Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Basel
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Zürich to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, with captivating stops in Germany and France. Experience the magic of the Black Forest, the grandeur of Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, the historical significance of Heidelberg Castle, and the lively atmosphere of Cologne. Enjoy a variety of activities, from bike rides along the Rhine to wine tasting in Rüdesheim's vineyards. Savor local cuisine, explore open-air museums, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of each destination. This tour is a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery, designed to create unforgettable memories.

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Included

7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship

stateroom-suite: 7 night(s); Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Envision: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Vista: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite

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Avalon Waterways River 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
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Panoramic view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster, Grossmunster and St. Peter and river Limmat at Lake Zurich on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandZurich

Map

Attractions

Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
photo of Haarlem attraction, Amsterdamse Poort gateway at morning, Netherlands.Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
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: Welcome to Switzerland

  • Zurich - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant cities of Zürich or Basel, where you must arrive by 3 pm. Board your Suite Ship® and settle in, exploring the ship and enjoying a delightful dinner. As the evening unfolds, we set sail for Breisach, Germany.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering the Black Forest

  • Strasbourg
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  • Freiburg Minster
  • Wutach Gorge
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Today, you have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Black Forest, visit an authentic water mill, and witness a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the medieval city center of Freiburg. As the day ends, we cruise towards Strasbourg, France.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg's Gothic Grandeur

  • Strasbourg
  • Mainz
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  • Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Discover the grandeur of Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral and the charm of the La Petite France District. You may also choose to visit Alsace's wine country or the historic Maginot Line. As the day concludes, we set sail for Mainz, Germany.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: The Historical Significance of Heidelberg

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Today, you can choose to visit the Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure, or explore the captivating history of printing at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. As the day ends, we sail to Rüdesheim, Germany.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Wine Country Delights

  • Mainz
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  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Experience a unique instrumental journey at the Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. As we sail to Koblenz, take in the breathtaking views of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Celebrating in Cologne

  • Amsterdam
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Explore Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites or marvel at the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years. As the day concludes, we set sail for Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: The Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
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Start your day with a walk in Amsterdam or explore the iconic waterways on a guided canal cruise. You may choose to visit the Keukenhof gardens or the historic windmills at Zaanse Schans. Enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, galleries, and shops.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe concludes in Amsterdam. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and prepare for your onward journey.

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