Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of traditional sightseeing and immersive experiences, from exploring medieval cities and charming villages to discovering the secrets of winemaking and indulging in local culinary delights. Whether you're marveling at the architectural grandeur of gothic cathedrals, cruising along picturesque canals, or sampling world-class wines in scenic vineyards, each day of this tour promises a new adventure. With comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and a variety of activities to choose from, this tour is designed to cater to every taste and interest.
Included
7 night accommodation
Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon View or similar
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Amsterdam
Strasbourg
Zurich
SpeyerMap
Attractions
Augustiner Museum
Freiburg Minster
Kirschgarten
Pharmacy Museum
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
Castle de Haar
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland
- Zurich - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant cities of Zürich or Basel, where you'll board your Suite Ship®. Arrive by 3 pm to ensure you're on board by 5 pm. Spend your first evening exploring the ship and enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight, we'll cruise to Breisach.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover the Black Forest and Charming Colmar
- Strasbourg
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- Augustiner Museum
- Freiburg Minster
- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Spend the day exploring the enchanting Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, an authentic water mill, and witnessing a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, tour the charming village of Colmar with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar. Or, explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, nestled in the Upper Rhine Valley. After a day of discovery, we'll cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg's Gothic Splendor and the Alsace Wine Route
- Speyer
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- Petite France
- Alsace Adventure Park
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a City Sightseeing Tour, visiting the city's Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, and the magical La Petite France District. Embark on a Guided Tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to discover the heart of France’s wine country and sample local wines. Enjoy an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine. Overnight, we'll cruise to Speyer.
Day 4 – Day 4: Wine History and Heidelberg Castle
- Heidelberg
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- Pharmacy Museum
- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
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Enjoy a Guided City Tour, including a visit to the Wine Museum to learn about the history of viticulture and wine production. Alternatively, take a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and see its famed Great Vat, known as the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. Spend the night docked in Speyer.
Day 5 – Day 5: Vineyards, Monasteries, and the Rhine Gorge
- Speyer
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- Kirschgarten
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim with your Avalon Adventure Host, or join a Guided Tour to the 13th-century Eberbach Monastery, known for its wine production and as the film location for 'The Name of the Rose'. Alternatively, visit the incredible Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a wine tasting. As we sail to Koblenz, take in the breathtaking views of the Rhine Gorge, ancient castles, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by a Master of Wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Celebrate in the Rhineland and Cruise to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Bike like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, or choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, take a Guided City Walk of Cologne, home to a soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years, and a wine and chocolate tasting hosted by a Master of Wine. In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Amsterdam.
Day 7 – Day 7: The Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Castle de Haar
- Amsterdam Museum
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Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise, passing stately homes of Amsterdam’s 'Golden Age'. Enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend the night docked in Amsterdam.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your unforgettable European journey comes to an end. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Amsterdam and your fellow travelers. Safe travels!
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