European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and 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 that takes you through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. From the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps to the historic charm of the French Riviera, this journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery. Cruise along the majestic Rhine and Seine rivers, uncovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks in cities like Basel, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, and Paris. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a variety of guided excursions, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures and histories of these enchanting regions.

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Included

21 nights onboard cruise ships

2 nights in Nice

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Avalon Waterways cruise ship

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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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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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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
View of Mediterranean luxury resort and bay with yachts. Nice, Cote d'Azur, France. Nice
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Dijon - city in FranceDijon
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Les Andelys
photo of The Old Mill of Vernon in Vernon Normandy France.Vernon
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

Train de l'Ardèche
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
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
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
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
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
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
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
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Architectural detail of the Museum of Modern Art in Strasbourg on a winter day. Inaugurated in December 1998 by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann.Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Basel

  • Basel - Arrival day
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  • Spalentorweg
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Welcome to the enchanting land of Switzerland. As you arrive in Basel, prepare to embark on a luxurious cruise journey. Settle into your elegant Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner on board. Spend your first evening exploring the ship and soaking in the serene views as you begin your cruise towards Breisach.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach

  • Strasbourg
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  • Freiburg Minster
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
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Today, immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Germany. Choose between a leisurely bike ride along the Rhine or a guided tour to the mystical Black Forest, where you can explore the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum. Alternatively, delve into the medieval charm of Freiburg's city center. In the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise to Kehl.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the captivating city of Strasbourg, where history and culture intertwine. Opt for a bike tour or a city sightseeing tour that includes the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. You may also explore the Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Enjoy free time to wander through the city's museums and shops before cruising to Mainz.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Heidelberg and Mainz

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Embark on a journey through history with a visit to Heidelberg. Walk the Philosopher's Way or explore the majestic Heidelberg Castle. Alternatively, enjoy a guided city walk in Mainz, featuring the Gutenberg Museum. As the day concludes, relax with live entertainment on board as you sail to Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz

  • Mainz
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  • Loreley-linie port
  • 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. As you sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, marvel at the ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Upon arrival in Koblenz, enjoy free time to explore this historic city before a relaxing evening on board.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Cologne

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Discover the vibrant city of Cologne, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Choose a bike ride with your Adventure Host or a guided tour of Cologne's Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, explore the city's iconic Gothic cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch beer before setting sail for Amsterdam.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Explore the enchanting city of Amsterdam, renowned for its picturesque canals and vibrant culture. Choose a morning walk, a guided tour through cobblestone streets, or a canal cruise. During tulip season, visit the Keukenhof gardens. Outside of this period, explore Zaanse Schans or enjoy a bike tour of the countryside. Spend your evening discovering Amsterdam's lively streets and charming canal houses.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Amsterdam to Paris

  • Amsterdam
  • Paris
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Board a high-speed train from Amsterdam to the romantic city of Paris. Settle into your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you begin your cruise towards Vernon.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Château Gaillard
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic inspiration of Claude Monet in Giverny or visit the stunning Bizy Castle. Alternatively, discover the Chateau des Tourelles in Vernon. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board before cruising to Les Andelys, where you can hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or take a walking tour of this picturesque town.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec

  • Les Andelys
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  • Valmont Abbey
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Embark on a journey through history along the Normandy Abbeys Route, where medieval abbeys and churches line the Seine. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy

  • Rouen
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  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
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Step back in time with a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or indulge in a brandy tasting in Calvados. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rouen.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen

  • Rouen
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  • Saint Georges de Boscherville Abbey
  • Évreux Cathedral
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Explore the historic city of Rouen, known for its medieval architecture and the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom. Choose a guided bike tour or a walking tour to see the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Conflans.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans

  • Paris
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  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
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Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh with a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to 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
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  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its historic heart or a city tour showcasing iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Élysées. Enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods or relax in a charming café. Overnight docking in Paris.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to Beaune

  • Paris
  • Dijon
  • Beaune
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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 the charming town of Beaune. Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, home to Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In the afternoon, continue to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Tournus

Day 16: Tournus

Discover the historic town of Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers. Enjoy a guided tour of its highlights, or consider an optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Later, savor a cheese tasting on board as you cruise to Trévoux.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Sail to the vibrant city of Lyon, where you can explore its architectural district by bike or take a guided sightseeing tour from Fourvière Hill. Discover the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively Place des Terreaux. In the evening, enjoy a lecture on WWII and the French Resistance, followed by live entertainment.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Lyon

  • Lyon
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Delve into Lyon's culinary delights with a guided culinary walk, discovering why it's known as the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city's markets, parks, and murals at your leisure. In the evening, set sail for Tournon.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Tournon to Viviers

  • Avignon
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  • Train de l'Ardèche
  • Viaduc de Vogüé
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Explore the medieval city of Tournon with a guided walking tour, visiting its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. After lunch, sail to Viviers, where you can discover its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town on a guided tour. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Avignon.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour, including a visit to the impressive Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions include the ancient 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.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Arles

  • Arles
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Experience the artistic allure of Arles with a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Alternatively, participate in a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant cafés and historic sites before an overnight docking in Arles.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Arles to French Riviera

  • Arles
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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After breakfast, journey to the stunning French Riviera, a breathtaking stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean. Enjoy the scenic drive and prepare to explore the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this iconic region.

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Day 23

Day 23 – Day 23: Nice

  • Nice
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  • #ILoveNICE
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Explore the 'Queen of the French Riviera' with a guided tour of Nice. Discover the narrow streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, a district that has retained its charm since the 1700s. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Mediterranean coast.

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Day 24

Day 24 – Day 24: Nice

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

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