Name: A Paris Noël & Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Start: 2026-12-06
End: 2026-12-14
Location: Paris, France

Cloverdale Travel

Email address verified

45 reviews

Dec 6 - 14, 2026

Group size: 1 - 30

A Paris Noël & Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Paris, France

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Cloverdale Travel

Email address verified

45 reviews

$NaN

Dec 6 - 14, 2026

Group size: 1 - 30

Daily Mass
Celebrated at select churches throughout the pilgrimage (subject to confirmation)
Spiritual Leadership
Guided by Fr. John Stokely, Fr. Jim DeGrassa, Fr. Matt Tralies, and Fr. Zachary Navit
Professional Tour Escort
English-speaking escort accompanying the group from Day 2 through Day 9 including arrival, departure, & transfers
Private Motorcoach
Comfortable, climate-controlled bus with Wi-Fi for all transfers and excursions including driver accommodations and meals
Hotel in Paris
Three nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza République or similar with daily breakfast included
Dinner in Paris
One three-course dinner at the hotel including water, coffee or tea, and a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink
Luxury River Cruise
Four-night sailing aboard the Amadeus Aurea with full board: breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinners daily
Special Onboard Events
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, and Captain’s Gala Dinner included
Beverage Package
Choice of wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and mineral water included with onboard lunches & dinners
Onboard Facilities
Heated pool, sun deck, panoramic lounge, café, bicycles, wellness area, fitness room, massage room, Amadeus Club, and elevator access
Guided Sightseeing Tours
Expert-guided tours in Paris, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Speyer, and Koblenz
Paris Highlights
Panoramic city tour, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Gourmet Christmas Market Walking Tour
German Highlights
Visits to Strasbourg Cathedral, Heidelberg Castle, Speyer Cathedral, Rüdesheim, and Koblenz
Entrance Fees
Admission to Sainte-Chapelle and Heidelberg Castle (including funicular)
Headsets
Provided for all guided tours for easy listening
Cruise Taxes & Fees
Port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation, and lock fees included
Porterage Service
One piece of luggage per person handled at the hotel (available 7:00am–8:00pm)

Airfare
Not included; group airfare offered as an optional Add-On
Airport Transfers
Optional roundtrip transfers between Philadelphia area and EWR available for approximately $200 per person (minimum 20 travelers)
ETIAS Authorization
Required for entry into the European Union (expected to begin 2026)
Travel Protection
Optional but strongly recommended; available through Travelex or your preferred provider
Medical Insurance
Not included; travelers are responsible for their own coverage
Meals Not Specified
Any meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks at Meals
Beverages not included outside the ship’s meal service
Personal Expenses
Items such as laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, or room service are not included
Gratuities
$250 per person added to final invoice; covers tour manager, guides, driver, cruise staff, and porters
Church Donations
Optional offerings at Mass sites
Baggage Fees
Airline charges for extra or overweight luggage beyond one checked bag and one carry-on

ECONOMY GROUP AIR

$1,350

Deposit: $500

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

$200

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - STRAUS STATEROOM

$2,500

Only 1 left

Deposit: $500

TIPS & GRATUITIES

$250

Deposit: $0

OPTIONAL POSTAGE

$20

Amadeus AUREA
Amadeus AUREA
Our home at sea
AMADEUS Aurea
The AMADEUS Aurea is not just a technical masterpiece but also a floating paradise for connoisseurs.
Enjoy relaxing moments in 12 spacious suites with balconies or 67 bright outside cabins featuring panoramic windows. Savor culinary highlights in the elegant Panorama Restaurant or unwind on the sun deck with its outdoor pool and Lido Bar. For active moments, a state-of-the-art fitness room is at your disposal, while the “River Terrace” invites you to dream. Cutting-edge environmental technologies, such as a hybrid propulsion system and an efficient heat recovery system, make your journey not only comfortable but also sustainable. Set sail with us and experience unforgettable journeys along Europe’s most beautiful rivers.
Construction: 2026
Flag: Germany
Length x Width: 442.9ft x 37.4ft
Draft: 4.8ft
Decks: 4
Cabins/Suites: 67/12
Max. passengers: 158
Crew members: approx. 46
Speed: 25 km/h
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DAY 1 - Dec 6
DAY 1 - Dec 6
Depart from USA
Depart on an overnight flight from USA to Paris. Enjoy standard inflight services and begin your Christmas pilgrimage to Europe.
Accommodation: In Flight
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DAY 2 – Dec 7
DAY 2 – Dec 7
Paris, France
Arrive in Paris and meet your tour guide. Transfer by private coach to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest after your journey. Schedule may vary depending on flight times.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza République 4★
Meals Included: Dinner
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DAY 3 – Dec 8
DAY 3 – Dec 8
Paris, France
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour and Mass at Sacré-Cœur Basilica (subject to confirmation). Panoramic sightseeing including Eiffel Tower (outside), Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Tomb of Napoleon (outside), Place de la Concorde, Opéra, Bastille Square, and Place des Vosges. Afternoon Gourmet Christmas Market Walking Tour, tasting festive Parisian holiday treats. Dinner on your own.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza République 4★
Meals Included: Breakfast
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DAY 4 – Dec 9
DAY 4 – Dec 9
Paris, France
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Rue de Bac and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal (subject to confirmation). Continue to the Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle (entrance included). Afternoon free to enjoy the Paris Christmas markets at leisure. Dinner on your own.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza République 4★
Meals Included: Breakfast.
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DAY 5 – Dec 10
DAY 5 – Dec 10
Paris – Strasbourg, France
Breakfast and check-out. Celebrate Mass at a local Paris church (subject to confirmation). Drive to Strasbourg, with lunch on your own en route. Embark on the Amadeus Aurea at 4:00 PM. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board.

Accommodation: Onboard Amadeus Aurea
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
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DAY 6 – Dec 11
DAY 6 – Dec 11
Strasbourg, France
Breakfast on the ship. Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg (subject to confirmation). Guided city tour including Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, Ponts Couverts, Palais de Rohan, and Grand Île (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Afternoon free to explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market before departure. Ship departs for Speyer at 10:00 PM.

Accommodation: Onboard Amadeus Aurea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 7 – Dec 12
DAY 7 – Dec 12
Speyer – Heidelberg – Rüdesheim, Germany
Arrive in Speyer at 5:00 AM. Breakfast onboard, then drive to Heidelberg for a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle (entrance included), Old Bridge, and Old Town. Visit the Heidelberg Christmas Market, then return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon walking tour of Speyer, including its Romanesque Cathedral and Christmas Market. Depart for Rüdesheim at 8:00 PM.

Accommodation: Onboard Amadeus Aurea
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DAY 8 – Dec 13
DAY 8 – Dec 13
Rüdesheim – Koblenz, Germany
Arrive in Rüdesheim at 5:00 AM. Celebrate Mass at a local church (subject to confirmation). Explore this charming wine town, then depart at 11:00 AM, cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley and past the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz at 3:30 PM for a walking tour of the Old Town and Koblenz Christmas Market. Enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner onboard. Ship departs at 10:00 PM.

Accommodation: Onboard Amadeus Aurea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 9 – Dec 14
DAY 9 – Dec 14
Cologne – Frankfurt – Return to USA
Arrive in Cologne at 4:00 AM. Breakfast onboard, followed by disembarkation at 9:00 AM. Drive to Cologne Airport for return flights to the USA. Schedule subject to flight times.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Flight
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read carefully before registering!
This is an active itinerary that requires about 15,000 steps walking each day, sometimes on uneven surfaces, including stairs. Begin to prepare through a daily walking program.

As a pilgrimage, we will commit ourselves to working together to cooperate and support one another, realizing that different foods, cultures, and experiences are why we are traveling! The unexpected is God's way of sharing with us something (or someone) we otherwise would not have encountered. Be ready to travel in patience and trust.

Quoted prices are based on payment by check.

An additional 1% + 30¢ online processing fee is charged for all online transactions, with an additional 2.9% (Visa, Mastercard) to 3.9% (American Express) service charge for credit/debit card payments.

There is no online processing fee nor service charge for registrations (or subsequent payments) mailed directly to Cloverdale Travel with payment by check. Please note that payments by check are typically processed once a week on Saturdays.

You do hereby authorize all charges as outlined in the payment plan and Terms and Condition/Terms of Service.

Flights offered with this trip are Group Air Reservations. Special requests and upgrades are not available. All seating assignments are made by the airline. Cloverdale Travel cannot process special seating requests. If you have very specific needs regarding seating and flight accommodations, you should make your own flight arrangements and book the pilgrimage without adding air. Switches from Land with Air to Land only after booking incur a $100 fee.

Individual deposits are refundable except for a $500/person handling fee for cancellations made 90 days or more prior to departure.

For cancellations 90 to 60 days prior to departure, you will be refunded everything except your initial deposit ($1000).

If you cancel the trip within 60 days of departure, all payments are non-refundable.
Unused portions of the trip are non-refundable.

Cloverdale Travel cannot refund credit card/bank fees, nor refund money paid for travel protection/insurance.

Trip cancellation/protection plan is optional, but highly encouraged. Travel protections plans are available through Travelex, or through your own carrier. A link to Travelex will be included in your confirmation/registration email. If you decline to purchase travel protection/insurance, you assume all financial liability for losses that might have been covered by appropriate travel insurance/protection. A form indicating acceptance or waiver of travel insurance/protection must be completed and submitted for each registration; those purchasing travel insurance/protection will be asked to provide carrier and policy/confirmation number.

Cruise Passengers
Embarkation times vary with each cruise, but most cruise lines will allow embarkation, or boarding the ship, up to 3 hours before setting sail. It's crucial that passengers be onboard no later than one hour before the scheduled sailing time. Cruise passengers are responsible for transportation costs associated with missing a ship's departure.

Changes in the Water Level
Unusually low or high river water levels may cause changes to the itinerary, possible re-embarkation on another vessel or transfer(s) by coach or rail, or even to a shortening of the cruise. Amadeus, the tour operator and the vessel’s captain sometimes have to take such decisions quickly. Such measures may not justify cancellation, termination or withdrawal from the contract by the passenger; and passengers may not derive from them any claims on the tour operator, including Cloverdale Travel, or Amadeus, including, without limitation claims for monetary damages.

Please upload a copy of your passport picture page with online registration, or email to info@cloverdaletravel.org. Passports must be valid for 6 months after our return date.

Beginning 2026, the European Union is requiring travel authorization (ETIAS) to enter most European countries. This permission is different from a residence permit or visa, is obtained online, and is good for three (3) years (or until your passport expires). Obtaining the ETIAS permission is the responsibility of the traveler. See www.https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more information.

Please note that pricing is based on 40 pilgrims and based on an exchange rate of $1= € 1.15. Prices may be adjusted based on fewer than 40 pilgrims, a higher exchange rate, or increases in taxes and fuel surcharges.

All services as stated are subject to confirmation. Local religious, national, and civil holidays, weather, traffic conditions, and other events may cause changes in schedule of the trip, or missing certain events/places. We will advise you of any changes that will effect this group.

Errors and omissions are possible in this itinerary, pricing, and communication; we are not responsible for such errors and may make corrections, including in billing, as needed to correct mistakes.

By registering for this trip (and checking YES to Terms and Conditions), you agree that Cloverdale Group LLC, Cloverdale Travel, staff, employees, independent contractors, and vendors, Reverend Zachary Navit, and the Group Leaders, have no responsibility for any acts or occurrences beyond our control. There are inherent risks in travel and you willingly and fully accept all risks and complete responsibility, and you and your heirs agree to indemnify and hold Cloverdale Group LLC, Cloverdale Travel, and our travel partners harmless with respect to any claim that is or could be made.

By my registration, I consent to necessary itinerary changes and price adjustments as outlined in the Terms and Conditions/Terms of Service on the pilgrimage website, as well as found on the company website (www/cloverdaletravel.org). I understand that Cloverdale Travel highly encourages the purchase of travel protection/insurance and that fees associated with this trip cannot be waived. If I decline to purchase travel protection/insurance, I assume all financial liability for losses that might have been covered by appropriate travel insurance/protection. I authorize all charges as outlined in the payment plan and Terms and Condition/Terms of Service. I also acknowledge that the airline assigns all seating for group air flights and special requests must be addressed with the airline after ticketing. I understand that gratuities are not included in the price of the trip and will be added to my final invoice in the amount of $350/person, and that transfers from airport to hotel/ship are only included with the purchase of group air.

It is our intention to provide you with the very best traveling experience based on the circumstances and situation at the time of travel.

By clicking "YES" you accept these conditions and the Terms & Conditions as specified on the Cloverdale Travel website (www.cloverdalegroup.org).
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Amadeus AUREA

Our home at sea

This is my fifth trip to Italy; once on my own, 3 with another travel agency and this one. This was my least favorite trip to Italy. The first hotel's room was very nice; location-so far from anywhere; food--dinner specifically was AWFUL. The second hotel's room was lovely; location-still too far from anywhere; food was much better and I appreciated the ability to choose for dinner--more authentic Italian choices. The third hotel's room was fine; location too far outside of Rome proper; food was AWFUL again. If the hotels were closer to things, we could have all done some dinners on our own in the towns. The spiritual aspects were very nice. Mass daily at the different locations was lovely. However, it would have been nice to have better tours of St. Peter's, St. Mary, St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls. We basically did walk-throughs-- I like more. Assisi was lovely. The Holy Stairs were a faith experience. Nemi was lovely. I could not even have purchased a remembrance from each basilica for the Jubilee Year. The Buffalo farm was a highlight. The last day was way too busy. We left the hotel at 6:30am and returned at 11:00pm--Then needed to rise really early for the airport. It would have been nice to have gone to the papal audience--had the afternoon free and then have a last dinner with the group. Also, that evening-a tour of the vineyard was scheduled at 6pm??? When it was dark?? that makes no sense to me. The whole trip was rushed from here to there. There was no time for just experiencing anything. There was never enough time for lunch and/or shopping--this was terrible. I came with money to spend and came home with few souvenirs and too much euro. I had gelato twice in ten days-- that is a sin. There was not enough time built in for bathroom breaks (consider your audience). We ate a a road side "truck" stop--awful-when right next door there was a bar that had great lunch options and plenty of seating for a group. We were constantly told to hurry up--we were late, there was no time for shopping/leisure, etc. This happened throughout the entire time. I know it was a large group, but I feel like we were herded all over-- needing to walk great distances that was not always necessary and consideration for the age of the group was not given--, given "American" food and honestly not treated very nicely by the guide. An example of this was when we were in Amalfi and three of us decided to skip the church tour to explore and shop. When we were seen by our guide, she scolded us for leaving the tour. Excuse me? I am a grown an adult who paid a lot for this trip and chose to have a little free time. I realize you may have wanted to pack sites in because it was many people's first trip to Italy, however, I would have preferred a few things done well and the longing to make a return trip. It would also have been nice to have some free time to experience Italy on our own--and not just an hour to get lunch. My lessoned learned is to never book another trip with so many people.

By Renee C for A Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. Mayer & Fr. O'Sullivan on Nov 22, 2025

In 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Rome with a different pilgrimage group and travel agency. That journey exceeded all of my expectations: It not only calmed my initial fears and anxieties but also provided a deeply enriching spiritual experience. Naturally, when I signed up for this year’s pilgrimage, I anticipated something similar: Meaningful encounters at the sacred sites, balanced with opportunities to explore other parts of Italy such as Orvieto, Assisi, Sorrento, and Capri. I expected differences, of course, given the expanded itinerary, but I assumed the overall quality would remain consistent. Unfortunately, this was not the case. While I truly valued the chance to see additional cities, meet new people, and share fellowship with my fellow parishioners, I found myself increasingly disappointed by how tightly packed the schedule was. Others felt the same throughout the trip. The pace left us with little opportunity to engage with the sites in the depth they deserve. For example, our visit to St. Peter’s Basilica lasted only 10–15 minutes. For first-time visitors, this was especially disheartening. We stood in a single spot near St. Andrew’s statue after entering through the Holy Door and passing St. Peter’s tomb before we left. Similarly, we did not even have the chance to tour St. John Lateran Basilica, one of the most significant churches in Rome. The sheer size of our group, nearly 50 people, was a major factor in these limitations. Managing such a large number inevitably slowed down transitions, made it difficult to adhere to the schedule, and reduced the time available at each destination. The tour guide, Lucia, did a great job with handling such a large group, but overall, it was a challenge time and time again. The extensive travel required by bus, van, and on foot only compounded the issue. With so many people moving together, the logistics became unrealistic, and the planned itinerary simply could not be executed as intended. Although I remain grateful for the opportunity to see more of Italy and to share in the communal aspects of the pilgrimage, I cannot overlook the frustration of feeling rushed through places that deserve reverence, reflection, and time. Pilgrimages are meant to be transformative, not hurried, and this experience highlighted how critical thoughtful planning and group size are to ensuring that the journey fulfills its spiritual purpose.

By John S for A Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. Mayer & Fr. O'Sullivan on Nov 16, 2025

Unbelievable experience!! Beautiful towns & Basilica's. Nice hotels & excellent tour guide! True pilgrimage in an historic sacred place!

By Joseph Charles K for A Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. Mayer & Fr. O'Sullivan on Nov 15, 2025

Great itinerary, but skipped major tourist sites in Rome due to poor use of time. Little time for lunch. Common question among group: What are we doing, where are we going? All of my questions were answered with “I’ll talk to you later”.

By Robert S for Hope Does Not Disappoint: A Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. Brody on Oct 18, 2025

Great trip with knowledge guides. Our lead guide, Viviana, was friendly, pleasant, and very attentive. She worked very hard to make alternate arrangements when one of our day trips was rained out. The hotels were nice and comfortable and things were well planned out by Coverdale. My one critique is that schedule may have been overpacked and there could have been a little more down time. But a very good trip. Would recommend it to anyone.