Timeless Rivers of Europe: The Rhine & Seine with 2 Nights in Lucerne for Wine Lovers 2025 (including Mount Pilatus)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the charming streets of Lucerne to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam, and from the historic beaches of Normandy to the romantic city of Paris. Experience guided tours, scenic hikes, and leisurely bike rides, all while indulging in exquisite local cuisine and wines. With luxurious 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 iconic destinations. Whether you're exploring medieval castles, savoring traditional French crêpes, or cruising along the serene Seine, each day offers a new opportunity to create lasting memories. Join us for a journey that blends relaxation, discovery, and the timeless beauty of Europe's most cherished locales.
Included
14 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
2 nights in Lucerne
Avalon Waterways river cruise ships
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
Paris
Strasbourg
Cologne
Lucerne
Vernon
Speyer
RouenMap
Attractions
Normandy American Cemetery
Chapel Bridge
Louvre Museum
Bayeux Cathedral
Lion Monument Lucerne
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Eiffel Tower
Cologne Cathedral
Mount Pilatus
Évreux Cathedral
Amsterdam Museum
Strasbourg Zoological Museum
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lucerne
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Lucerne, where the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Nestled on the banks of the Reuss River, this charming town offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. Wander through its picturesque squares and admire the stunning churches, or indulge in some shopping in the vibrant city center. Your Swiss adventure begins here, with the promise of unforgettable experiences ahead.
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 of Lucerne, where history and culture come alive. Visit the poignant Lion Monument, stroll through the charming Old Town, and cross the iconic Chapel Bridge with its adjacent Water Tower. Discover the architectural beauty of the Jesuit Church, all while soaking in the rich history of this captivating city. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your day of exploration.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lucerne to Breisach
- Lucerne
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- Swiss National Museum
- Mount Pilatus
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Begin your day with a breathtaking excursion to Mount Pilatus, where panoramic views of central Switzerland await. If weather conditions are unfavorable, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Swiss Transport Museum instead. After a day of awe-inspiring sights, board your luxurious Suite Ship® for an evening cruise to Breisach. Enjoy a delightful breakfast and dinner onboard as you sail through the serene waters.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Freiburg Minster
- Schwarzwaldmuseum
- Wutach Gorge
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Choose your adventure today with a full-day guided tour of the enchanting Black Forest, where you'll visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum and witness traditional butter-making. Alternatively, explore the charming village of Colmar with its half-timbered buildings, or delve into Freiburg's medieval city center. As the day winds down, enjoy an evening cruise to Strasbourg, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served onboard.
Day 5 – Day 5: Strasbourg to Speyer
- Strasbourg
- Speyer
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- Alsatian Museum
- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
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Discover the vibrant city of Strasbourg with a guided bike tour or a city sightseeing tour, featuring the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. Alternatively, embark on a guided tour along the Alsace Wine Route to sample exquisite local wines. Enjoy a delightful onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine as you cruise to Speyer, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Speyer
- Speyer
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Kurpfälzisches Museum
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Immerse yourself in the world of viticulture with a guided city tour of Speyer, including a visit to the Wine Museum. Alternatively, explore the magnificent ruins of Heidelberg Castle, renowned for its Great Vat, the world's largest wine barrel. Enjoy a leisurely day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Speyer.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Speyer
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- Kirschgarten
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Embark on a scenic hike through the vineyards of Rüdesheim or explore the historic Eberbach Monastery, known for its wine production and film location for 'The Name of the Rose.' Alternatively, visit the Mechanical Music Museum for a unique instrumental experience. Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, passing ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting as you cruise to Koblenz, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Cologne to Amsterdam
- Cologne
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Experience Cologne like a local with a bike ride or explore its rich Jewish heritage on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, discover the city's iconic sites, including the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Savor a glass of Kölsch pale lager and enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. Cruise to Amsterdam with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served onboard.
Day 9 – Day 9: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Castle de Haar
- Amsterdam Museum
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Begin your day with an early morning walk in Amsterdam or explore the city's iconic waterways on a guided canal cruise. Enjoy free time to wander through Amsterdam's colorful streets, galleries, and shops, or join an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Overnight docking in Amsterdam with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 10 – Day 10: Amsterdam to Paris
- Amsterdam
- Paris
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Board a high-speed train for Paris, where you'll embark on your Avalon Suite Ship®. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you begin your evening cruise to Vernon. Experience the romance of Paris with breakfast and dinner included.
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 with your Adventure Host 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 and a pastry demonstration onboard as you cruise to Les Andelys. Experience the serenity of the Seine with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 12 – Day 12: Caudebec
- Les Andelys
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- 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 medieval abbeys and churches line the riverbanks. Opt for a guided optional excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur. Overnight docking in Caudebec with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Delve into history with 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 enjoy 'A Taste of Normandy' tour, featuring the Bayeux Tapestry and a Calvados tasting. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rouen, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Natural History Museum
- Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen on a guided bike tour or a walking tour, featuring the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom and the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. Discover the medieval quarter with its Astronomical Clock. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you cruise to Conflans.
Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, the former residence of Napoléon Bonaparte. Consider a guided optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Cruise to Paris with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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 along the Seine or explore the city's iconic sites, including the Palais-Royal, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the Champs-Élysées. Enjoy free time to stroll through Paris or relax in a literary café on the Left Bank. Overnight docking in Paris with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 17 – Day 17: Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in the heart of Paris. Reflect on the memories and experiences gathered throughout this extraordinary multi-day tour, as you prepare for your onward travels.
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