The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Vienna
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an 18-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided sightseeing, free exploration, and exciting activities. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna and the Alpine charm of Salzburg to the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Engadine and the romantic Rhine Valley, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Danube, a scenic train ride on the Glacier Express, a visit to the iconic Chillon Castle, and a canal cruise in Amsterdam. Experience the local culture, cuisine, and traditions as you visit historic towns, majestic palaces, and stunning natural wonders. This tour is a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and discovery, offering unforgettable experiences and memories.

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Included

2 nights in Vienna

2 nigths in Salzburg

1 night in St. Moritz

2 nights in Zermatt

1 night in Berne

2 nights in Lucerne

7 nights onboard cruise

Avalon Vista: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite

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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

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Coach, Avalon Panorama or Avalon Vista or similar

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
Krems an der Donau - city in AustriaKrems an der Donau
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Corsier-sur-Vevey
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Bern, Switzerland. View of the old city center and Nydeggbrucke bridge over river Aare.Bern
Samedan - city in SwitzerlandSamedan

Map

Attractions

Altstadt InnsbruckAltstadt Innsbruck
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
photo of The Federal Palace of Switzerland, the parliament building of Switzerland in Bern, the Capital of Switzerland.The Parliament Building
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
photo of Golden Roof in Innsbruck Austria - architecture and nature background.Golden Roof
Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf, Henndorf am Wallersee, Flachgau, Salzburg, AustriaGut Aiderbichl Henndorf
Old Bridge Heidelberg, Neuenheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyOld Bridge Heidelberg
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument Lucerne
photo of view of Red Bull Hangar-7,Himmelreich Austria.Red Bull Hangar-7
Old Arsenal Museum, Solothurn, Bezirk Solothurn, Amtei Solothurn-Lebern, SwitzerlandOld Arsenal Museum
Photo of Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Summer, Salzburg castle in background.Mirabell Palace
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Alpenseebad Mondsee, Mondsee, Bezirk Vöcklabruck, Upper Austria, AustriaAlpenseebad Mondsee
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
photo of view of Danube Tower in Vienna - Donauturm Wien, Vienna, Austria.Donauturm
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
photo of pavillon in the old botanical garden on a nice sunny day in Zurich, Switzerland.Old Botanical Garden
Église Saint-Thomas, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceSt Thomas Church
Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, Salgesch, Leuk, Valais/Wallis, SwitzerlandPfyn-Finges Nature Park
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Photo of aerial view of Schonbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction in Vienna, Austria.Schönbrunn Palace
Photo of a Bear is walking along edge of pool in Bern Bear Pit (Barengraben) in Bern Bear Park, Berne, Switzerland.bear pit
Photo of Chillon Castle, Switzerland. Montreaux, Lake Geneve, one of the most visited castle in Swiss, attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year.Chillon Castle
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Haydn-Haus, Eisenstadt, Burgenland, AustriaHaydn-Haus

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Vienna

  • Vienna - Arrival day
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  • Schönbrunn Palace
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Your European adventure begins in the enchanting city of Vienna. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Austrian cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll around the city and marvel at the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace in the center of Vienna.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vienna

  • Vienna
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  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • Haydn-Haus
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Start your day with a guided tour of Vienna, visiting the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. The Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Austrian royalty. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city's cultural gems and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: From Vienna to Salzburg via Krems and Mondsee

  • Krems an der Donau
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  • Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf
  • Red Bull Hangar-7
  • Mirabell Palace
  • Alpenseebad Mondsee
  • Donauturm
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Today, you'll leave Vienna and head to the charming town of Krems, where you'll embark on a delightful Danube River cruise. After the cruise, visit the Parish Church in Mondsee before continuing to Salzburg. In Salzburg, a guided walking tour will take you to the Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city's rich history and culture.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Free Day in Salzburg

  • Salzburg
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Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg at your own pace. Known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is a city of music, history, and stunning architecture. Wander through the charming Altstadt (Old Town), visit the splendid gardens, or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to sample the local cuisine and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Salzburg to St. Moritz via Innsbruck

  • Samedan
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  • Altstadt Innsbruck
  • Golden Roof
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Leave Salzburg behind and head to Innsbruck, where you'll take a walk through the Old Town and see the famous Golden Roof. After some free time to explore, continue your journey to the Swiss Engadine, a region known for its stunning alpine landscapes. Your destination for the day is the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: From St. Moritz to Zermatt via Chur

  • Samedan
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Today, you'll board the Glacier Express train in St. Moritz for a scenic journey to Zermatt. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the breathtaking Swiss scenery, passing through charming towns, rolling meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, you'll have the rest of the day to explore and relax.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day in Zermatt

Day 7: Free Day in Zermatt

Spend the day at your leisure in Zermatt. This charming village offers a range of activities, from hiking and biking to shopping and dining. You might choose to join an optional excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, where you can enjoy panoramic views, ski slopes, and ice carvings. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at your hotel.

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Day 8

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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Today, you'll take a mountain train ride from Zermatt to Täsch, enjoying the stunning alpine scenery along the way. From Täsch, continue to Chillon, where you'll visit the iconic Chillon Castle. This historic castle, located on a small island in Lake Geneva, offers fascinating insights into the region's past. After a guided tour of the castle, enjoy a wine tasting before returning to your hotel.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: From Chillon to Lucerne via Berne and Interlaken

  • Corsier-sur-Vevey
  • Bern
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  • The Parliament Building
  • Old Arsenal Museum
  • bear pit
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Leave Chillon and head to Berne, the capital city of Switzerland. A guided walking tour will take you to Bear Park, the Rose Garden, and the Old Town, where you can admire the medieval architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city. After some free time for lunch in Interlaken, continue to Lucerne, a picturesque city known for its preserved medieval architecture.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • Old Botanical Garden
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Spend the day exploring Lucerne, starting with a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. In the evening, embark on a private boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, taking in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you can share memories of your journey with your travel companions.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: From Lucerne to Breisach via Basel

  • Lucerne
  • Basel
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Today, you'll transfer from Lucerne to Basel, where you'll board your Suite Ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and explore the ship's amenities before enjoying a delicious dinner on board. As the ship sets sail for Breisach, relax on the deck and take in the beautiful scenery of the Rhine River.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: From Breisach to Strasbourg via Black Forest and Freiburg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Freiburg Minster
  • Wutach Gorge
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Start your day with a choice of activities. You can enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine, join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. After a day of adventure, return to the ship and set sail for Strasbourg, enjoying a delicious dinner on board.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: From Strasbourg to Mainz

  • Mainz
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  • St Thomas Church
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Discover the charm of Strasbourg with a guided city sightseeing tour, including the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Alternatively, explore the city by bike or join an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. In the afternoon, cruise to Mainz, enjoying the scenic views of the Rhine River.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Heidelberg and Mainz

  • Mainz
  • Heidelberg
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  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Today, choose between a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a guided city walk in Mainz, or an inspiring walk in Heidelberg with your Avalon Adventure Host. If you opt for the castle tour, you'll see the ruins of the magnificent Renaissance treasure and its famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. In Mainz, visit the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the history of printing. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship in the evening.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: From Mainz to Koblenz via Rüdesheim

  • Mainz
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  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Start your day with a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Then, sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Arrive in Koblenz in the evening and enjoy free time to explore this 2000-year-old city.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: From Koblenz to Amsterdam via Cologne

  • Amsterdam
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Today, you'll travel to Cologne, where you can choose between a guided city walk, a bike ride, or a tour of the city's important Jewish heritage sites. Don't miss the chance to visit the city's famous twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend some free time enjoying a glass of Kolsch pale lager before cruising to Amsterdam in the afternoon.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Discover the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise, passing stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. You might choose to join an optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens or Zaanse Schans, or take an optional biking tour to discover the countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops at your own pace.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Farewell Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your European adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and start your journey home. We hope you've enjoyed this unforgettable tour and look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.

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