AVALON 2026: Reflections on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) (WDZE)
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 Holland.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 Rudesheim 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.
Call (207) 282-8999 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18781120
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | 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.This afternoon, you may join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D) |
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canals of Captivating AmsterdamJoin 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 vibrant streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT 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:DISCOVERY 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.During lunchtime, enjoy a brief cruise to ArnhemARNHEM WWII Valor and Medieval CastleCLASSIC 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 | Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.DISCOVERY 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:DISCOVERY 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 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 5 | Rudesheim | Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn 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 Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer 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 SPEYER(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | Speyer | 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 Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany, 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 STRASBOURG (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | Strasbourg | 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 | Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black ForestDISCOVERY 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 | 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). LUCERNEA Historic Bridge and Heart of a LionCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B) |
| Day 11 | Lucerne | Lake Views and VineyardsDISCOVERY Join a wine tasting for an unforgettable experience amid the stunning views of Lake Lucerne with a visit to a local vineyard.In your free time, discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or enjoy some shopping in the city center.(B) |
| Day 12 | Lucerne | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gateway city for departures is Zurich.Port charges:$297 are included.Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.
- Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.
Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
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Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
'Starting at' Disclaimer
'Starting at' or 'From' price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.
