DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Meals

Breakfast: 11 Lunch: 6 Dinner: 7

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

HighLights

Amsterdam
Rhine Gorge
Rüdesheim
Strasbourg
Breisach

DAY 1: AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND (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. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D) *Due to increased harbour traffic expected for the 2025 "SAIL Amsterdam" event, departure 819 will embark in Rotterdam with slight modifications to the itinerary.
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM*
Canals of Colourful Amsterdam Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. DISCOVERY 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 colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D) * Due to "SAIL Amsterdam" event coinciding with 819 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
DAY 3: COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland 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 Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
DAY 4: RHINE GORGE-RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rudesheim, 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 Rudesheim, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
DAY 5: MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, 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." EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B,L,D)
DAY 6: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France Ask 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 centre. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
DAY 7: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest 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: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, 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 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)-SWISS ALPS
Spectacular Views in Switzerland This 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) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNE A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)
DAY 9: LUCERNE-LAKE COMO, ITALY
History in Grand View CLASSIC En route to Lake Como, enjoy a stop in Lugano and a guided sightseeing of this charming Swiss city. (B)
DAY 10: LAKE COMO
Legendary Lake Houses CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking tour which includes the charming historic centre, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating Gothic facade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. CLASSIC Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como. (B)
DAY 11: LAKE COMO
Italian Beauty on the Banks Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace. Lake Como offers you every kind of solution for your spare time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant! (B)
DAY 12: LAKE COMO
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Map

Was 6,056 pp*

FROM

USD

4,791.13 pp*

BookDates & Prices

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, 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. Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivalled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your holiday in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by motorcoach to Como and enjoy a stop and sightseeing on the way in Lugano. In Como, an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent holiday !

Map

Leisurely On the go

I want to travel in

2025

Days

Countries

Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy

Meals

11breakfasts;

6lunches;

7dinners;

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

Tour Code

WAZ1

Price

*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 19 July 2025 departure

CAT D

Highlights

Amsterdam

Rhine Gorge

Rüdesheim

Strasbourg

Breisach

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Day 1

AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND (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. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D) *Due to increased harbour traffic expected for the 2025 "SAIL Amsterdam" event, departure 819 will embark in Rotterdam with slight modifications to the itinerary.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 2

AMSTERDAM*

Canals of Colourful Amsterdam Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. DISCOVERY 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 colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D) * Due to "SAIL Amsterdam" event coinciding with 819 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 3

COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland 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 Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 4

RHINE GORGE-RUDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rudesheim, 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 Rudesheim, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 5

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, 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." EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 6

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France Ask 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 centre. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 7

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest 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: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 8

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)-SWISS ALPS

Spectacular Views in Switzerland This 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) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNE A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 9

LUCERNE-LAKE COMO, ITALY

History in Grand View CLASSIC En route to Lake Como, enjoy a stop in Lugano and a guided sightseeing of this charming Swiss city. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 10

LAKE COMO

Legendary Lake Houses CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking tour which includes the charming historic centre, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating Gothic facade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. CLASSIC Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 11

LAKE COMO

Italian Beauty on the Banks Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace. Lake Como offers you every kind of solution for your spare time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant! (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW

Day 12

LAKE COMO

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (4)

Start trip: Amsterdam

End trip: Basel

Start trip: +4 days in Amsterdam

End trip: Lake Como

Add on Lucerne and Lake Como to your holiday, including a special excursion up Switzerland's majestic Mount Pilatus (WAZ1)

Start trip: +2 days in Amsterdam

End trip: Lucerne

Extend your holiday with 2 nights in lovely Lucerne, including a guided walking tour of the city (WAZ2)

Start trip: +2 days in Amsterdam

End trip: Lucerne

Extend your festive-themed holiday with 2 nights in lovely Lucerne, including a guided walking tour of the city (WAZ2F)

Start trip: +2 days in Amsterdam

End trip: Lucerne

Extend your holiday with 2 nights in lovely Lucerne, including a guided walking tour of the city (WAZ2)

Map

Leisurely On the go

I want to travel in

2025

Days

Countries

Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy

Meals

11breakfasts;

6lunches;

7dinners;

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

Tour Code

WAZ1

Price

*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 19 July 2025 departure

CAT D

Region

Country

Rivers

Vessels

Before You Book

Before You Travel

Meet Avalon

The Cruising Experience

Romantic Rhine With Swiss Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como

Map

Itinerary

AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

AMSTERDAM*

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

COLOGNE, GERMANY

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

RHINE GORGE-RUDESHEIM

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)-SWISS ALPS

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

LUCERNE-LAKE COMO, ITALY

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

LAKE COMO

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

LAKE COMO

INCLUDED MEALS

SHIP(S) *

LAKE COMO

INCLUDED MEALS

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (4)

Map

Next Section

Highlights