Name: Christmastime in the Heart of Germany
Brand: 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

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 2

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Day 3

Antwerp

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy.

Day 4

Gent (Ghent)

Day 5

Middelburg

The capital of Zeeland has plenty to recommend it. During the Dutch Golden Age, Middelburg was a hub of maritime trade and innovation, and echoes of that prosperous past are still easy to spot. Wander its cobbled lanes to discover more than a thousand listed buildings and monuments, from its medieval abbey to the imposing town hall. Round off your day in port by treating yourself to some of the town's celebrated seafood or even a tour of a nearby oyster farm.

Day 6

Willemstad

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 1

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 2

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Day 3

Antwerp

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy.

Day 4

Gent (Ghent)

Day 5

Middelburg

The capital of Zeeland has plenty to recommend it. During the Dutch Golden Age, Middelburg was a hub of maritime trade and innovation, and echoes of that prosperous past are still easy to spot. Wander its cobbled lanes to discover more than a thousand listed buildings and monuments, from its medieval abbey to the imposing town hall. Round off your day in port by treating yourself to some of the town's celebrated seafood or even a tour of a nearby oyster farm.

Day 6

Willemstad

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.

Avalon Passion

We're so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened this Suite Ship the Avalon Passion. Gracing Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name.