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the red stone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere at the city’s enormous Christmas market; Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest.
CRUISE:
Deluxe 4-night cruise from Frankfurt to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
FRANKFURT:
Welcome reception
HEIDELBERG:
Take pictures of the castle
STRASBOURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
BREISACH:
Excursion to the Black Forest
Meals – (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Buffet breakfast (B); 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; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
Combine with another Festive Season Cruise
Combine with Christmas in the Heart of Germany or with Christmastime on the Danube (excluding Prague). Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications
Notes:
* Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location.
* In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
* Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation)
(Wed.) Flights into Frankfurt must arrive before 3:30 pm. Situated on the Main River, Frankfurt is a truly cosmopolitan city and the commercial capital of Germany. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg
(Thu.) 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, hot punch, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3Strasbourg, France
(Fri.) 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, the centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wines, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits—a truly magical atmosphere! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
(Sat.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
(Sun.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Details about airport transfer times, prices and what’s included with your vacation.
CHRISTMAS IN ALSACE & GERMANY – CATEGORY E
Tour Code – WFZ-E
5 days Frankfurt to Zurich
4 night cruise from Frankfurt to Zurich
| Prices are in Australian Dollars | ||||
| December 2011 | ||||
| Ship | Departure No. | Start Date | End Date | Land Price (per person – twin share) please call for single prices. |
| MS Panorama | 11214 | 14 Dec 2011 | 18 Dec 2011 | $1343 AUD |
*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.
UPGRADING CABINS
To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:
| Category | Deck | Price |
| D | Indigo Deck | $62 AUD |
| B | Sapphire Deck | $361 AUD |
| A | Sapphire Deck | $392 AUD |
| P | Royal Deck | $467 AUD |
| Royal Suite | Royal Deck | $996 AUD |
INCLUDED CHARGES
| Type | Name | Price |
| REQUIRED | Port Charges | $64 AUD |
| REQUIRED | Gratuity | $ AUD |
OPTIONAL CHARGES
| Type | Name | Price |
| OPTIONAL | Drink Package No Alcohol | $78 AUD |
| OPTIONAL | Drink Package Alcohol | $122 AUD |
ACCOMMODATION PRICES
| Pre & Post Tour | City | Start Date | End Date | Single Price | Twin Price |
| PRE | Frankfurt | 1 Dec 2011 | 31 Dec 2011 | $242 AUD | $124 AUD |
| POST | Zurich | 1 Jan 2011 | 31 Dec 2011 | $146 AUD | $99 AUD |
Please note triple rooms not available.
*This Tour also operates in opposite direction. Please contact Your holidays on 1300 968 787 for more details.
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Europe