European Christmas Markets
Rhine River Cruise
Embark on a magical winter journey along one of Europe’s most scenic rivers, cruising from Switzerland through France, Germany and the Netherlands.
From AUD$7295
6 Dec 2026
9 nights
Mixed company
Inclusions before the cruise.
Inclusions on the cruise.
Travelling solo?
You’ve got a few great options:
- Come to a Ladies Who Travel Meet Up and find a travel partner
- Pay the AUD$5,695 single supplement for your own private cabin
- Share a cabin; we’ll match you with another Ladies Who Travel member
- Or bring your partner, friend, or family member – this cruise is open to everyone!
Begin in Basel and explore the fairytale beauty of the Black Forest, famous for its cherry cake and festive Christmas markets. Wander through Strasbourg’s cobbled streets and marvel at its grand gothic cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.
Discover the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle or delve into Mainz’s rich history at the Gutenberg Museum. In Rüdesheim, enjoy the charming wine town and the enchanting mechanical music museum before cruising through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Cologne, where gothic spires, glowing markets, and the scent of mulled wine fill the air.
Conclude your journey in Amsterdam, gliding along its iconic canals lined with 17th-century homes.
Christmas Time on the Romantic Rhine
After two festive nights in Zurich, where you’ll meet the rest of the Ladies Who Travel crew at a special welcome dinner, you’ll board your train to Basel, where your magical Christmas adventure begins.
Sail the legendary Rhine River through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, discovering Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets along the way.
A journey filled with festive lights, European charm, and the magic of Christmas shared with wonderful Ladies Who Travel company.
Your European Christmas adventure begins!
Fly into Zurch where your included transfers will take you from the airport to your 4 star hotel in the heart of the city.
After settling in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring, or rest after your journey.
In the evening meet your fellow Ladies Who Travel members over a welcome dinner – the perfect opportunity to get to know one another and start your Christmas adventure together.
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Wander through Zurich’s charming old town, take a stroll along the lake, or indulge in a little shopping on Bahnhofstrasse.
Visit one of the city’s cosy cafes, admire the festive lights, or simpley relax and soak up the atmosphere before your Christmas adventure continues tomorrow.
After breakfast, board your comfortable train from Zurich to Basel, a scenic journey through Switzerland’s beautiful countryside.
Upon arrival in Basel you’ll embark on your Avalon Christmas Markets River Cruise – your floating home for the festive days ahead.
Settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and get ready for a magical cruise exploring Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.
In the evening, you’ll cruise to Breisach.
Awaken to storybook scenery as you sail into the heart of the Black Forest region, known for its festive charm, cuckoo clocks, and rich traditions.
Choose your experience:
- Explore the magical Black Forest, discovering local crafts, winter traditions, and Christmas market delights.
- Guided Tour of Freiburg – Wander the medieval city centre surrounded by vineyards and the gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
- Optional Excursion: Colmar – Visit this postcard-perfect village of half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
Wake up in Strasbourg, where France meets Germany in a fairytale mix of medieval lanes, glowing markets, and festive charm. Today’s experiences:
- Enjoy a guided city tour, taking in Strasbourg’s magnificent Gothic Cathedral with its stained glass and astronomical clock, plus the charming La Petite France district.
- Soak up the Christmas spirit as you wander the city’s famous winter markets filled with lights, music, and holiday treats.
- Optional Excursion: Visit Alsace’s wine country, where storybook villages and local vintages await.
Today, discover the romance of riverside Germany — where history, innovation, and festive spirit meet. Choose your experience:
- Visit Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime, exploring the magnificent Renaissance ruins and the world’s largest wine barrel.
- Join a guided city walk in Mainz, including the fascinating Gutenberg Museum, home of the printing revolution.
- Stroll through Mainz’s charming Christmas market, filled with lights, carols, and handcrafted treasures.
- Evening Onboard: Enjoy live entertainment as you cruise through the Rhine Valley.
Overnight Docking: Rüdesheim, Germany
Wake in the charming town of Rüdesheim, where music, wine, and Christmas spirit fill the air. Today’s experiences:
- Visit the fascinating Mechanical Music Museum for a whimsical journey through musical history, then enjoy a cup of traditional Rüdesheimer coffee.
- Explore the town’s festive Christmas markets, sampling local delicacies and mulled wine under the twinkling lights.
- Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing storybook castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock.
- Evening in Koblenz: Stroll the Christmas markets or relax onboard with dinner and live entertainment.
Overnight Docking: Koblenz, Germany
Arrive in Cologne, a city famous for its gothic cathedral, festive cheer, and riverside charm. Today’s experiences:
- Join a guided city walk through Cologne’s old town and marvel at its iconic twin-spired cathedral.
- Soak up the festive atmosphere as you explore Cologne’s vibrant Christmas markets filled with lights, crafts, and the scent of glühwein.
- Enjoy an onboard talk this afternoon to learn about European Christmas traditions.
Evening / Overnight Cruise: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
End your journey in Amsterdam, a city of canals, culture, and Christmas charm. Today’s experiences:
- Enjoy a guided canal cruise, gliding past the stately homes and bridges of Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
- Spend the day exploring the city’s festive streets, cozy cafés, and Christmas markets — or join an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses.
Overnight Docking: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
After breakfast, your magical Christmas Markets Cruise comes to an end. If you’d like help planning your onward journey, we can assist with return flights home, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Amsterdam.
Why not extend your stay a few days and explore the canals, museums, and charming cafés of Amsterdam?
But your Christmas adventure doesn’t have to end in Amsterdam….
About the boat – the Avalon Envision
Envision Europe’s most spectacular views passing by your panoramic window — like ever-changing postcards of snow-dusted towns and sparkling rivers. The Avalon Envision brings this dream to life as part of Avalon’s award-winning fleet, designed for relaxed luxury and effortless comfort. With only 83 cabins on board — 16 staterooms and 67 Panorama Suites — this intimate ship ensures personalised service and a friendly, social atmosphere.
The Envision combines style and substance with an array of inviting spaces:
- Sky Deck – whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system & deck games
- Observation Lounge – perfect for sunset views and a glass of wine
- Panorama Bistro, Sky Grill & Dining Room – flexible dining with Avalon Fresh menus
- Adventure Center – bikes, active gear & support from your Adventure Host
- Fitness Center, Starlink Wi-Fi, library & Club Lounge for quiet moments
Every corner of the Avalon Envision is designed to help you unwind, connect and watch the world float by in comfort and style.
A peaceful retreat combining European elegance and modern convenience, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the Christmas markets.
Relax in thoughtfully designed comfort with everything you need for a restful journey:
Enjoy Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows that turn your suite into a front-row seat on the Rhine.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort, style and serenity — the Panorama Suite is where Europe’s winter magic meets modern luxury.
