One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany and stops in Holland, France, and Switzerland!
This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. There is much to do with the renowned museums and abundance of restaurants amongst the elegant squares 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.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. While you’re there, why not try a locally-brewed Kölsch beer? 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. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see the impressive collection of historical self-playing instruments. Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. An excursion takes you to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle towering magnificently over the city. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade.
Before the end of your European river cruise holiday, stop in Breisach, Germany, 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.
Your day-by-day itinerary indicates in UPPERCASE all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide. Choose the sightseeing pace that suits you
Leisurely, Traditional, or Independent (where available).
Welcome to Amsterdam. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Amsterdam is free explore at your leisure. 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 (D)
Colourful Amsterdam-with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age. CLASSIC – Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Join a Guided Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties, OR a Guided Optional Excursion to Muiderslot Castle-Holland’s most beautiful, best-kept medieval castle. You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam’s many fascinating museums or galleries. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City. 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! Later local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT SAILING TO KOBLENZ (B,L,D)
Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History. CLASSIC – Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortress walls, towers, squares and monuments. Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim. Sail past the legendary rock of the Lorelei-where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors. RUDESHEIM: 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. DISCOVERY – Based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine. CLASSIC – Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. 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 an afternoon Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Gothic Giants, Military Marvels & Varietal Vintages. CLASSIC – Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,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 Tour 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. Follow your visit to Colmar with a free afternoon in Breisach. Take a bike from the ship, or walk among the pastel-painted houses above the Rhine. EVENING CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am. (B)
