European Masterpiece: The Rhine, Seine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera

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Description

Summary

Starts
Basel
Duration
24 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where each day unfolds a new chapter of cultural and historical wonders. From the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland to the enchanting cities of France, this journey promises an unforgettable experience. Delight in guided tours, scenic cruises, and immersive activities that showcase the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of each destination. With luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining, this tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Join us for a voyage that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Europe.

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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 Waterways cruise ships

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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

#ILoveNICE, Vieux Nice, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, France#ILoveNICE
Pont du GardPont du Gard
Train de l'Ardèche
Natural History Museum
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
Tour Vauban de Tatihou
Fresco "The library of the city
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
Fort de la Revère
Viaduc de Vogüé
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
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
Valmont Abbey
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Abbaye de Cluny, R-3792878, R-2202162Cluny Abbey
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
photo of Château de Cormatin at beautiful morning in Cormatin, French.Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
Tour d'Oingt
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Welcome to Switzerland

  • Basel - Arrival day
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Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Basel, where your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits. Arrive by 3 pm to ensure a smooth boarding process by 5 pm. As you settle in, enjoy a delightful dinner on board and explore the ship's amenities. Overnight, the ship will set sail towards Breisach, offering a serene evening cruise.

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Day 2

Day 2 – German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

  • Freiburg Minster
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
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Today, immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of the Black Forest. Choose between a leisurely bike ride along the Rhine or a guided tour to the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum. Alternatively, explore the medieval charm of Freiburg. Optional excursions to the picturesque village of Colmar are available. Enjoy a day filled with cultural and natural wonders before cruising to Kehl.

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Day 3

Day 3 – A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the captivating city of Strasbourg, renowned for its Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. Opt for a city sightseeing tour or explore by bike. Optional excursions to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country are available. Spend free time visiting museums or strolling through the city center before cruising to Mainz.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Explore the historic city of Heidelberg, with its iconic castle and the world's largest wine barrel. Alternatively, enjoy a guided city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. After a day of exploration, relax with live entertainment on board as you sail to Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
  • More

Delight in a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the local Rüdesheimer coffee. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, en route to Koblenz. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before an evening filled with dinner and live entertainment.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the vibrant city of Cologne with a guided walking tour of its Jewish heritage sites or a city walk featuring the iconic twin-steepled cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager, brewed locally for over a century. Cruise towards Amsterdam, where the evening promises relaxation and fine dining.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Discover Amsterdam's charm with a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets or a canal cruise past stately homes. During tulip season, visit the Keukenhof gardens, or explore Zaanse Schans outside of the season. Enjoy free time to wander through Amsterdam's vibrant streets and canal houses.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Off to Paris

  • Amsterdam
  • Paris
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Board a high-speed train to Paris, where your Avalon Suite Ship® awaits. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you prepare for an evening cruise to Vernon. Experience the romance of Paris as you sail along the Seine.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic inspiration of Claude Monet in Giverny or visit the majestic Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board as you sail to Les Andelys. In the afternoon, hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of this picturesque town.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

  • Valmont Abbey
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Embark on a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, exploring the rich history of medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Enjoy a relaxing evening on board as you dock overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

  • Rouen
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  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Bayeux Cathedral
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Visit the historic Normandy beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, or explore British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, delve into Normandy's agricultural heritage with a tour of the Bayeux Tapestry and a visit to Beuvron en Auge. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 12

Day 12 – The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France

  • Rouen
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  • Natural History Museum
  • Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen's rich history with a guided walking tour, visiting the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom and the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. Alternatively, discover the city's hidden gems on a guided bike tour. Enjoy an evening cruise to Conflans, with dinner and entertainment on board.

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Day 13

Day 13 – The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
  • More

Visit the charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise, home to Vincent van Gogh, or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison. Consider an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to Paris, with dinner and entertainment on board.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light

  • Paris
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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Discover the heart of Paris with a guided walk through the Palais-Royal, the Louvre pyramid, and the Left Bank. Alternatively, enjoy a city tour featuring iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Spend free time exploring Paris's vibrant streets or relaxing in a literary café. Overnight docking in Paris.

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Day 15

Day 15 – On to Dijon

  • Paris
  • Dijon
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Travel from Paris to Dijon by high-speed train, then drive to Beaune to visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital. In the afternoon, journey to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. Enjoy a relaxing evening on board as you dock overnight in Tournus.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

  • Cluny Abbey
  • Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
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Explore Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers, with a guided tour of its highlights. Consider optional excursions to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Enjoy a cheese tasting on board as you sail to Trévoux overnight.

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Day 17

Day 17 – La Vie En Rose in Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or enjoy a guided sightseeing tour from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town's medieval alleyways and lively cafés. Attend a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board, followed by live entertainment. Dock overnight in Lyon.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Adventures in Food and Wine

  • Lyon
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  • Fresco "The library of the city
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Embark on a culinary walk through Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's markets and parks or touring its murals. Enjoy a leisurely evening cruise to Tournon, with dinner and entertainment on board.

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Day 19

Day 19 – A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Train de l'Ardèche
  • Viaduc de Vogüé
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Explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with a guided walking tour of its castle and Roman ruins. Sail to Viviers and enjoy a guided tour of its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town. Experience live entertainment on board as you cruise to Avignon overnight.

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Day 20

Day 20 – The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

  • Avignon
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  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
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Discover Avignon's fortress city with a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions include a visit to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore Avignon's art and culture at your leisure before enjoying live entertainment on board as you cruise to Arles.

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Day 21

Day 21 – A Brush with Genius

  • Arles
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Explore Arles, the captivating city of Provence, with a guided walking tour of its Roman Amphitheater. Alternatively, attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Enjoy free time to relax at Le Café van Gogh before docking overnight in Arles.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast

  • Arles
  • Nice
  • More
  • Fort de la Revère
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After breakfast, journey to the stunning French Riviera, stretching from Toulon to the Italian border. Experience the beauty of the Mediterranean coast as you travel to Nice, where your adventure continues.

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Day 23

Day 23 – The 'Queen of the French Riviera'

  • Nice
  • More
  • #ILoveNICE
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Explore the enchanting city of Nice with a guided sightseeing tour of Vieux Nice. Discover its narrow streets and baroque churches, unchanged since the 1700s. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city on the French Riviera.

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Day 24

Day 24 – Farewell to the French Riviera

  • Nice - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast in Nice. Reflect on the memories made during this extraordinary multi-day tour through Europe's most captivating destinations.

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