The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an 18-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided sightseeing, free exploration, and thrilling activities, from river cruises and mountain train rides to wine tastings and scenic hikes. Discover the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the musical heritage of Salzburg, the alpine beauty of St. Moritz, the medieval charm of Lucerne, and the vibrant canals of Amsterdam. Along the way, enjoy comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the company of like-minded travelers. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable European adventure.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
17 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Vista: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Destinations
Mainz
Krems an der Donau
Hallein
Amsterdam
Basel
Strasbourg
Cologne
Lucerne
Bern
Vienna
Sankt Moritz
InnsbruckMap
Attractions
Augustiner Museum
Chapel Bridge
The Parliament Building
Golden Roof
Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Lion Monument Lucerne
Engadiner Museum
Old Arsenal Museum
Mirabell Palace
Heidelberg Palace
Alpenseebad Mondsee
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Donauturm
Gutenberg Museum
Old Botanical Garden
St Thomas Church
Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
Pfyn-Finges Nature Park
Amsterdam Museum
Schönbrunn Palace
Fortress Hohensalzburg
bear pit
Chillon Castle
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Haydn-HausDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
- Vienna - Arrival day
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- Schönbrunn Palace
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Begin your European adventure in the beautiful city of Vienna. Meet your tour director and fellow travelers at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, take the opportunity to explore the city's historic center, including the magnificent Hofburg Palace.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vienna
- Vienna
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- Schönbrunn Palace
- Haydn-Haus
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Immerse yourself in the imperial splendor of Vienna with a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city's cultural gems at your own pace. Don't miss the chance to visit the palace's extravagant gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Vienna to Salzburg via Krems and Mondsee
- Vienna
- Krems an der Donau
- Mondsee
- Hallein
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- Mirabell Palace
- Alpenseebad Mondsee
- Donauturm
- Fortress Hohensalzburg
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Embark on a delightful Danube River cruise in Krems before heading to Mondsee to visit the Parish Church. Continue to Salzburg, where a guided walking tour will take you to the Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. Enjoy the scenic drive and the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Salzburg
- Hallein
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Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Wander through the city's charming gardens, admire its medieval and Baroque architecture, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the pedestrian Old Town. Don't miss the chance to explore Salzburg's scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Salzburg to St. Moritz via Innsbruck
- Hallein
- Innsbruck
- Sankt Moritz
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- Altstadt Innsbruck
- Golden Roof
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Travel to Innsbruck, where you'll take a walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Enjoy some free time to explore before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. Marvel at the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes, rolling green meadows, forests, and snow-capped summits.
Day 6 – Day 6: From St. Moritz to Zermatt via Chur
- Sankt Moritz
- Chur
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Take the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt, enjoying a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. Lunch will be served on board. Don't miss the chance to take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Zermatt
Day 7: Exploring Zermatt
Enjoy a free day in Zermatt. Spend the day leisurely strolling around the car-free town or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings, and unique views. This is an amazing experience you do not want to miss.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Zermatt to Chillon via Täsch
- Corsier-sur-Vevey
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- Pfyn-Finges Nature Park
- Chillon Castle
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Take a mountain train ride from Zermatt to Täsch. Then, head to Chillon for a guided visit of the castle and a wine tasting. Discover the castle's secrets as you stroll through it, and complete your visit with a taste of local wines.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Chillon to Lucerne via Berne and Interlaken
- Corsier-sur-Vevey
- Bern
- Interlaken
- Lucerne
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- The Parliament Building
- Old Arsenal Museum
- bear pit
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Travel to Berne for a guided walking tour, including a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden, and a visit to the Old Town. Enjoy some free time for lunch in Interlaken en route to Lucerne. Explore the 'City of Fountains' and its medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town).
Day 10 – Day 10: Discovering Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Aare Gorge - West Entrance
- Old Botanical Garden
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Explore Lucerne with a walking tour that includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. In the evening, enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Vierwaldstättersee, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Experience the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings from the water.
Day 11 – Day 11: From Lucerne to Breisach via Basel
- Lucerne
- Basel
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Transfer from Lucerne to Basel, where your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. As the evening falls, embark on a cruise to Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine River.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Breisach to Strasbourg via the Black Forest
- Strasbourg
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- Wutach Gorge
- Stadtgarten Freiburg
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Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host. You can choose to take a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine, join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, or visit a local winery in Breisach for a wine tasting. You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Strasbourg to Mainz
- Strasbourg
- Mainz
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- Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a city sightseeing tour, including the Gothic cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or visit Alsace's wine country. Alternatively, take some free time to visit a museum or stroll across the city center.
Day 14 – Day 14: From Mainz to Rüdesheim via Heidelberg
- Mainz
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- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, or enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle and its famed Great Vat, or enjoy a guided city walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.
Day 15 – Day 15: From Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Mainz
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- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Enjoy a hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim or take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum. En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
Day 16 – Day 16: From Koblenz to Amsterdam via Cologne
- Cologne
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne or choose a guided walking tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, or 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, before cruising to Amsterdam.
Day 17 – Day 17: Discovering Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Keukenhof Forest
- Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
- Castle de Haar
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Start your day with an early morning walk in Amsterdam or explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise. During tulip season, you may take a guided optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens. Outside of tulip season, join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
Day 18 – Day 18: Farewell Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your unforgettable European adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and prepare for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon.
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