European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and Rhône Revealed 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Basel
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 22-day journey that takes you through the heart of Europe, from the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland to the vibrant city life of France. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique opportunity to explore iconic cities, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. From cruising along the Rhine and Seine rivers, exploring medieval castles, to tasting world-renowned wines and discovering the artistic heritage of Van Gogh, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, this tour has something for everyone.

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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

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AVALON VIEW or similar

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21 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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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Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Panoramic view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster, Grossmunster and St. Peter and river Limmat at Lake Zurich on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandZurich
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
Les Andelys
photo of The Old Mill of Vernon in Vernon Normandy France.Vernon
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

Normandy American CemeteryNormandy American Cemetery
photo of Temple of Love in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris Park in autumn in France.Vincennes Woods
Lahr Park
Train de l'Ardèche
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
photo of on the way in the beautiful valley of the Seine at Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, Normandy, France.Château Gaillard
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Gisors Castle
The Jean Monnet House
photo of Haarlem attraction, Amsterdamse Poort gateway at morning, Netherlands.Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Siegfried's Mechanical Museum
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Strasbourg Zoological Museum, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceStrasbourg Zoological Museum
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Basel

  • Basel - Arrival day
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Begin your enchanting journey in Switzerland as you board your luxurious Suite Ship® in Basel. Arrive by 3 pm to ensure a smooth embarkation process. Once aboard, settle into your comfortable accommodations and enjoy a delightful dinner. Spend your first evening exploring the ship's amenities and soaking in the serene views as you set sail towards Breisach.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discover the Black Forest

  • Freiburg im Breisgau
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  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
  • Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Today, immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Germany. Choose from a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine, a guided tour of the mystical Black Forest, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. Optional excursions include a visit to the charming village of Colmar. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise towards Kehl.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Venture into the heart of Strasbourg, where you can choose to explore the city by bike or take a guided tour of its Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. Optional excursions include a visit to the Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Enjoy meals on board as you cruise to Mainz.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Historic Heidelberg and Mainz

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Delve into history with a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle or a city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you sail to Rüdesheim, with meals provided throughout the day.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz

  • Mainz
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  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Experience the charm of Rüdesheim with a hike through its vineyards or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, en route to Koblenz. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before dinner and live entertainment on board.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Visit Cologne's Gothic Cathedral

  • Amsterdam
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a bike ride in Cologne or take a guided city walk to visit the city's soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time enjoying a glass of Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years. In the evening, cruise to Amsterdam.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Explore Amsterdam's Iconic Canals

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
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Start your day with an early morning walk in Amsterdam or explore the city's iconic waterways on a guided canal cruise. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops. Overnight in Amsterdam.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: From Amsterdam to Vernon

  • Amsterdam
  • Vernon
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Board a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris and embark on your Avalon Suite Ship®. Enjoy dinner onboard and prepare for an overnight cruise to Vernon.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Visit Claude Monet's Residence and Bizy Castle

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, home of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visit Bizy Castle, also known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. In the evening, cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Explore Les Andelys and Cruise to Caudebec

  • Les Andelys
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  • Château Gaillard
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Join a guided hike to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard, the historic home of King Richard the Lionheart. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour of Les Andelys, one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine. In the evening, cruise to Caudebec.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Visit Normandy's WWII Landing Beaches and Bayeux Tapestry

  • Rouen
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  • Bayeux Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, take a 'Taste of Normandy' guided tour to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry and taste Calvados at a local distillery. In the evening, cruise to Rouen.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Explore Rouen and Cruise to Conflans

  • Rouen
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  • Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to discover Rouen's famous monuments or join a guided walking tour to visit the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the evening, cruise to Conflans.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Visit Auvers-sur-Oise and Château de Malmaison

  • Paris
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  • Vincennes Woods
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Join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. In the evening, cruise to Paris.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Explore the City of Light

  • Paris
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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Experience the Seine river by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Visit iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Overnight in Paris.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Visit Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune

  • Paris
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Travel from Paris to Dijon and then to Beaune. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, built in 1443, which is now home to the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. Overnight in Tournus.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Explore Tournus and Cruise to Trévoux

Day 16: Explore Tournus and Cruise to Trévoux

Explore Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region. Discover the highlights of this delightful town with a local guide. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard your ship. Overnight in Trévoux.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Cruise to Lyon

  • Lyon
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Sail for lovely Lyon. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways and lively cafés. Overnight in Lyon.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Explore Lyon and Cruise to Tournon

  • Lyon
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of your day exploring, relaxing, or shopping in France's third largest city. In the evening, cruise to Tournon.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Visit Viviers and Cruise to Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Viaduc de Vogüé
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Take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch and explore this charming village. In the evening, cruise to Avignon.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Visit the Palace of the Popes and Cruise to Arles

  • Avignon
  • Arles
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  • Palais des Papes
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Take a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon and visit the amazing Palace of the Popes. Explore Avignon on your own or visit the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. In the evening, cruise to Arles.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Explore Arles

  • Arles
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Get your daily dose of exercise through a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater. Overnight in Arles.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Departure Day

  • Arles - Departure day
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Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

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