Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, where you'll explore the enchanting landscapes and rich histories of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. From the picturesque town of Lucerne to the vibrant streets of Paris, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions, cultural experiences, and leisure time. Discover iconic landmarks, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of each destination. With comfortable accommodations aboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of activities to choose from, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through some of Europe's most captivating regions.
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
Vieux-la-Romaine Museum
Chapel Bridge
Freiburg Minster
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Keukenhof Forest
Lion Monument Lucerne
Arc de Triomphe
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Eiffel Tower
Swiss National Museum
Cologne Cathedral
Palais Garnier
Gutenberg Museum
Nölliturm
Mount Pilatus
Botanical Garden
Castle de Haar
Queen's House
Évreux Cathedral
Fraumünster Church
Amsterdam Museum
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardens
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lucerne
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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Begin your Swiss adventure in the charming city of Lucerne, nestled on the banks of the Reuss River. Spend your day exploring the town's delightful squares and historic churches, where tradition meets modernity. Enjoy some leisure time shopping in the vibrant city center, or simply soak in the picturesque surroundings.
Day 2 – Day 2: Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Nölliturm
- Wätterloch
- Fraumünster Church
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Embark on a guided walking tour through Lucerne, where you'll visit the poignant Lion Monument and wander through the enchanting Old Town. Cross the iconic Chapel Bridge and admire the historic Water Tower. Conclude your tour at the Jesuit Church, a stunning example of baroque architecture. Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lucerne to Breisach
- Lucerne
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- Swiss National Museum
- Mount Pilatus
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Today, embark on a highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of central Switzerland. If weather conditions are unfavorable, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. In the evening, board your Suite Ship® for a delightful cruise to Breisach, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breisach to Kehl
Day 4: Breisach to Kehl
- Freiburg Minster
- Schwarzwaldmuseum
- Wutach Gorge
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Explore the enchanting Black Forest with a full-day guided tour, where you'll visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum and witness traditional butter-making. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. You may also opt for a morning excursion to the charming village of Colmar. In the evening, cruise to Kehl for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kehl to Mainz
- Strasbourg
- Mainz
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- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Discover Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district on a guided city tour. Alternatively, explore the city by bike or visit the historic Maginot Line. You may also choose to explore Alsace's wine country or enjoy some free time in Strasbourg. In the evening, cruise to Mainz for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Day 6: Mainz to Rüdesheim
- Mainz
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Join a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, where you'll explore the ruins of this magnificent renaissance treasure. Alternatively, enjoy a guided city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship as you sail to Rüdesheim for an overnight docking.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Enjoy a hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim or take a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum. As you sail through the Rhine Gorge, marvel at the ancient castles perched on cliffs and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Arrive in Koblenz, where you'll have free time to explore before enjoying dinner and live entertainment on board.
Day 8 – Day 8: Koblenz to Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Join a guided walking tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites or explore the city by bike. Alternatively, take a guided city walk to admire the soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Spend your free time savoring a glass of Kölsch pale lager, a local brew with over a century of tradition. In the afternoon, cruise to Amsterdam for an overnight stay.
Day 9 – Day 9: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Keukenhof Forest
- Castle de Haar
- Amsterdam Museum
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Explore Amsterdam's iconic canals on a guided cruise or discover the city's hidden gems on a walking tour. During tulip season, visit the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens, or explore the historic windmills at Zaanse Schans. Alternatively, take a biking tour to uncover the Dutch countryside. Enjoy free time to wander Amsterdam's vibrant streets and canal houses before an overnight docking.
Day 10 – Day 10: Amsterdam to Paris
- Amsterdam
- Paris
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Board a high-speed train to Paris, where you'll embark on your Avalon Suite Ship®. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you set sail for Vernon, where you'll spend the night cruising along the Seine.
Day 11 – Day 11: 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 Chateau des Tourelles in Vernon or take a guided tour of Giverny, the inspiration for Claude Monet's masterpieces. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles.' Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board, followed by a pastry demonstration. In the afternoon, cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys for an overnight stay.
Day 12 – Day 12: Caudebec
Day 12: Caudebec
- Valmont Abbey
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, where you'll discover medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur on an optional excursion. Spend the night docked in Caudebec.
Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Vieux-la-Romaine Museum
- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or take a 'Taste of Normandy' tour to discover the region's rich agricultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rouen.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Natural History Museum
- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen's rich history on a guided walking tour, where you'll visit the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom and admire the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Alternatively, explore the city by bike. In the evening, cruise to Conflans for an overnight stay.
Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, the residence of Napoléon Bonaparte and Josephine. You may also choose an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. In the evening, cruise to Paris for an overnight stay.
Day 16 – Day 16: Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its ancient heart, featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, and Île de la Cité. Alternatively, take a guided city tour to see iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the Champs-Élysées. Enjoy free time to explore or relax in a literary café on the Left Bank.
Day 17 – Day 17: Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in the City of Light. Reflect on the memories made and the sights seen as you prepare for your departure.
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