European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2026

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Description

Summary

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

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the serene beauty of Switzerland's Lucerne to the vibrant streets of Paris, this journey promises a tapestry of experiences. Traverse the enchanting Black Forest, explore the medieval charm of Heidelberg, and savor the culinary delights of Lyon. Each day unveils a new destination, offering guided tours, cultural excursions, and moments of leisure. With luxurious accommodations aboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of activities tailored to your interests, this tour is designed to captivate and inspire. Whether you're drawn to the artistic legacy of Van Gogh or the historical significance of Normandy, this adventure invites you to discover the essence of Europe in style and comfort.

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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

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
Train de l'Ardèche
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
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument Lucerne
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
Château de Malmaison
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Mount Pilatus, Alpnach, Obwalden, SwitzerlandMount Pilatus
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 morning view of Zurich, Switzerland. View of the historic city center with famous Fraumunster Church, on the Limmat river.Fraumünster Church
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 part of the ancient Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke) over the river Reuss in the historical town center of Lucerne, the famous city in Central Switzerland.Spreuerbrücke
Tour d'Oingt
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Welcome to Switzerland

  • Lucerne - Arrival day
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  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • Spreuerbrücke
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Begin your journey in the charming city of Lucerne, nestled on the banks of the Reuss River. Spend your day exploring the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity as you wander through the city's squares and churches. Take time to shop in the bustling city center or visit the iconic Lion Monument, a poignant tribute to Swiss Guards.

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Day 2

Day 2 – A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Fraumünster Church
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Embark on a guided walking tour through Lucerne's historic Old Town. Marvel at the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, and visit the Jesuit Church. The day is filled with history and culture, offering a glimpse into the city's storied past.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

  • Lucerne
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  • Mount Pilatus
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Ascend to the heights of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views over central Switzerland. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the Swiss Transport Museum offers an intriguing alternative. In the evening, board your luxurious Suite Ship® for an enchanting cruise to Breisach.

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Day 4

Day 4 – German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
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Explore the enchanting Black Forest with a guided tour, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum and witnessing traditional butter-making. Alternatively, discover Freiburg's medieval city center or opt for a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine. An optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar is also available.

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Day 5

Day 5 – A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock. Stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district or explore the historic Maginot Line. Alternatively, enjoy free time to visit a museum or wander through the city center.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Explore the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its famed Great Vat, or take a guided city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you sail to Rüdesheim.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Hike through Rüdesheim's vineyards or tour the Mechanical Music Museum. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, passing ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a delightful evening on board.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Explore Cologne's Jewish heritage sites or take a guided city walk to see the iconic twin-steepled cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager and relax before cruising to Amsterdam.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Discover Amsterdam's beauty with a guided walking tour or explore the iconic waterways on a canal cruise. During tulip season, visit Keukenhof gardens or explore Zaanse Schans. Enjoy free time to wander through Amsterdam's vibrant streets.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Off to Paris

  • Amsterdam
  • Paris
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Board a high-speed train to Paris and embark on your Avalon Suite Ship®. Enjoy dinner onboard as you set sail for Vernon.

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Day 11

Day 11 – 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 Monet's gardens in Giverny or visit Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versailles. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard before cruising to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

  • Valmont Abbey
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Take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, exploring medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys. Opt for an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur before docking overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 13

Day 13 – 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 WWII landing beaches or explore the rich agricultural region of Normandy. See the Bayeux Tapestry and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 14

Day 14 – The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France

  • Rouen
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  • Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen's medieval quarter on a guided walking tour, visiting the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Enjoy an evening cruise to Conflans.

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Day 15

Day 15 – The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
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Visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or tour the opulent Château de Malmaison. Consider an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles before cruising to Paris.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light

  • Paris
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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Discover Paris's iconic sites on a guided walk, including the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant streets and literary cafés.

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Day 17

Day 17 – On to Dijon

  • Paris
  • Dijon
  • Beaune
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Travel by high-speed train from Paris to Dijon, then drive to Beaune to visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital. Continue to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Explore Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers, with a local guide. Consider an optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Enjoy a cheese tasting onboard.

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Day 19

Day 19 – 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 take a guided sightseeing tour from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town and enjoy a WWII & French Resistance lecture onboard.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Adventures in Food and Wine

  • Lyon
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Enjoy free time to explore the city's markets, parks, and murals before an evening cruise to Tournon.

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Day 21

Day 21 – A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Train de l'Ardèche
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Explore Tournon's medieval charm with a guided walking tour, visiting its castle and Roman ruins. Sail to Viviers and discover its historical influences on a late afternoon tour.

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Day 22

Day 22 – The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

  • Avignon
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  • Palais des Papes
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Take a guided tour of Avignon's fortress city, including the Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions to Pont du Gard or Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available. Explore Avignon's art and culture before an evening cruise to Arles.

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Day 23

Day 23 – A Brush with Genius

  • Arles
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Explore Arles with a guided walking tour, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Participate in a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh or enjoy a power walk with your Adventure Host.

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Day 24

Day 24 – Departure Day

  • Arles - Departure day
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Conclude your journey with breakfast in Arles. Ensure your flights from Marseille airport are scheduled after 10 am for a smooth departure.

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