HOLIDAY MARKETS ~ THE FESTIVE RHINE RIVER
Experience the joyous Old-World holiday charm of Germany and France on a luxurious seven-night Rhine River cruise. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of festive markets adorned with twinkling lights and discover unique handmade treasures. Take leisurely strolls through picturesque medieval towns, indulge in a captivating musical performance in Heidelberg's romantic old town, and savor delectable seasonal delights. Enhance your journey with customizable excursions, including wine tastings, culinary tours, and cultural experiences, in the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, and Düsseldorf. Join us for an unforgettable holiday adventure on the Rhine.
Program Highlights
Stroll among the sights, smells and sounds at a variety of “Holiday” markets, large/small & German/French/Swiss throughout the cruise- Sail the impressive Rhine river, including the Rhine Gorge, past the fabled Lorelei Rock and hear the siren’s call
- Hear a beautiful performance at a special private event at a palace in Heidelberg featuring opera, holiday songs, and holiday treats.
- Shop the unique locally-made items featured in the markets and bring back something special for those most important to you
- See two of the Rhine’s most dominant cathedrals at the Kolner Dom in Cologne, and Strasbourg Cathedral, both watching over the main Holiday Markets
Price : Starting at $2,995 per person, based on cabin selection, Land and cruise only, plus airfare and VAT/Port taxes of $395
Appointed to the Vice Provost for the Arts position in 2013, Jody is responsible for planning for the arts in consultation with the Arts Advisory Committee, helping guide fundraising initiatives associated with the arts, including creating the Arts Endowment, and for initiating and coordinating cross-disciplinary collaborations both inside and outside the Visual and Performing Arts & Architecture Departments and Programs at the University.
Numerous programs, including The Fralin Museum of Art, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, the Virginia Film Festival, WTJU Radio, and the UVA Arts Box Office report to Kielbasa as the Vice Provost for the Arts. With his oversight, these programs have grown in both staff and programming and continue to provide UVA and the community-at-large incredible opportunities to explore all we have to offer.
Before coming to UVA, Kielbasa spent ten years as the Founding Director of the Sarasota (FL) Film Festival and was instrumental in turning it into one of the nation's premier regional film festivals. Early in his career, he founded the award-winning Tamarind Theater in Los Angeles, California, where he produced over 100 plays.
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kielbasa graduated from Rollins College and earned a B.F.A. in Theatre from Florida State University and an M.F.A. in acting from the F.S.U./Asolo Conservatory for Actor's Training in Sarasota, Florida.
Jody Kielbasa resides in Charlottesville with his wife Helen and their three children Camille (College ‘23), Luke, and Juliet.
Arrive at Zürich International Airport, where our Representative will be waiting to escort you to the MS Amadeus Imperial docked in Basel. After settling into your cabin, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during tonight’s Welcome Reception and Dinner as the ship cruises to Breisach, Germany. MS Amadeus Imperial - Dinner (D)
Head to Freiburg, a vibrant university city, to see its medieval landmarks on a guided stroll and visit the merry Christkindlmarkt. Return to the ship for a refreshing lunch. Next, choose an excursion in France’s Alsace region: (1) a walking tour and winery visit in Riquewihr, a charming medieval village set in a small valley near the Vosges Mountains or (2) a trip to Colmar, where four magical holiday markets brighten the intimate old town. The ship sails to Strasbourg, France. B, L, D
In the Alsatian capital, select from (1) a scenic/walking tour that highlights Strasbourg’s unique mix of German and French architecture and includes a visit to the splendid Notre Dame Cathedral or (2) a delectable culinary tour of Strasbourg’s small winstubs, wine pubs, and other local cafés and shops. During free time, meander within Strasbourg’s luminous marché de Noël, one of France’s oldest holiday markets, established in 1570. Later, back on the ship, learn about cherished German holiday traditions. B, L, D
Disembark in Mannheim and journey to nearby Heidelberg. Tour hilltop Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River valley, then stroll through the romantic historic center and along the banks of the river. Relax afterward over a lunch of traditional dishes and delight in the cozy atmosphere that Germans call gemütlichkeit. Spend some time exploring on your own before relishing a wonderful musical treat, an exclusive performance of holiday songs, arias and contemporary songs by a trio. This evening, the ship cruises to Rüdesheim. B, L, D
In Rüdesheim, choose from (1) a guided old town tour and a visit to a captivating museum of mechanical musical instruments or (2) a trip to the beautiful Abbey of St. Hildegard and a tasting at a winery. Enjoy lunch on board, and sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a gently curving section dotted with some 40 castles and fortress ruins. Then, gather together to savor a mug of Glühwein, a warm wintertime favorite made with red wine, spices and citrus. B, L, D
Topped by two ornate spires, Cologne’s awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral was under construction for more than 630 years. On a guided walking tour in the old town, see Cologne’s landmarks and marvel at the cathedral’s impressive exterior. Step inside to see the stone columns soaring toward the vaulted ceiling. After lunch on the ship, take a complimentary shuttle to the city center and make your own plans. At the holiday market outside the cathedral, shop for blown-glass ornaments, colorfully painted nutcrackers and handcrafted decorations. B, L, D
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport in Düsseldorf for your return flight home. B
MS Amadeus Imperial
Aboard the stylish, 82-cabin MS Amadeus Imperial, part of the innovative Lueftner Cruises fleet, savor attentive, friendly service from a professional crew ready to pamper you throughout your journey. Travelers can relax on the River Terrace or gather in the Amadeus Club or Panorama Bar for entertainment. Savor delectable breakfast buffets and regional and international specialties for lunch and dinner served with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Shipboard amenities include a sun deck, fitness center and massage room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
- Welcome and Farewell Receptions and Dinners to mingle with fellow travelers.
- Tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine with dinner.
- Opportunities to sample authentic cuisine and local flavors.
From $2,995 per person, double occupancy, land & cruise only.
Price includes:
- Included AHI Travel Assurance plan that covers Accident and Sickness Medical Expense, Trip Delay and Emergency Evacuation for U.S. residents.
- Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Cruise Program with baggage handling.
- Engaging excursions showcase the local culture, heritage and history.
- Personalize Your Journey | PYJ: A choice of excursions in selected locales.
- Expert-led Enrichment programs to enhance your insight into the region.
- Free time to pursue your individual interests.
- Tipping of guides and drivers.
- A personal VOX headset to hear your English-speaking guide clearly.
Price Does not include:
- Value Added Tax
- Round-trip airfare
- Items of a strictly personal nature, such as laundry and valet services, medications, telephone and cable charges, wines or liquor other than outlined in the itinerary
- Anything not explicitly listed as included
All prices are, land and cruise only.
WAITLIST ONLY: A limited number of single cabins are available at no additional charge.
WAITLIST ONLY: A-Mozart Deck, Aft, - $4,395 - Staterooms with drop-down panoramic windows and walk-in wardrobe; 188 sq. feet/17.5 sq. meters.
WAITLIST ONLY: B-Strauss Mid - $3,895 - Staterooms with drop-down panoramic windows and walk-in wardrobe; 188 sq. feet/17.5 sq. meters.
WAITLIST ONLY: C-Strauss Aft - $3,695 - Staterooms with drop-down panoramic windows and walk-in wardrobe; 188 sq. feet/17.5 sq. meters.
WAITLIST ONLY: D-Haydn Mid - $3,195 - Staterooms with smaller panoramic windows (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobes; connecting doors available in some staterooms; 172 sq. feet/16 sq. meters.
WAITLIST ONLY E- Haydn Mid Aft - $2,995 - Staterooms with smaller panoramic windows (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobes; connecting doors available in some staterooms; 172 sq. feet/16 sq. meters.
WAITLIST ONLY S-Suite Mozart - $4,895 - Sofa with chaise, walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe, bathrobes and slippers; 284 sq. feet; 26.4 sq. meters.
VAT and Port Tax supplement is an additional $395 per person. All prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or, e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $600 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 120 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure (Sept. 5, 2024).
Deposits can be made via all major credit cards or by Check made out to AHI Travel.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
CANCELLATION- All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
- Cancellation received up to 90 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
- Cancellation received 89 to 60 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 59-45 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 44 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE.
If a tour is canceled by AHI Travel before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting one of these options from AHI Travel:
i) transfer to another date of the same tour, if available; ii) book another tour of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for paying any difference in price); or iii) book another tour of lesser value, if available (with a refund payable to you for the difference in price); or iv) receive a full refund for the land-only portion of the applicable tour
CANCELLATION GRACE PERIOD-Reservations made prior to 120 days before a tour´s scheduled departure date may be canceled within 7 days following the reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 120 days prior to a tour´s scheduled departure will not qualify for the grace period.
CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS-Purchases of optional excursions, pre- and/or post-tour extensions, additional hotel nights, private transfers or other trip options become fully non-refundable 44 days prior to departure. Air transportation purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines.