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Cruise Netherlands Arnhem Basel Black Forest Breisach Cologne Europe France Frankfurt + 14 More Germany Heidelberg Switzerland Ludwigshafen Mount Pilatus Nijmegen Rhine Rhine Gorge Rhine River River Cruise Rüdesheim Strasbourg Avalon Waterways 12 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Lucerne

Your 12-day river cruise vacation includes stays in Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland—all beginning with your Avalon Rhine River cruise embarking from Amsterdam. Before sailing down the Rhine River, you’ll enjoy a guided canal cruise through the captivating capital of the Netherlands. Next discover the beautiful cities of Nijmegen and Arnhem. Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—and see its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns.

Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Frankfurt for a guided walk or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style 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. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, you’ll find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) and a walking tour in Lucerne. Spend two nights in this lovely Swiss setting where the Swiss Alps provide a stunning, snowcapped backdrop. Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

A Cruise That Shines All Year Long.
From the lively energy of summer to the golden calm of fall and the fresh renewal of spring, the Rhine reveals a different kind of romance in every season. You may enjoy spring strawberry picking and jam making, summer brewery tours and tastings or cozy fall apple harvesting with delicious orchard specialties. Sail when vineyard-covered hills glow with color, medieval towns feel extra special, and the river’s legendary scenery unfolds at an unhurried pace. It’s the same iconic Rhine – beautifully shaped by the season in which you experience it.

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 the gardens at Keukenhof—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 Captivating AmsterdamJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, 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 vibrant streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN(B,L,D)

Day 3: NIJMEGEN

Wildlife and WWII ValorACTIVE Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII.During lunchtime, enjoy a brief cruise to ArnhemARNHEM WWII Valor and Medieval CastleCLASSIC This afternoon, discover Arnhem, a key site during WWII’s Operation Market Garden, and enjoy a Guided Tour featuring the city’s historical highlights and war memorials, followed by a tasting of herb and vegetable products at a medieval castle.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)

Day 4: COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Discover the people and true spirit of one of Cologne's hippest and most creative districts on this fascinating Guided Walking Tour through the Belgian Quarter, OR:CLASSIC Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, 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 5: RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)

Day 6: FRANKFURT

Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, 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.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)

Day 7: LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls and 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 STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 8: 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.Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France - or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)

Day 9: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black ForestACTIVE Explore Breisach by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: ACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, 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, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)

Day 10: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–SWISS ALPS

Spectacular Views in SwitzerlandThis morning, disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer which will bring you in the heart of the Swiss Alps.CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNELovely LucerneCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)

Day 11: LUCERNE

Lakeshores and Soaring Peaks Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.(B)

Day 12: LUCERNE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Cruise Line: Avalon
Ship Name: Imagery II
Departure Port: AMS
Arrival Port: ZRH
Number of Nights: 11

Pricing ▼

Option	Price	Departure	Return
Land Only (Double)	USD 6,998.00	2027-05-02	2027-05-13
Single Supplement	USD 7,600.00	2027-05-02	2027-05-13
Land Only (Double)	USD 6,998.00	2027-06-05	2027-06-16
Single Supplement	USD 7,600.00	2027-06-05	2027-06-16
Land Only (Double)	USD 6,998.00	2027-07-08	2027-07-19
Single Supplement	USD 7,600.00	2027-07-08	2027-07-19
Land Only (Double)	USD 7,298.00	2027-08-30	2027-09-10
Single Supplement	USD 7,900.00	2027-08-30	2027-09-10

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 the gardens at Keukenhof—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 Captivating AmsterdamJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, 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 vibrant streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN(B,L,D)
Day 3: NIJMEGEN
Wildlife and WWII ValorACTIVE Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII.During lunchtime, enjoy a brief cruise to ArnhemARNHEM WWII Valor and Medieval CastleCLASSIC This afternoon, discover Arnhem, a key site during WWII’s Operation Market Garden, and enjoy a Guided Tour featuring the city’s historical highlights and war memorials, followed by a tasting of herb and vegetable products at a medieval castle.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Day 4: COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Discover the people and true spirit of one of Cologne's hippest and most creative districts on this fascinating Guided Walking Tour through the Belgian Quarter, OR:CLASSIC Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, 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 5: RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)
Day 6: FRANKFURT
Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, 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.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 7: LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and 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 STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 8: 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.Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France - or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)
Day 9: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black ForestACTIVE Explore Breisach by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: ACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, 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, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
Day 10: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–SWISS ALPS
Spectacular Views in SwitzerlandThis morning, disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer which will bring you in the heart of the Swiss Alps.CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNELovely LucerneCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)
Day 11: LUCERNE
Lakeshores and Soaring Peaks Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.(B)
Day 12: LUCERNE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Reflections on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound)