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 + 44 More Aw_Germany Aw_Holland Aw_Lyon Aw_Mainz Aw_Nice Aw_Rhine River Aw_Rhone River Aw_Saone_River Aw_Strasbourg Basel Beaune Black Forest Breisach Camargue Chalon-Sur-Saone Cologne Europe France French Riviera Germany Heidelberg Holland Kehl Koblenz Lyon Mainz Nice Provence Rhine Rhine Gorge Rhine River Rhone Rhone River River Cruise Rudesheim Saone Strasbourg Switzerland Tain L'hermitage Tournon Tournus Viviers Avalon Waterways 17 Day River Cruise French Riviera to Amsterdam

Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône, Saône, and Rhine Rivers. Begin with two overnights in captivating Nice on the French Riviera and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Indulge in the legendary cuisine of France on this culinary focused cruise through Burgundy and Provence. With a Certified Sommelier on board for the French portion of the itinerary (from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône) and special culinary highlights throughout the French portion of your cruise (from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône), you’ll sample regional French specialties with onboard cheese tasting, pastry demonstration, and with a unique dinner featuring a marvelous menu created just for you in the tradition of famous Chef Paul Bocuse.

Embark in Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and the site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. Take a guided walk in Tournon, a medieval treasure beautifully nestled among vineyards. Visit France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon—a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Disembark and travel to Beaune, visit the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne before proceeding to Basel, Switzerland, to board your Rhine River cruise vessel. Your first stop is Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. 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. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to end this sensational European river cruise. 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.”

Day 1: FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE

Welcome to France. Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.

Day 2: 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 3: FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.CLASSIC En route to Arles, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,D)

Day 4: ARLES

A Brush with GeniusVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy a crêpes lunch onboard.EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)

Day 5: AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque ProvenceJoin 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.Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)

Day 6: VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country VillageEnjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Explore the charms of Viviers on this extraordinary guided walk through the Old Town with an included tasting of the local culinary delights. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE (B,L,D)

Day 7: TAIN L'HERMITAGE

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon.DISCOVERY Enjoy a pastry demonstration hosted by a French chef on board your ship.Tonight, your Certified Sommelier will escort you through a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing on board. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)

Day 8: LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of FranceDISCOVERY Take a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, OR: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. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard unique dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse.Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS(B,L,D)

Day 9: TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE(B,L,D)

Day 10: CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Drive to Beaune and transfer to Basel 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 by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine River cruise.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,D)

Day 11: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof 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 in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)

Day 12: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE 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.You may also choose to join 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 MAINZ(B,L,D)

Day 13: MAINZ, GERMANY. 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 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: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 14: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.En route to Koblenz, 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.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ(B,L,D)

Day 15: COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, 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! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 16: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: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.” 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. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 17: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 17

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE
Welcome to France. Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
Day 2: 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 3: FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship.CLASSIC En route to Arles, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,D)
Day 4: ARLES
A Brush with GeniusVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy a crêpes lunch onboard.EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 5: AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque ProvenceJoin 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.Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 6: VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country VillageEnjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Explore the charms of Viviers on this extraordinary guided walk through the Old Town with an included tasting of the local culinary delights. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE (B,L,D)
Day 7: TAIN L'HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon.DISCOVERY Enjoy a pastry demonstration hosted by a French chef on board your ship.Tonight, your Certified Sommelier will escort you through a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing on board. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Day 8: LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of FranceDISCOVERY Take a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, OR: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. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard unique dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse.Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS(B,L,D)
Day 9: TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE(B,L,D)
Day 10: CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Drive to Beaune and transfer to Basel 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 by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine River cruise.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,D)
Day 11: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof 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 in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 12: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE 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.You may also choose to join 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 MAINZ(B,L,D)
Day 13: MAINZ, GERMANY. 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 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: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 14: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.En route to Koblenz, 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.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ(B,L,D)
Day 15: COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, 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! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 16: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: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.” 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. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 17: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

A Culinary Experience on Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound)