I’ve never been more excited to share about a trip!
In the past few years, I’ve been referred to a lot as the “Queen of the Christmas Market” and for good reason. You could say I’m obsessed. I’ve been to dozens of Christmas markets all over Europe. I’ve never in my life experienced anything more magical before. It is truly a sense of the senses. The scent of intoxicating nuts and wine, hand-carved wooden stalls and twinkling lights, come to life, and the sheer delight as people shop, explore and marvel at the beauty of these fairytale towns.
There is nothing else like it. And the I want you to come with me!
Michael and I knew we wanted to host a trip with a group of travelers to our absolute favorite place in the world: the Christmas markets in Central Europe.
We have hosted two trips in the past Portugal and Italy It was one of our favorite ways to travel.
The problem was we wanted to offer a multi-city and country trip to really get to know the Christmas markets. But the logistics was a nightmare.
Then we realized that the best way to really experience the markets is a river cruise! Enter, the waterways of Avalon!! Amazing, modern river cruise, perfect plan for birthday and deal of a lifetime.
This is your official invitation to come with me December 14-21 to Europe for Christmas at Avalon Waterways!
You can find out all the details and sign up here.
When: Dec 14 – Dec 21 2022
where: Our itinerary takes us up the stunning Rhine and starts in Basel, Switzerland then on to Brisach and the Black Forest in Germany, Strasbourg, France – an actual fairy-tale city, to Mainz with a stop in Heidelberg, Germany where we reside. Then to Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge and then to Cologne, Germany – one of my favorite Christmas markets! Finally, he ended up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
What does it contain? What I love about sailing is that just about everything is included! But Avalon is an incredible value. Your meals and drinks on board are included. Even beer and wine are included during lunch and dinner. trip every day. And your trip is included, too!
What is the price? Avalon Waterways managed to secure us a lot – starting at $3,257 per person!
Why: Great way to travel, meet other passionate travelers, and Christmas markets!
From: You are! You are welcome to go alone or bring a friend or significant other. Michael will be there of course, guys are welcome too!
How: Sign up here to secure your place!
The spots are limited and I expect the spots to fill up quickly. Now, the trip is $100. Register here
We totally adore Avalon Waterways They have worked with their family of brands many times. This is truly one of my all-time favorite companies. I have They took a river cruise on the Danube Via Budapest and Austria their cruises are exceptional.
Imagine just unpacking once and stopping in Basel, Switzerland, the Black Forest, Germany, Heidelberg, Germany (where we lived!), Strasbourg, France, Cologne, Germany, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. You will be able to explore, go to the markets, take tours and eat the best food! All in a luxurious river cruise.
Not only do we get an exceptional cruise itinerary, they give us a great deal! For $3,257 including airfare, we take an 8-day cruise through some of my favorite places.
Since 2004, Avalon She has sailed all over the world (mostly from Europe) and has 16 ships that offer very large suites and rooms. Avalon offers “Outdoor Balconies” which means you can open windows all the way (7 feet!) and turn your entire stateroom into a balcony. For this reason, you have more space in your room. Your bed faces the window and you can enjoy the scenery as you cruise down the river.
I absolutely adore sailing, but the river cruise is a different and immersive experience. Your food and drinks are included on board (including beer and wine during lunch and dinner). A selection of tours are offered each day with a free option included each day. You also have plenty of time to explore on your own!
On the Avalon A cruise ship you have many different areas to hang out and explore. There is simply no bad place to sit. The ship is designed to have a beautiful view outside, no matter where you are. The wonderful Panorama Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while sitting down with helpful and friendly staff serving you.
You can also get room service for breakfast and from the window facing the bed. I also love coming back to the club lounge to play board games or have coffee 24/7. And get warm cookies there too!
Our itinerary to the Christmas markets is absolutely exceptional! Avalon has some great river cruise itineraries across Europe and this leads you to some of the best places for Christmas.
From small villages full of charm to megacities that aim to impress when it comes to Christmas. This is the best of both worlds. And we’ll travel in style on the gorgeous Avalon Waterways.
Here’s our romantic Rhine itinerary:
First day Basel
A fascinating city located on the northern border of Switzerland, this makes it a melting pot of Swiss, German and French cultures. This is actually on my list for The best Christmas markets in Switzerland!
You’ll find towering Christmas trees and the famous Christmas tree pyramid along with dozens of wooden stalls.
Day Two Presach (Black Forest)
The the black Forest It is a winter wonderland. This is where stories like Hanzel, Gretel, Snow White and many other fairy tales were born. We’ll feel like we’re in a fairy tale here!
Third day Strasbourg
Actual capital de Noel! During the Christmas season, Strasbourg Sounds to me like what Dr. Seuss was thinking when he was composing “Whoville” in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s as if you’re stepping into the dreamlike City of Lights, with loads of crazy Christmas decorations on every window and the scent of wine wafting in the air. There is absolutely nothing like it! This is one of my favorites Christmas markets all over Europe!
Day 4 Mainz and Heidelberg tour
I lived in Germany from 2016 to 2019. Before we moved on Michael and I had never moved in Germany! We searched for and chose where to live in advance Heidelberg. We chose right. A castle overlooking a river from a sixteenth century town. pinch me! We are going here to explore the castle and see the wonderful Christmas market!
Day 5: Rudesheim – Rhein-Georges – Koblenz
There are a bunch of activities we can do here! visit the Siegfried Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments in Rüdesheim, explore castles and vineyards with your Avalon Waterways Adventure host or take a scenic cruise along the Rhine; Or have some free time in Koblenz!
Sixth day Cologne
This Christmas market is incredible! I brought my mother here last year and it blew up. Multiple markets all over the city, music, great food, and Christmas joy all around! The markets are big and each has a different theme. It’s one of my Germany’s favorite Christmas markets.
Day 7 Amsterdam
One of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, but add a twinkle of lights! We head to Amsterdam to explore Canal City. Amsterdam It has great food, beautiful architecture and lots of museums to explore!
Day 8 Amsterdam
Our last day in Amsterdam and get out of here! I really can’t wait to share the magic with you.
Sail with Avalon
Not only is this an incredible itinerary, with sailing Avalon Waterways Stress free. The food is delicious and local. Oftentimes, chefs bring local food from where it is docked that evening. It’s like eating in a Michelin starred restaurant every day – and it’s all included in the price!
A selection of wine and beer is served along with lunch and dinner and you can buy mixed drinks. In addition, happy hour is served every night before dinner with half-price drinks and signature cocktails.
Your double occupancy room at Avalon is very spacious. Inside you’ll find a large, functional bathroom with luxury L’Occitane toiletries, a TV showing more than 100 different new and classic films, and great views on the outdoor balcony. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and I loved the spacious room to store my belongings.
You have been lucky enough A cruise with Avalon Waterways before It really is an amazing experience.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a trip to Europe, but going for Christmas and a river cruise?! This is a dream come true!
Taking a river cruise is the perfect way to travel. Beautiful ship in state of the art room with the best food and views. River cruises allow you to visit intimate corners of the world that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit. Instead of being in a bus or car, we’ll be sailing down the Rhine and sipping wine while seeing the sights.
River cruises are a luxurious and unique experience. At Avalon you get a personalized holiday experience, with dedicated staff to each guest. It is unparalleled! These are some pictures from my trip with Avalon On the Danube! You can read more about this topic here.
Then, when we reach our destination, we have plenty of time to explore and have fun. And if we need a break, we easily hop on the boat!
Most food and drinks and many excursions are included in the total price, allowing us to enjoy a decadent vacation without the stress of planning every detail and stressing over every penny. The price Avalon Waterways gave us is amazing.
But best of all, we are sailing together! You will make friends for life. Having hosted trips in the past, the friendships you will make are truly unique. Many travelers have traveled on previous trips together after that!! A group just went to Paris!
I know this Christmas trip will be a once in a lifetime trip. I hope you will join me on this magical river cruise through the Christmas markets!
Frequently asked questions:
How can I secure my place? On Friday, May 20 at 12 noon CST, 20 places will open. You will need to enter your information (full name, phone, and email address) and a credit/debit card to pay the $250 deposit which is locked in your place! You will do it here.
Is there a payment plan? yes! After the initial $250 deposit, you’ll pay a $300 deposit in two weeks for the flight. After that, you can pay as much or as little as you want in installments until September 15, which is the final payment date.
Do I have to make the trip? You don’t but it’s a really good deal. Only $399 for your round trip with airport shuttle! If not, you can take – $399 off the price.
Can I book with my boyfriend/husband/mom? yes! There is an option to book two people. The price is the same, $3,257 per person. You’ll put a $250 deposit per person, which is $500 in total.
What are double rooms? Can I travel alone? I have hosted trips in Portugal and Italy before and have always done double rooms. It’s better to get to know each other and so much fun! And of course you can travel alone! I would say 95% of people on previous trips have done it! This is the best way to make friends.
What about free time? There will be free time for the session! I love the way Avalon organizes cruises to include activity and give you time to explore. The best part is that we always have a meeting point on the boat! This journey is going at your own pace.
Can I extend my flight or come earlier? defy! This is your journey and I want it to be the journey of a lifetime. You can do that and I’d be happy to help you plan.
What is the airline fare included? It’s all listed here!
More questions? E-mail [email protected] – Avalon has the best customer service and will answer all your questions!
I can’t wait to sail with you! Book your trip here!
