Name: Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Brand: Avalon Waterways
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Overview

Discover Northern Europe and Baltic Sea over 14 nights aboard the Avalon Envision - sail with Avalon Waterways from Basel. Calling at Breisach, Amsterdam, and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine among 3 ports, this cruise is packed with opportunities to explore. Each port brings its own character and charm, while days at sea give you time to enjoy the Avalon Envision's on-board amenities. At £5,191 per person, this is a compelling way to explore Northern Europe and Baltic Sea with Avalon Waterways.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 2

Breisach

Breisach is set on a hilltop, overlooking the Rhine and the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region. The town’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking tower, is a prominent landmark visible from the river.Breisach’s compact historic centre offers quiet streets, traditional wine taverns and small museums. The surrounding rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s best white wines.

Day 3

Kehl

Day 4

Mainz

Mainz is known for its Roman heritage and inspiration, which is visible in archaeological sites and the Mainz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The city is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, with a museum dedicated to his revolutionary legacy.The old town has colourful half-timbered houses, busy markets and inviting cafés where you can enjoy local wines. The Rhine promenade is perfect for relaxed walks with views of passing river traffic and bridges.

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Day 6

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 7-8

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 9

Vernon

Vernon is a small, picturesque town on the Seine known for its half-timbered houses, historic stone bridges, cobbled streets and lively market atmosphere.Vernon is the gateway to Giverny, just a short drive away, where you'll find Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home. Many river cruises include guided excursions to Giverny, allowing visitors to see the water lilies and vibrant flower beds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.The town itself has charming cafés and bakeries lining the main square, plus a 12th-century church, Saint-Maclou, with distinctive Norman architecture.

Days 10-11

Caudebec-en-Caux

Set on a bend of the Seine, Caudebec-en-Caux is a quiet Normandy town and a common base for excursions into the surrounding region, but the town itself has historic charm, particularly in the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame, with its complex stonework and stained glass.In Caudebec’s centre, you’ll find some timber-framed houses and remnants of medieval fortifications. There’s also a riverfront promenade and a small museum dedicated to local history and traditions.Many cruise lines use Caudebec as a launch point for excursions to the Abbey Route, taking in magnificent monastic sites like Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, or further afield to Étretat’s cliffs or the D-Day beaches.

Day 12

Rouen

Rouen is one of the prettiest cities along the Seine, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and soaring Gothic churches. Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in medieval Europe, Rouen is best known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.Visitors can explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive museum housed in the former archbishop’s palace or visit the modern church that marks the site of her execution. Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, dominates the skyline with its intricate façade and towering spire.The city’s size makes it perfect to explore on foot, and it is a favourite stop of cruisers in medieval history or Impressionist art.

Day 13

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

At the confluence of the Seine and the Oise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine has long been a hub for river life. Often called the capital of France’s inland waterways, it has a deep connection to barge culture. Many of the boats moored along its banks are still home to families, and the riverside promenade is lined with old péniches (barges), some converted into museums or chapels.We recommend a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, housed in a grand château, which tells the story of French river navigation. From Conflans, cruise excursions often head to nearby places of interest, including the Palace at Versailles or the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days.

Days 14-15

Paris

The French capital needs no introduction, but seeing it from the Seine offers a different perspective on the city. The river winds through the heart of Paris, its banks flanked by many of its most iconic sights, from Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.Most cruises start or end in Paris, allowing at least a full day to explore, at your own pace or on an organised excursion. Independent exploration is easy, with the metro, bateaux-mouches and a good pair of shoes all offering ways to see the city on your terms.The Left Bank brims with literary cafés, while the Right Bank has grand boulevards and elegant arcades. And while you shouldn’t miss the city’s big hitters, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Jardin du Luxembourg, don’t hesitate to adventure beyond the headliners, whether you want to browse the shelves at English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, sip coffee at Les Deux Magots or take in the view from Montmartre.

Day 1

Basel

Day 2

Breisach

Day 3

Kehl

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Days 7-8

Day 9

Days 10-11

Day 12

Day 13

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Days 14-15

Paris

166

Passengers

Crew

2019

Launched

2775t

Tonnage

135m

Length

12m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Avalon Envision

Just envision Europe's most spectacular views passing your panoramic window like ever-changing picture postcards. The Avalon Envision brings this dream to life as part of the youngest fleet of ships on Europe's waterways. Avalon continues our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury and excellence with the Envision.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Great service and cabin

Panorama Suite was great although really a good sized room, not a suite. Service was excellent, room cleaned twice a day. Food delicious though slightly better at the start of the trip. Would have liked a few more activity options so will be back for an Active and discovery cruise next time.

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:06:50

First time doing a river cruise - Amsterdam to Basel -, it was quite a different experience from the mid-size ships ocean cruises. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere without loosing your privacy, the attention to detail by the staff small team, the fine dining from breakfast to diner to snacks. The surprised from a less romantic Rhine River than I was expecting was largely compensated by the thrill at each gate crossing (and there are many!) that makes this cruise so special. A marvellous way to see my beloved Europe from a different angle!

Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista

Reviews

2023-03-28 14:56:18

Avalon Waterways Avalon Impression

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:11:22

Avalon Waterways Avalon Expression

Reviews

2022-10-24 19:07:40

Had a super river cruise through Provence in the searing heat of the summer. We were worried that the river might be too low but it was fine. All the excursions were wonderful, not too long or arduous and l would never have thought that ld be inspired to emulate Van Gogh's Starry Night. What a brilliant trip, everything was wonderful, the only down side was the long transfer back to Lyons to fly home. With hindsight l would have chosen a rail option Thanks

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews

2022-10-05 20:52:08

Avalon Waterways Avalon Envision

Reviews