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 Aw_Europe Aw_France Aw_Germany Aw_Holland Aw_Wine Basel Black Forest Breisach + 24 More Caudebec Cologne Conflans Europe France Germany Heidelberg Holland Kehl Koblenz Les Andelys Ludwigshafen Mainz Normandy Normandy Beaches Rhine Gorge River Cruise Rouen Rudesheim Strasbourg Switzerland Vernon Avalon Waterways 15 Day River Cruise Basel to Paris

Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on the Rhine portion of your cruise (from Basel to Amsterdam) with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Your adventure begins in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. 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. 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. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high-speed train to start your Seine River cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.

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: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH(D)

Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestVisit 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 Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour to the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, 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.DISCOVERY Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)

Day 3: 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)

Day 4: LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

The World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to 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.”This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

Day 5: 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; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to experience the beauty and simplicity of 13th-century Eberbach Monastery-a former abbey for Cistercian monks that today is known for its wine production and as the film location for the blockbuster movie, "The Name of the Rose". Also enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour in beautiful Koblenz and discover its charming streets, historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)

Day 6: COLOGNE, GERMANY

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 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! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 7: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to Chateau Amsterdam, an urban winery where you can enjoy a unique wine tasting experience right in the heart of the city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 8: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

On to Paris! This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON(B,D)

Day 9: VERNON

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYSSerenity on the SeineACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle

Day 10: CAUDEBEC

Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)

Day 11: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)

Day 12: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)

Day 13: CONFLANS

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)* Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly

Day 14: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)

Day 15: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 15

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH(D)
Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestVisit 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 Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour to the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, 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.DISCOVERY Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 3: 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 4: LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
The World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to 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.”This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 5: 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; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to experience the beauty and simplicity of 13th-century Eberbach Monastery-a former abbey for Cistercian monks that today is known for its wine production and as the film location for the blockbuster movie, "The Name of the Rose". Also enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour in beautiful Koblenz and discover its charming streets, historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Day 6: COLOGNE, GERMANY
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 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! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 7: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to Chateau Amsterdam, an urban winery where you can enjoy a unique wine tasting experience right in the heart of the city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 8: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
On to Paris! This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON(B,D)
Day 9: VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYSSerenity on the SeineACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
Day 10: CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
Day 11: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 12: ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)
Day 13: CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)* Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
Day 14: PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
Day 15: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine for Wine Lovers