Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 24-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the picturesque Swiss city of Lucerne to the vibrant streets of Paris, and onward to the renowned wine region of Bordeaux. Experience the charm of medieval towns, the grandeur of iconic landmarks, and the tranquility of scenic river cruises. With guided tours, optional excursions, and leisure time to explore at your own pace, this adventure promises unforgettable memories. Enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar) and savor delicious meals as you sail through Europe's most captivating destinations.
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 View or similar
2 nights in Lucerne
21 nights onboard
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
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lucerne
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Lucerne, nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend your day exploring the charming squares and historic churches that blend tradition with modernity. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Reuss River or indulge in some shopping in the vibrant city center. Accommodation: Hotel des Balances (or similar). Meals: None.
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 comes alive. Visit the poignant Lion Monument, wander through the picturesque Old Town, and cross the iconic Chapel Bridge with its Water Tower. Marvel at the Jesuit Church's stunning architecture. Accommodation: Hotel des Balances (or similar). Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lucerne to Breisach
- Lucerne
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- Swiss National Museum
- Mount Pilatus
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Today, ascend to the heights of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views over central Switzerland. Alternatively, visit the Swiss Transport Museum if weather conditions are unfavorable. In the evening, board your Suite Ship® for a delightful cruise to Breisach. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breisach to Kehl
- Strasbourg
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- Freiburg Minster
- Schwarzwaldmuseum
- Wutach Gorge
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Explore the enchanting Black Forest with a guided tour, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum and experiencing traditional crafts. Alternatively, discover Freiburg's medieval charm or take an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar. In the evening, cruise to Kehl. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kehl to Mainz
- Strasbourg
- Mainz
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- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
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Discover Strasbourg's captivating blend of French and German influences. Visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and wander through the charming La Petite France district. Opt for a guided excursion to the historic Maginot Line or explore Alsace's wine country. In the evening, cruise to Mainz. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Mainz to Rüdesheim
- Mainz
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Explore the historic city of Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or take a guided tour to the magnificent Heidelberg Castle. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you sail to Rüdesheim. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Mainz
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- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Delight in a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim, or enjoy a hike through the scenic vineyards. Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, passing ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Arrive in Koblenz for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Koblenz to Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the vibrant city of Cologne with a guided walking tour, exploring its rich Jewish heritage or marveling at the iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a glass of Kölsch, the local brew. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Cologne to Amsterdam
- Cologne
- Amsterdam
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- Keukenhof Forest
- Castle de Haar
- Amsterdam Museum
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, where you can explore its iconic canals on a guided cruise or discover the city's hidden gems on a walking tour. During tulip season, consider a visit to the Keukenhof gardens. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: Amsterdam to Paris
- Amsterdam
- Paris
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Board a high-speed train to the romantic city of Paris. Settle into your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you begin your cruise along the Seine River. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 11 – Day 11: Paris to Vernon and Les Andelys
- Paris
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic haven of Giverny, the inspiration for Monet's masterpieces, or visit the grand Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board as you cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: Les Andelys to Caudebec
- Les Andelys
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- Valmont Abbey
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Discover the rich history of the Normandy Abbeys Route with a guided tour, or enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Caudebec to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Tour Vauban de Tatihou
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Pay homage to the heroes of WWII with a guided tour of Normandy's landing beaches, or explore the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, savor the flavors of Normandy with a brandy tasting in Calvados. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rouen. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 14 – Day 14: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Natural History Museum
- Évreux Cathedral
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Explore the historic city of Rouen, where Joan of Arc met her fate. Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral and the medieval quarter. In the evening, cruise to Conflans. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 15 – Day 15: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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- Château de Malmaison
- Queen's House
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Visit the charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final days, or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte. Consider an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. In the evening, cruise to Paris. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 16 – Day 16: Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
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Immerse yourself in the splendor of Paris with a guided city tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy free time to explore the city's charming streets and cafés. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 17 – Day 17: Paris to Bordeaux
- Paris
- Bordeaux
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Travel to the renowned wine region of Bordeaux and board your Suite Ship® for a delightful cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: Bordeaux to Cadillac-sur-Garonne
- Bordeaux
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- Château Peixotto
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Visit the historic Château de la Brède, the birthplace of Montesquieu, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local château. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Cadillac-sur-Garonne. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 19 – Day 19: Cadillac-sur-Garonne to Blaye
Day 19: Cadillac-sur-Garonne to Blaye
- miroir d'eau
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Explore the Médoc wine region on an E-bike tour or visit a historic château for a wine tasting. In the evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 20 – Day 20: Blaye to Bourg
Day 20: Blaye to Bourg
- National Opera of Bordeaux
- place de la Bourse
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Visit the UNESCO-listed Citadel of Blaye and enjoy a scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche. Alternatively, explore Blaye's art scene with a wine tasting. In the afternoon, sail to the charming village of Bourg. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 21 – Day 21: Bourg to Bordeaux
- Saint-Émilion
- Bordeaux
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- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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Discover the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its wine and history. In the evening, sail back to Bordeaux. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 22 – Day 22: Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
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- place de la Bourse
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Explore the heart of Bordeaux with a guided walking tour, visiting its stunning squares and cathedrals. Consider an optional excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for an immersive art experience. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 23 – Day 23: Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
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- Parc Mauresque
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Join a full-day guided tour to the seaside resort of Arcachon, where you can admire its 19th-century architecture and savor local oysters and wine. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride along Bordeaux's picturesque river views. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 24 – Day 24: Bordeaux
- Bordeaux - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast on board. Bid farewell to the beautiful city of Bordeaux and your fellow travelers. Meals: Breakfast.
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