Romantic Rhine With Mount Pilatus, 1 Night In Lucerne & 3 Nights In Lake Como (Southbound)

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany-and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Cologne, Germany-a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture-will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. While you’re there, why not try a locally brewed Kölsch beer? Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle towering magnificently over the city. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. The city’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Stop in Breisach, Germany, located on the French-German border, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beauty-best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored. Disembark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel and begin your Monograms® vacation in Switzerland and Italy. Start with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by high-speed train to Como, where an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or take the funicular to the village of Brunate-your Monograms Local Host® can help you make this fabulous vacation just perfect for you!

Included Features:

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise

Day 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour

Day 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum or, a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or a hike up Philosophers’ Way

Day 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral

Day 7 Breisach: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badischer Winzerkeller

Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)–Mount Pilatus–Lucerne: excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

Day 9 Lucerne–Lake Como: transfer by high speed train (First class) to Lake Como; guided walking tour

Day 10 Lake Como: boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio

Day 11 Lake Como: full day at leisure

Day 12 Lake Como: your vacation ends with breakfast this morning