Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the vibrant city of Marseille to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. Discover the artistic legacy of Arles, the historic charm of Avignon, the quaint village of Viviers, and the medieval allure of Tournon. Experience the culinary delights of Lyon, the wine and cheese of Tournus, and the architectural marvels of Beaune. Venture into the Black Forest of Germany, explore the enchanting city of Strasbourg, and marvel at the grandeur of Heidelberg. Enjoy the scenic vineyards of Rüdesheim, the monumental history of Koblenz, and the vibrant atmosphere of Cologne before concluding your journey in the colorful city of Amsterdam. Each day is packed with exciting activities, guided tours, and free time to explore at your own pace.
Included
14 nights onboard
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
And, much more
Avalon Poetry II or Avalon View or similar
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Mainz
Marseille
Amsterdam
Basel
Beaune
Strasbourg
Lyon
Arles
Cologne
AvignonMap
Attractions
Freiburg Minster
Palais des Papes
Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Arles Amphitheatre
Gutenberg Museum
St Thomas Church
Place Bellecour
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to France! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Ensure your flights arrive by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. Settle in as we set sail for Arles, where we will dock overnight. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
- More
- Arles Amphitheatre
- More
Start your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour of Arles, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon, where we will dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
- More
- Palais des Papes
- More
Today, take a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, visiting the magnificent Palace of the Popes. You may choose to visit the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Spend the rest of the day exploring Avignon's art, culture, and historic monuments. Enjoy onboard live entertainment in the evening. Overnight docking in Avignon. All meals are included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain L’Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- More
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. Choose between a walk to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host or a guided walking tour of Viviers, exploring its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town. In the evening, we cruise to Tain L’Hermitage where we will dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
- More
Start your day with a hike in Tournon or take a guided walking tour to explore one of France's oldest medieval cities and its 16th-century castle. In the early afternoon, we cruise to Lyon. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing. Overnight docking in Lyon. All meals are included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
- More
- Place Bellecour
- More
Join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town. Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. In the evening, we cruise to Tournus. Overnight docking in Tournus. All meals are included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board your ship. In the evening, we cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône. Overnight docking in Chalon-sur-Saône. All meals are included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Basel and Breisach
- Beaune
- Basel
- More
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
- More
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, a stunning architectural highlight. In the afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine river cruise. In the evening, we cruise to Breisach. Overnight cruise to Breisach. Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 9 – Day 9: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
- More
- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
- More
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine or join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest. Alternatively, take a guided tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center. You may choose to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning. In the evening, we cruise to Strasbourg. Overnight cruise to Strasbourg. All meals are included.
Day 10 – Day 10: Strasbourg to Mainz
- Strasbourg
- Mainz
- More
- Botanical Gardens of Strasbourg University
- More
Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a city sightseeing tour, visiting the Gothic, stained-glass cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to visit the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. In the evening, we cruise to Mainz. Overnight cruise to Mainz. All meals are included.
Day 11 – Day 11: Heidelberg to Rüdesheim
- Heidelberg
- More
- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
- More
Join an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, visit the Heidelberg Castle and its famed Great Vat, or enjoy a guided city walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. In the evening, we cruise to Rüdesheim. Overnight docking in Rüdesheim. All meals are included.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Koblenz
- More
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
- More
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. Overnight docking in Koblenz. All meals are included.
Day 13 – Day 13: Cologne to Amsterdam
- Cologne
- Amsterdam
- More
- Cologne Cathedral
- More
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne or choose a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, 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! In the afternoon, we cruise to Amsterdam. Overnight cruise to Amsterdam. All meals are included.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
- More
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. Overnight docking in Amsterdam. All meals are included.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
- More
Your unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Europe concludes in Amsterdam. Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to your fellow travelers and disembarking. Safe travels!
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.