Celebrate the festive season in Central Europe with a magnificent 4-night cruise from Basel to Frankfurt! Stops include Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the red sandstone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Try some festive Glühwein, smell the aromas of the Christmas markets, shop for local Christmas ornaments, and delight in the holiday cheer. This year, start your holiday season with this joyous and memorable cruise—it’s a vacation of a lifetime!
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Day 1
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. (D)
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Day 2
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. (B,L,D)
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Day 3
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! (B,L,D)
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Day 4
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. (B,L,D)
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Day 5
Your vacation ends after breakfast today. (B)
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Basel:Welcome receptionBreisach:Excursion to the Black ForestStrasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralHeidelberg:Take pictures of the castle
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AW_Always_Included_Europe_2013
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B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.
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Combine with another Festive Season Cruise.Cruise from Zurich to Prague - Christmastime Zürich to Prague (WZF + WFN) or cruise from Zürich to Vienna - Grand Christmastime Cruise from Zurich to Vienna (WZF + WFN + WNV excluding Prague). Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications. NOTES:• Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location.• 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.• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
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Port charges: $72Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $175, in twin room $118Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:in single room $215, in twin room $133Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:Category / Decks / PriceD / Indigo Deck / $85B / Sapphire Deck / $457A / Sapphire Deck / $485P / Royal Deck / $571Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $971
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WFZ|Cruise from Frankfurt to Basel
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Christmastime in Alsace & Germany from Zürich to Frankfurt
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Celebrate the festive season in Central Europe with a magnificent 4-night cruise from Basel to Frankfurt! Stops include Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the red sandstone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Try some festive Glühwein, smell the aromas of the Christmas markets, shop for local Christmas ornaments, and delight in the holiday cheer. This year, start your holiday season with this joyous and memorable cruise—it’s a vacation of a lifetime!
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