Robert’s Travel Emporium – Discover the world with Minerva Travel, your full-service agency specializing in leisure and group tourism for children, young adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Tour Netherlands Arles Avignon Aw_Amsterdam Aw_Arles Aw_Basel Aw_Cologne Aw_Europe Aw_France + 43 More Aw_Germany Aw_Holland Aw_Lyon Aw_Mainz Aw_Nice Aw_Rhine River Aw_Rhone River Aw_Strasbourg Aw_Switzerland Aw_Wine Basel Beaune Black Forest Breisach Cologne Europe France French Riviera Germany Heidelberg Holland Kehl Ludwigshafen Lyon Macon Mainz Nice Provence Rhine Rhine Gorge Rhine River Rhone Rhone River River Cruise Rudesheim Strasbourg Switzerland The Netherlands Tournon Tournus Viviers Avalon Waterways 17 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to French Riviera

Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Enjoy spectacular views and romantic splendor on this magical journey that concludes with a night in Marseilles. Your adventure begins in the Netherlands' popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Next, Cologne, Germany, a 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle or visit Schwetzingen Castle. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. In Breisach, Germany, enjoy an excursion to Black Forest or take an excursion to the charming village of Colmar, followed by a visit to a chateau wine cellar.

Transfer to Lyon— a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture— and discover the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways or enjoy a tour of the famous wine region of Beaujolais. Sail to Mâcon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Continue to the city of Tournon beautifully nestled among vineyards. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Enjoy two nights on the French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea—a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise through Germany and France!

About Certified Sommeliers
Seldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Holland. 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 to 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(D)

Day 2: AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through Amsterdam and enjoy a curated cheese and wine tasting, featuring local flavors paired with selected wines, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. DISCOVERY Join an onboard lecture hosted by your Certified Sommelier. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)

Day 3: COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland DISCOVERY Join an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to Brühl Castle, learn about its history and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

Day 4: RHINE GORGE-RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.DISCOVERY Join a picturesque Guided Hike along the Rheinsteig. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard and taste the fruits of its vineyard named as “The Best of the Riesling”, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a wine tasting. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)

Day 5: LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

The World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, OR: 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."AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)

Day 6: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: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.DISCOVERY Join an enchanting Guided Tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to discover the heart of France’s wine country and sample several local wines. DISCOVERY Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)

Day 7: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Take a full-day Guided Tour to the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, OR:CLASSIC 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 butter-making demonstration; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour through storybook Colmar, along the charming canals of the “Little Venice” of France and past countless historic buildings and monuments.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)

Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–LYON (EMBARKATION)

On to Burgundy! Disembark your ship and drive on to Beaune.CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne to discover Burgundy’s rich wine culture through an immersive, interactive experience, and enjoy a wine tasting.This afternoon, travel to Lyon to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,D)

Day 9: LYON

La Vie En Rose in LyonACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.DISCOVERY Later, join a lecture on board about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)

Day 10: LYON–MÂCON

Fine Silk and French Sweets Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.Later, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON(B,L,D)

Day 11: MÂCON

Wine on the Stunning Saône Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)

Day 12: TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards ACTIVE Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills (weather permitting), OR: CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Viviers. VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)

Day 13: AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)

Day 14: ARLES

A Brush with GeniusACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)

Day 15: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA

Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean CoastAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.CLASSIC En route to French Riviera, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown.(B)

Day 16: FRENCH RIVIERA

The “Queen of the French Riviera” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets, and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.(B)

Day 17: FRENCH RIVIERA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 17

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. 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 to 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(D)
Day 2: AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through Amsterdam and enjoy a curated cheese and wine tasting, featuring local flavors paired with selected wines, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. DISCOVERY Join an onboard lecture hosted by your Certified Sommelier. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Day 3: COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland DISCOVERY Join an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to Brühl Castle, learn about its history and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 4: RHINE GORGE-RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.DISCOVERY Join a picturesque Guided Hike along the Rheinsteig. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard and taste the fruits of its vineyard named as “The Best of the Riesling”, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a wine tasting. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 5: LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
The World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, OR: 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."AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 6: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: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.DISCOVERY Join an enchanting Guided Tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to discover the heart of France’s wine country and sample several local wines. DISCOVERY Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)
Day 7: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Take a full-day Guided Tour to the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, OR:CLASSIC 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 butter-making demonstration; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour through storybook Colmar, along the charming canals of the “Little Venice” of France and past countless historic buildings and monuments.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–LYON (EMBARKATION)
On to Burgundy! Disembark your ship and drive on to Beaune.CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne to discover Burgundy’s rich wine culture through an immersive, interactive experience, and enjoy a wine tasting.This afternoon, travel to Lyon to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,D)
Day 9: LYON
La Vie En Rose in LyonACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.DISCOVERY Later, join a lecture on board about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Day 10: LYON–MÂCON
Fine Silk and French Sweets Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history, OR:DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.Later, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON(B,L,D)
Day 11: MÂCON
Wine on the Stunning Saône Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)
Day 12: TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards ACTIVE Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills (weather permitting), OR: CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Viviers. VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 13: AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
Day 14: ARLES
A Brush with GeniusACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Day 15: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean CoastAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.CLASSIC En route to French Riviera, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown.(B)
Day 16: FRENCH RIVIERA
The “Queen of the French Riviera” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets, and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.(B)
Day 17: FRENCH RIVIERA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound)