European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2026
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Description
Summary
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.
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
Cruise ship
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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®.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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