European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and Rhône Revealed 2026

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Description

Summary

Starts
Zurich
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary 22-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the enchanting Swiss city of Basel, through the picturesque Rhine Valley, and into the vibrant cities of Amsterdam and Paris. Discover the rich heritage of Normandy, the culinary delights of Lyon, and the artistic charm of Provence. With luxurious accommodations onboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of guided excursions, this tour offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring medieval castles, savoring local wines, or strolling through iconic cities, each day promises new adventures and memories to cherish. Join us for an unparalleled exploration of Europe's most captivating destinations.

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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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Cruise ship

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Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV

Individual climate control and in-room safe

Full-size closet and mirror

Additional under-bed storage

Well-stocked mini-bar

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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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Map

Attractions

Parc Animalier de la Forêt de Roumare
Train de l'Ardèche
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
Tour Vauban de Tatihou
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 beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
photo of The Foundation Claude Monet is a nonprofit organization that runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.Fondation Monet in Giverny
Schwarzwaldmuseum
Loreley-linie port
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
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
Château de Malmaison
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Église Saint-Thomas, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceSt Thomas Church
Queen's House, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, Greater London, England, United KingdomQueen's House
photo of the equestrian monument of King Louis XIV in Place Bellecour at morning in Lyon, France.Place Bellecour
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
photo of Traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alsace, France.Petite France
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens
Tour d'Oingt
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Basel to Breisach

  • Zurich
  • Basel - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your enchanting journey in the heart of Switzerland, where your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits in Basel. Arrive by mid-afternoon and settle into your floating hotel. As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard and prepare for an evening cruise to the charming town of Breisach.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach to Kehl

  • Freiburg im Breisgau
  • Colmar
  • More
  • Freiburg Minster
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
  • More

Today, immerse yourself in the beauty of Germany's Black Forest. Choose between a serene bike ride along the Rhine or a guided tour of the enchanting Black Forest, including a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum. Alternatively, explore the medieval city center of Freiburg. In the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise to Kehl.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Kehl to Mainz

  • Strasbourg
  • Mainz
  • More
  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
  • More

Cross into France and discover the captivating city of Strasbourg. Opt for a bike tour or a guided exploration of the city's Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Mainz, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Mainz to Rüdesheim

  • Mainz
  • More
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
  • More

Explore the historic city of Mainz, with options to visit the Gutenberg Museum or take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard as you sail to the picturesque town of Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz

Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz

  • Loreley-linie port
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
  • More

Delight in the scenic beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you sail towards Koblenz. Enjoy a hike through Rüdesheim's vineyards or visit the Mechanical Music Museum. In Koblenz, explore the city's rich history before a relaxing evening onboard.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Koblenz to Cologne

  • Cologne
  • More
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • More

Experience the vibrant city of Cologne with a choice of activities, including a bike ride, a walking tour of Jewish heritage sites, or a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch beer before continuing your journey to Amsterdam.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
  • More
  • Amsterdam Museum
  • More

Discover the vibrant city of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise or a walking tour through its cobblestone streets. During tulip season, visit the Keukenhof Gardens or explore the countryside on a bike tour. Enjoy free time to explore the city's colorful streets and shops.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Amsterdam to Paris

  • Paris
  • Amsterdam
  • More

Board a high-speed train to the romantic city of Paris. Settle into your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you begin your evening cruise to Vernon.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Giverny
  • Les Andelys
  • La Roche-Guyon
  • More
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
  • More

Explore the artistic haven of Giverny, home to Claude Monet, or visit the majestic Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard as you sail to the picturesque town of Les Andelys, where you can hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Les Andelys to Caudebec

  • Honfleur
  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Parc Animalier de la Forêt de Roumare
  • More

Embark on a guided tour along the Normandy Abbeys Route, discovering medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur before docking overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Caudebec to Rouen

  • Bayeux
  • Rouen
  • More
  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • More

Step back in time with a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, visiting significant U.S., British, and Canadian sites. Alternatively, explore the rich agricultural region of Normandy with a taste of local delicacies. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Évreux Cathedral
  • More

Explore the historic city of Rouen, known for its medieval quarter and the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom. Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral or take a guided bike tour to discover hidden gems. In the evening, cruise to Conflans.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans to Paris

  • Auvers-sur-Oise
  • Paris
  • More
  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
  • More

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh with a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison. Optionally, visit the Palace of Versailles. In the evening, cruise to the City of Light, Paris.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Paris

  • Paris
  • More
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • More

Immerse yourself in the magic of Paris with a guided tour of iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Explore the city's historic heart or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seine. Experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of the French capital.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to Dijon

  • Dijon
  • Paris
  • Beaune
  • More
  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
  • More

Travel by high-speed train to Dijon and continue to the charming town of Beaune. Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital before heading to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship® for an overnight stay in Tournus.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Tournus to Trévoux

Day 16: Tournus to Trévoux

Discover the historical charm of Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers. Consider an optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting onboard as you cruise to Trévoux.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Trévoux to Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
  • More

Sail to the vibrant city of Lyon, where you can explore the architectural district by bike or take a guided tour of the city's highlights, including Fourvière Hill and Place des Terreaux. Enjoy a WWII & French Resistance lecture onboard before an evening of live entertainment.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Lyon to Tournon

  • Lyon
  • More

Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France with a culinary walk through the city. Spend the rest of the 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: Tournon to Viviers

Day 19: Tournon to Viviers

  • Train de l'Ardèche
  • More

Explore the medieval city of Tournon with a guided walking tour, visiting its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, sail to the charming village of Viviers, where you can explore its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Viviers to Avignon

  • Avignon
  • More
  • Palais des Papes
  • More

Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the Palace of the Popes. Enjoy optional excursions to the Pont du Gard or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore Avignon's art and culture before an evening of live entertainment.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Avignon to Arles

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • More
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

Explore the captivating city of Arles with a guided walking tour, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Alternatively, participate in a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Enjoy free time to relax or explore before an overnight stay in Arles.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Departure from Arles

  • Marseille
  • Arles - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your unforgettable journey with breakfast onboard before disembarking in Arles. Ensure your flights from Marseille airport depart after 10 am to allow for a smooth transition home.

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