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 Avalon Imagery Ii Avalon Tranquility Ii Aw_Amsterdam Aw_Artistryii Aw_Basel Aw_Cologne Aw_England Aw_Europe + 38 More Aw_Expression Aw_France Aw_Germany Aw_Holland Aw_Illumination Aw_Jewish Aw_London Aw_Mainz Aw_Panorama Aw_Paris Aw_Rhine River Aw_Strasbourg Aw_Switzerland Aw_Tranquilityii Aw_Vista Aw_Zurich Basel Black Forest Breisach Cologne England Europe France Germany Heidelberg Holland Koblenz United Kingdom Switzerland Mainz Mount Pilatus Rhine Gorge Rhine River River Cruise Rudesheim Strasbourg Avalon Waterways 14 Day River Cruise Lucerne to London

Your European vacation begins with a 2-night Monograms® vacation in Lucerne, Switzerland. Your Monograms Local Host® is on hand to assist you with sightseeing, free-time recommendations, and any other assistance you need. A guided walking tour includes the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and an excursion to Mount Pilatus.

Transfer to Basel to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® for a Rhine River cruise through France, Germany, and Holland. A history expert accompanies you to share fascinating historical lectures to spotlight Jewish history in select destinations. You’ll sail to Breisach, gateway to the beautiful Black Forest and on to Strasbourg, France. See the stunning Gothic cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. Sail to Ludwigshafen for an excursion to Heidelberg Castle, or join your Avalon Adventure Host® for a hike up Philosophers’ Way. You can alternatively visit the Gutenberg museum with amazing history of early pioneers of print. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. In Cologne, sightseeing includes a city tour or walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. In Amsterdam, take a guided canal cruise through the colorful city and see the Jewish Quarter in the city where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary.

Travel by high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris for two nights in “The City of Light.” Your Monograms vacation in Paris includes sightseeing with an expert guide, with a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and a Seine River cruise. Travel via high-speed Eurostar train from Paris to London. Guided sightseeing in London includes Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Your Monograms Local Host® is on hand in both Paris and London to assist you during your stay. Your Rhine River cruise with stays in Lucerne, Paris, and London provides the perfect combination for a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

Day 1: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Switzerland! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Your Monograms Local Host will help you get the most out of your two nights in Lucerne.

Day 2: LUCERNE

Your guided walking tour includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (B)

Day 3: LUCERNE–MOUNT PILATUS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

This morning enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 4: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 butter-making demonstration, OR: DISCOVERY Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tastingYou may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)

Day 5: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Gothic Giants, Petite France, and Varietal VintagesCLASSIC 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 and the Jewish quarter with its streets, which are among the oldest in FranceYou 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.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)

Day 6: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of WineCLASSIC 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 a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city belowAlternatively enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour. MAINZTurning the Pages of History CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printingEnjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 7: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryDISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR: ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of RüdesheimRelax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure 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 8: COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 sitesDon’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 9: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” where Anne Frank lived and wrote her famous diary. Learn more about the Jewish culture while exploring the Jewish quarterYou may join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional City 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 10: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE

Transfer from your Avalon ship to the train station, where you begin your Monograms package. Travel to Paris by high-speed train (First class). (B)

Day 11: PARIS

Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a Seine River cruise. Embark your comfortable boat near the Eiffel Tower and spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's important landmarks such as the L'Institut de France; Notre Dame Cathedral; Hôtel de Ville, the city's municipal headquarters; the Conciergerie, formerly a notorious prison where Marie-Antoinette spent the last days of her life; famous Louvre Palace and museum; and much more. (B)

Day 12: PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND

Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class)(B)

Day 13: LONDON

Morning guided sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline. (B)

Day 14: LONDON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 14

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Your Monograms Local Host will help you get the most out of your two nights in Lucerne.
Day 2: LUCERNE
Your guided walking tour includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (B)
Day 3: LUCERNE–MOUNT PILATUS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
This morning enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
Day 4: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 butter-making demonstration, OR: DISCOVERY Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tastingYou may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)
Day 5: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Gothic Giants, Petite France, and Varietal VintagesCLASSIC 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 and the Jewish quarter with its streets, which are among the oldest in FranceYou 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.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 6: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of WineCLASSIC 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 a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city belowAlternatively enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour. MAINZTurning the Pages of History CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printingEnjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)
Day 7: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryDISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR: ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of RüdesheimRelax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure 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 8: COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 sitesDon’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 9: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” where Anne Frank lived and wrote her famous diary. Learn more about the Jewish culture while exploring the Jewish quarterYou may join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional City 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 10: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE
Transfer from your Avalon ship to the train station, where you begin your Monograms package. Travel to Paris by high-speed train (First class). (B)
Day 11: PARIS
Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a Seine River cruise. Embark your comfortable boat near the Eiffel Tower and spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's important landmarks such as the L'Institut de France; Notre Dame Cathedral; Hôtel de Ville, the city's municipal headquarters; the Conciergerie, formerly a notorious prison where Marie-Antoinette spent the last days of her life; famous Louvre Palace and museum; and much more. (B)
Day 12: PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND
Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class)(B)
Day 13: LONDON
Morning guided sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline. (B)
Day 14: LONDON
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

ROMANTIC RHINE W/ 2 LUCERNE, 2 PARIS & 2 LONDON - NB