Sail through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland on a Rhine River journey.
Discover fairytale castles and festive traditions on this spectacular Rhine River holiday. Stroll Amsterdam’s charming canals, experience the magic of Strasbourg’s legendary Christmas Market, and enjoy the holiday cheer of Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse. Sail aboard an elegantly decorated ship through cities and towns aglow with lights, trees, and seasonal spirit. With festive onboard traditions, a holiday feast, and breathtaking scenery across the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, this journey is a true Christmas miracle.
The Ultimate Christmas Experience
ITINERARY
DAY 1
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
Meet your ship in Amsterdam for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.
Meet your ship in Amsterdam for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.
DAY 2
AMSTERDAM
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
DAY 3
COLOGNE
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
DAY 4
RUDESHEIM
Cruise through the breathtaking UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge before arriving in Rüdesheim. Stroll the festive Drosselgasse, explore the Christmas markets, ride a gondola for sweeping views, or visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet with its fascinating collection of self-playing instruments.
Cruise through the breathtaking UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge before arriving in Rüdesheim. Stroll the festive Drosselgasse, explore the Christmas markets, ride a gondola for sweeping views, or visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet with its fascinating collection of self-playing instruments.
DAY 5
LUDWIGSHAFEN
From Ludwigshafen, choose your adventure: explore Heidelberg’s medieval streets, castle, and Christmas Markets, or hike the Philosopher’s Path for sweeping views. Alternatively, visit Speyer, home to Europe’s largest Romanesque cathedral, the medieval Old Gate, and the fascinating Technik Museum.
From Ludwigshafen, choose your adventure: explore Heidelberg’s medieval streets, castle, and Christmas Markets, or hike the Philosopher’s Path for sweeping views. Alternatively, visit Speyer, home to Europe’s largest Romanesque cathedral, the medieval Old Gate, and the fascinating Technik Museum.
DAY 6
STRASBOURG
Explore Strasbourg’s fairytale charm in the La Petite France district, stroll past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its astronomical clock, and enjoy free time at the Christmas Markets. For an active option, take a guided bike tour through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Explore Strasbourg’s fairytale charm in the La Petite France district, stroll past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its astronomical clock, and enjoy free time at the Christmas Markets. For an active option, take a guided bike tour through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
DAY 7
BASEL
Discover Basel, Switzerland’s cultural gem, with its medieval town hall, vibrant market square, and elegant historic homes. Explore by foot or bike, crossing into Switzerland, France, and Germany, or take a full-day excursion to Lucerne to see its towers and famous Chapel Bridge. Guests staying in Basel can enjoy the Christmas Markets, visit Wildegg Castle, or hike the surrounding countryside.
Discover Basel, Switzerland’s cultural gem, with its medieval town hall, vibrant market square, and elegant historic homes. Explore by foot or bike, crossing into Switzerland, France, and Germany, or take a full-day excursion to Lucerne to see its towers and famous Chapel Bridge. Guests staying in Basel can enjoy the Christmas Markets, visit Wildegg Castle, or hike the surrounding countryside.
DAY 8
BASEL – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your flight home.
AMAVENITA SHIP
AMAVENITA STATEROOMS
Small group- limited cabins
Outside Window Cabin
- $3595 Per person Based on Double Occupancy
Single private cabin $5595-
Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
*Rates do not include port fees, taxes, transfers or airfare.
French Balcony Cabin
- $4495 Per person Based on Double Occupancy
Single private cabin $6595-
French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
*Rates do not include port fees, taxes, transfers or airfare.
Balcony Cabin
- $5595 Per person Based on Double Occupancy
Single private cabin $7995-
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
*Rates do not include port fees, taxes, transfers or airfare.
Suite
$7,495 Per person Based on Double Occupancy
Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
*Rates do not include port fees, taxes, transfers or airfare.
WE GET IT
It can be difficult to decide where to spend your vacation dollars when every travel company claims to be the best. So don’t just take our word for it. Check out just of few of the reviews that demonstrate why Sober Vacations International is unsurpassed in the business:
Perhaps It’s The Company:"The places are always beautiful and the activities, room, food, and meetings are always great,
in my heart and soul it’s the wonderful people you meet who become lifelong friends!
Without question, best thing about SVI are the people. The attendees were full of love, life and
sober fun. Everything else; the beach, the food, the entertainment and the meetings/speakers
were all secondary. It could have rained all week and I’d have had just as much fun.
Once again thank you for the opportunity of spending quality time with wonderful, SOBER,
spiritual people. Can’t tell you how much these trips mean to me. I get energized for many
months both before and after."
Or Maybe The Atmosphere:"Its all great.... just so grateful to be part of this experience and you guys have made it better
each year.
SVI isn't just a vacation, it's a feeling of absolute safety.
This was a life changing experience and I was in awe of every second. I even had the thought
once or twice wondering why I EVER thought I needed to drink or drug to have fun when I can
feel like I felt this week."
The Incredible Gratefulness:"It was so great…No words for this much gratitude…Rock on…
I came back from our week at Club Med Turquoise with my heart full of gratitude
and wonderful memories. What a way to celebrate my 30 th year of sobriety!
Thanks for a wonderful week – it is now a new bright spot in my year."
Or The Extraordinary Impact:"These vacations have become one of the many joys of my life!
A trip like this for me has had a huge ripple effect. I was able to recharge from my busy life, meditate daily and completely immerse myself in AA in a beautiful, relaxing setting.
What a great vacation I had; beyond my wildest dreams."
A trip like this for me has had a huge ripple effect. I was able to recharge from my busy life, meditate daily and completely immerse myself in AA in a beautiful, relaxing setting.
What a great vacation I had; beyond my wildest dreams."
These are just a few of the reasons that over 98% of our recent travelers would recommend a SVI vacation to a friend. Discover for yourself what makes Sober Vacations so special.
Contact us today to book your next vacation!
FAQs
As we are a sober travel agency, we can offer trips that other travel agencies cannot – specifically trips that are geared towards the sober traveler.
You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober. We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused a problem for the group.
We have two different types of trips – Sober Vacations and Sober Villages. Sober Vacations are most of our trips – where we are a smaller group within the resort/cruise and people will be around us that are not in program. We have daily AA meetings and stick together for excursions and meals. Our Sober Villages happen yearly (usually in the beginning of the year during the winter) and these are full buyouts- meaning you will be at a resort with 500-600 fellow sober people. All bars/mini bars are wiped clean of alcohol and instead replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Our Sober Villages have daily jam packed schedules with AA meetings, al-anon meetings, attitude adjustment workshops, recovery yoga, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! So, depending on what you prefer, you should choose what vacation suites you and your sobriety the best.
You do not. We ask for a deposit when you make your reservation. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your reservation. At any point, you can make payments to your account, or you can pay it all off at once. As long as the trip is paid off 90 days before your departure, you can pay at whatever pace you are comfortable with.
Usually. If it is an All-Inclusive trip, we will indicate such.
All-inclusive means food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the cost of your trip. Gratuities are not included, however.
We’ve been in operation as a sober travel agency since 1987.
Los Angeles Dodgers! Is there any other?
For most trips, yes.
You arrange your flights yourself and bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a.
Sadly, we cannot book your flights. Your flights are your responsibility.
That’s okay. We have been successfully matching roommates using our patent-pending roommate matching technology since 1987. In 35 years, we’ve only had eight fatalities out of over 8,000 matches. Which translates to over a 99% satisfaction rate!
We do not control the culinary options on any of our trips. So, each vacation will be different, but we generally choose resorts and experiences that offer a wide range of quality food. That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets.
Yes! We describe our trips as a vacation…with meetings. On our Sober Village there are 5 scheduled meetings each day. On other trips, there are usually between 1-3 meetings a day. If you are on a trip, and you want to start a meeting, you are free to do so. We just ask that it not conflict with any of our scheduled meetings.
Absolutely not! Meeting attendance is at your discretion.
Depends on the trip. Our Sober Villages have between 450-700 people! Some trips are smaller, more intimate experiences.
We adhere to the policies of the destination to which we are traveling – if it is their policy that incoming travelers be vaccinated then we adhere to those recommendations. We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance especially in this new travel landscape with Covid-19. We have a partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance. Please visit their website to sign up www.allianztravelinsurance.com – our ACCAM Number is: F019519
FAQs
Standard Refund Policy: All cancellations are subject to a $200 penalty per person. 202-180 Days out 50% of deposit penalty. 179-120 days out from departure, 100% of deposit. 119-90 days out, 50% of Total invoice. 89-0 days out 100% of Total Invoice. No refunds.
Bucket List Participation agreement: All cancellations are subject to a $200 penalty per person. 365 -180 Days out 50% of deposit penalty. 179-150 days out from departure, 100% of deposit forfeiture. 149- 120 days from departure is a 50% of invoice penalty. 119 – 0 days from departure date there are no refunds. 100% of Total Invoice.
For most trips, yes.
Usually. If it is an All-Inclusive trip, we will indicate such.
All-inclusive means food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the cost of your trip. Flights, transfers &/or gratuities are not included, however.
The majority of guests are members of a 12 step program, but it is not a requirement. Many spouses & partners are not members join us on our Sober Vacations and have a blast.
You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober. We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused a problem for the group.
We have two different types of trips – Sober Vacations and Sober Villages. Sober Vacations are a group within a resort/cruise with other guests around us that are not in program. We still have daily 12 Step meetings and stick together for excursions and meals. Our Sober Villages happen annually each Winter (usually January or February) and these are full buyouts- meaning you will be at a resort with 500-600 fellow sober people. All bars/mini bars are wiped clean of alcohol and instead replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Our Sober Villages have daily jam packed schedules with 12 step meetings, al-anon meetings, attitude adjustment workshops, recovery yoga, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! So, depending on what you prefer, you should choose what vacation suites you and your sobriety the best.
You do not. We ask for a deposit when you make your reservation. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your reservation. At any point, you can make payments to your account, or you can pay it all off at once. As long as the trip is paid off 90 days before your departure, you can pay at whatever pace you are comfortable with.
Since the summer of 1987. We’ve had over 200 Sober Vacations since then.
The Los Angeles Dodgers is the correct answer.
No. After years of offering flights, we have found that that it is both easier & cheaper for you to arrange your flights yourself. Bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a. We are happy to offer advice or assistance when you are purchasing your flights. We recommend googleflights.com
That’s okay. We have been successfully matching roommates using our patent-pending roommate matching technology since 1987. In 35 years, we’ve only had eight fatalities out of over 8,000 matches. Which translates to over a 99% satisfaction rate!
We do not control the culinary options on any of our trips. So, each vacation will be different, but we generally choose resorts and experiences that offer a wide range of quality food. That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets.
Yes! We describe our trips as a vacation…with meetings. On our Sober Village there are 5 scheduled meetings each day. On other trips, there are usually between 1-3 meetings a day. If you are on a trip, and you want to start a meeting, you are free to do so. We just ask that it not conflict with any of our scheduled meetings.
Absolutely not! Meeting attendance is at your discretion.
Depends on the trip. Our Sober Villages have between 450-700 people! Some trips are smaller, more intimate experiences.
We adhere to the policies of the destination to which we are traveling – if it is their policy that incoming travelers be vaccinated then we adhere to those recommendations. We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance especially in this new travel landscape with Covid-19. We have a partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance. Please visit their website to sign up www.allianztravelinsurance.com – our ACCAM Number is: F019519