Timeless Rivers of Europe: The Rhine & Seine with 2 Nights in Lucerne for Wine Lovers
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, and France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided tours, immersive activities, and free exploration time, allowing you to experience each destination at your own pace. From the charming town of Lucerne to the iconic city of Paris, you'll visit historic sites, taste local delicacies, and marvel at natural wonders. Whether you're strolling through the Black Forest, sailing down the Rhine River, or exploring the streets of Amsterdam, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
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
Avalon cruise ships
14 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
2 nights in Lucerne
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
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lucerne
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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Welcome to Lucerne, a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the Reuss River in Switzerland. Spend your day exploring the city's charming squares and churches, where tradition and modernity coexist. Enjoy some retail therapy in the bustling city center.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument
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Join a guided walking tour to discover Lucerne's historic landmarks, including the poignant Lion Monument, the Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. After the tour, enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lucerne to Breisach
- Lucerne
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- Mount Pilatus
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Start your day with a special excursion to Mount Pilatus. Ascend nearly 7,000 ft. for spectacular views over central Switzerland. In case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. Later, embark on an evening cruise to Breisach, where you'll spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breisach to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Wutach Gorge
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, where you'll experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center or the charming village of Colmar. Later, cruise to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Strasbourg to Speyer
- Strasbourg
- Speyer
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- Strasbourg Zoological Museum
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Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a city sightseeing tour, which includes the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Later, embark on a guided tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to sample local wines. In the evening, cruise to Speyer for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Speyer
- Speyer
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- Heidelberg Palace
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Enjoy a guided city tour, including a visit to the Wine Museum, or take a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, home to the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. Spend the night docked in Speyer.
Day 7 – Day 7: Speyer to Koblenz
- Speyer
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- Burg Hohenstein
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Enjoy a hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim or join a guided tour to the 13th-century Eberbach Monastery, known for its wine production. Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on your way to Koblenz, where you'll spend the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Koblenz to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a bike ride in Cologne or choose a guided walking tour of the city's important Jewish heritage sites. Visit the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral and enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager. Later, cruise to Amsterdam for an overnight stay.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Start your day with an early morning walk in Amsterdam or explore the city's iconic waterways on a guided canal cruise. Enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops.
Day 10 – Day 10: Amsterdam to Paris
- Amsterdam
- Paris
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Board a high-speed train for Paris, the city of light. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard. Spend the night cruising to Vernon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Vernon to Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Gisors Castle
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Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles on foot or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Alternatively, join a guided visit to Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Later, cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
Day 12 – Day 12: Les Andelys to Caudebec
- Les Andelys
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- Normandy House of Linen
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. Spend the night docked in Caudebec.
Day 13 – Day 13: Caudebec to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Normandy American Cemetery
- Bayeux Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches or take a 'Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Later, cruise to Rouen for an overnight stay.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to discover Rouen's famous monuments or join a guided walking tour to explore the city's medieval quarter, the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Later, cruise to Conflans for an overnight stay.
Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Later, cruise to Paris for an overnight stay.
Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
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Experience the Seine river by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Visit iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Spend the night docked in Paris.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your unforgettable 17-day tour ends with breakfast. Bid farewell to Paris and take home beautiful memories of your European adventure.
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