Duration: 8 Days
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and stops in France, Germany, and Holland!
Board your vessel in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, located at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, and stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Next up is the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see the impressive collection of historical self-playing instruments. You’ll pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral.
As an exclamation point to this wonderful Rhine river cruise, you’ll spend time in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. There is much to do with the world-famous museums and abundance of restaurants amongst the classic architecture and charming canals. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
Welcome to Basel. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich must arrive by 3pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest.
CLASSIC - Visit the charming village of Colmar on a Guided Tour of its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a full-day Guided Excursion to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional Bavarian butter-making demonstration.
Explore on your own this afternoon taking a bike from the ship or hiking up to St. Stephan's Cathedral. EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Gothic Giants, Military Marvels & Varietal Vintages.
CLASSIC - Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city's gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the splendid Alsace wine country, or to the historic Maginot Line-an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France. Alternatively, enjoy a free afternoon sampling the local cuisine in Place Kleber, or pay a visit to one of Strasbourg's many wonderful museums. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B,L,D)
Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Barrel of Wine.
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel," OR:
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike up Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below.
MAINZ: Turning the Pages of History.
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting, OR:
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host to explore the picturesque hills and vineyards of Rudesheim.
Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei-where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History.
CLASSIC - Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares and monuments.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B,L,D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland's Capital City.
ACTIVE - Join a Guided Walk with your Avalon Adventure Host this morning, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne-with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:
DISCOVERY - Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Colourful Amsterdam-with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age.
CLASSIC - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
