5 days tour

Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2024

Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2024

This tour includes:

Guide

Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

Hygieneprotocol

The health and safety of our guests remains our top priority and while we highly recommend that travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19, after 1 March, 2023 , we will no longer require it. Destinations and other transportation operators โ€“ like airlines โ€“ have their own rules and regulations. It will be up to the responsibility of our guests to understand and comply with those policies to move freely across the globe. The Globus family of brands previous policy โ€“ requiring all guests be vaccinated against COVID-19 โ€“ remains in effect until 1 March, 2023 . Anyone travelling before that date on a Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Waterways holiday must be fully vaccinated. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The following requirements are in place traveling Internationally throughout 2021 and domestically beginning Sept. 1, 2021: - Full vaccination against COVID-19 in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Vaccination documentation must include information that identifies the person and vaccination date(s). Proof of full vaccination must show that official vaccination dose(s) were administered at least 14-days prior to the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. Globus accepts vaccines authorized or recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Travelers may encounter additional requirements if their vaccine is not recognized by the travel destination. - For children who do not qualify for vaccination, one of the two forms of documentation are required to travel: 1) Verifiable negative COVID-19 test result in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Testing must be performed by an entity recognized by your government of residence, using a viral test (NAAT/PCR or antigen). The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A negative test result must show the test was done within 72 hours before the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. 2) If you recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months, and have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of recovery, which includes a positive test result and a letter from your health care provider that states you have been cleared to end isolation (return to work, travel, etc.) The test result documentation and letter must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A positive test result must show test was done within 3 months of the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. WELCOME ABOARD New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including: - Social distancing throughout embarkation - Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew - Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks) FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT In addition to our Open-Air staterooms, the air in our ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise, include: - Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest - Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person - Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction - Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills - Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS - Electrostatic disinfecting systems - UV disinfecting systems TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS Reducing risk with hands-free service, including: - More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship - Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space - Self-serve stations, including bu ets, drinks, specialty co ees and snacks have been replaced with crew service - All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of aฬ€ la carte menu choices - Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalonโ€™s already strict procedures: - Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including: - Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards - Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises - Disinfection of all dining areas between meals - Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items - Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship - Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH Ensuring a healthy crew, including: - Medical certifcate required prior to start of contract - Daily temperature checks - Social distancing in crew living quarters - Regular health screenings Avalon will continue to review and update Assurance initiatives as we make our return to the worldโ€™s waterways including adhering toโ€”and building uponโ€” the standards set forth by travel and health agencies across the globe, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Meals

Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients Avalon Freshยฎ healthy cuisine options at every meal Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Freshยฎ options and daily a la carte specials Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Freshยฎ options and rotating chefโ€™s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge. Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrรฉes and desserts or cheese Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistroโ€™s tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner Avalon FlexDiningยฎ flexible dining times with menu & venue options Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapรฉs New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Accommodation

4 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship

Others

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship Panoramic windows throughout the ship Elegant, contemporary design & decor Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges Covered Observation Lounge Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day Elevator Non-smoking interior and staterooms Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Christmastime In Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2024

  • Day 1 Day 1: Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation)

      Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Shipยฎ is Ready for Boarding.

      Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm.

      Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

      Overnight:
      EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER

      Meals:
      Dinner

      FRANKFURT-FESTIVE-LIGHTS.jpg
  • Day 2 Day 2: Speyer. Excursion To Heidelberg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Speyer. Excursion To Heidelberg

      Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King

      Activity discovery:
      Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vatโ€”the worldโ€™s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg.

      Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets.

      This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board

      Overnight:
      EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      HEIDELBERG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
  • Day 3 Day 3: Strasbourg, France
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Strasbourg, France

      A Gothic Cathedral, Heavenโ€™s Time, and Joyeux Noรซl

      Activity classic:
      Come along for City Sightseeing, including the cityโ€™s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

      You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village.

      Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.

      Overnight:
      EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      STRASBOURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
  • Day 4 Day 4: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest

      German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

      Activity discovery:
      Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germanyโ€™s southernmost wine country in Badenโ€”ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintnersโ€™ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:

      Activity discovery:
      Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.

      After your visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, 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.

      Overnight:
      EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      BLACK-FOREST-CLOCK.jpg
  • Day 5 Day 5: Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)

      Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

      Flights shouldnโ€™t leave Zรผrich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

      Meals:
      Breakfast

      BASEL-FESTIVE-SUNRISE.jpg
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 8 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required