Program Dates: November 26, 2012 - November 30, 2012 ; December 18, 2013 - December 22, 2013

 

Detailed Itinerary:

 

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. (Dinner)

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Frankfurt (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 8:30 am. (Breakfast)

Please Note:

• Valid passport is required for travel. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• 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.

Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information

2012 & 2013 Departure Dates
Cabin rates are per passenger in $USD
Program Start Date		Category E - Lower Deck fwd w/ window	Category D - Lower Deck aft w/ window	Category B - Middle Deck aft w/ wall to wall panoramic window-open air balcony	Category A - Middle Deck fwd w/ wall to wall panoramic window-open air balcony	Category P Upper Deck w/ wall to wall panoramic window-open air balcony	Suite Upper Deck w/ wall to wall panoramic window-open air balcony
From Zurich
26-Nov-12	Visionary	$1,099	$1,184	$1,498	$1,527	$1,584	$2,070
18-Dec-13	Vista	$1,199	$1,284	$1,656	$1,684	$1,770	$2,170
Port charges are an additional $60 per passenger for the 2012 departure; $72 per passenger for 2013 departure
Call for single supplement/Triples not available.
Transfer services available for purchase. Inquire for details.
Early Booking Discount for 2013 departure date: You SAVE $ 250 per person off cruise rate if booked and deposited at time of reservation. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1, 2012 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.