Duration: 9 Days
See the grandeur of Germany with a scenic river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg, and sail to Bamberg, the Franconian town where the myth of the good German beer is true, for a guided walking tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties. Your enchanting river cruise continues to Würzburg—the “Pearl of the Romantic Road.” From here sail to Frankfurt, where you can join a guided sightseeing tour of the city and discover more about local beers, or visit the nearby town of Seligenstadt. On your way to Rüdesheim enjoy a sailing through the picturesque views of the Romantic Rhine. Then cruise to Strasbourg and join a guided city tour of Strasbourg’s sights, such as the stunning stained-glass of its gothic cathedral, the astronomical clock, and La Petite France district.
Your scenic cruise through Europe includes a stop in Breisach to visit Germany’s beautiful Black Forest region. Choose a visit to a local winery in Breisach or a day trip to the Black Forest’s Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, and more. A Beer Expert will travel with you on this cruise and will held lectures, tasting and will introduce you to food and beer pairing. Your grand German river cruise brings the beauty and charm of its cities and villages to life, and adds education and enjoyment with local beer and foods to savour along the way. From Bavaria to Switzerland and beyond, your German holiday will stay a beautiful memory for years to come!
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (D)
The City of Seven Hills
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
DISCOVERY Discover a very special family run hop garden where you will also taste a local beer.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
Later in the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
ACTIVE Explore Wurzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of WUrzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco.
Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG (B,L,D)
Beauty on the Main River
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard beer tasting hosted by your Beer Expert.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt-one of Germany's oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika-dubbed "minor basilica" in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
DISCOVERY Venture beyond the traditional pilsner on this on this exciting guided brewery tour featuring an introduction to some of Frankfurt's most delicious craft beers.
Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD (B,L,D)
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
This morning, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rudesheim.
RHINE GORGE-RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee.
This evening enjoy an onboard food and beer pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
DISCOVERY Onboard beer and cheese tasting hosted by your Beer Expert.
CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg's sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit and authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.
Departure flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
