Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2026
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 charming Swiss city of Lucerne to the vibrant streets of Paris, and finally to the renowned wine regions of Bordeaux. Experience the magic of iconic landmarks, from the majestic peaks of Mount Pilatus to the serene canals of Amsterdam. Explore the historic Normandy beaches, the enchanting Black Forest, and the picturesque villages of France. With guided tours, scenic cruises, and immersive cultural experiences, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar), savor delicious meals, and discover the rich heritage and beauty of Europe on this captivating tour.
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
23 night accommodation
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: Lucerne
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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- Spreuerbrücke
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Lucerne, nestled on the shores of the Reuss River. Spend your day exploring the charming squares and historic churches that blend tradition with modernity. Alternatively, indulge in some retail therapy in the bustling 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 through Lucerne's historic streets. Visit the poignant Lion Monument, wander through the picturesque Old Town, and cross the iconic Chapel Bridge. Discover the Water Tower and the Jesuit Church, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich history. 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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This morning, ascend to the heights of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking vistas over central Switzerland. If weather conditions are unfavorable, explore the Swiss Transport Museum instead. In the evening, board your Suite Ship® for a scenic cruise to Breisach. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
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 guided tour, including a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride along the Rhine or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. 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 Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France district on a guided tour. Alternatively, explore the city by bike or visit the historic Maginot Line. 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 ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its famous wine barrel on a guided tour. Alternatively, enjoy a city walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rüdesheim. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
Day 7: Rüdesheim to Koblenz
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Hike through the vineyards of Rüdesheim or visit the Mechanical Music Museum for a unique experience. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, passing ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before dinner and live entertainment on board. 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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Cycle through Cologne with your Adventure Host or explore the city's Jewish heritage sites on a guided tour. Alternatively, take a city walk to admire the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager before cruising to Amsterdam. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Discover Amsterdam's vibrant streets on a guided walking tour or explore its iconic canals on a cruise. During tulip season, visit the Keukenhof gardens, or outside of it, explore Zaanse Schans with its historic windmills. Enjoy free time to wander through Amsterdam's colorful neighborhoods. 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 Paris and embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® for a delightful evening cruise. Enjoy dinner onboard as you sail towards Vernon. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
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 visit Giverny, the inspiration for Monet's masterpieces. Alternatively, tour Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles.' Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard before cruising to 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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- National Museum of Education
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Cycle along the Seine or explore the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to numerous medieval abbeys. In the afternoon, consider a visit to the 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
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Visit the historic Normandy beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, or explore British and Canadian sites. Alternatively, delve into Normandy's agricultural traditions with a guided tour. Enjoy live entertainment onboard 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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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Explore Rouen's historic sites, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock, on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, discover the city by bike. 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 Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or tour the Château de Malmaison, the former residence of Napoleon 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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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Explore the heart of Paris on a guided walk, visiting iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, take a city tour to see the Opéra Garnier and the famous Champs-Élysées. Enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant streets. 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 Bordeaux and board your Suite Ship® for a cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Enjoy dinner onboard as you begin your journey through the picturesque wine country. 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 Château de la Brède, the birthplace of Montesquieu, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local château. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard as you dock in 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
- parc bordelais
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Enjoy a leisurely sail to Cussac Fort Médoc and explore Bordeaux's wine region on an E-bike tour or visit a historic château for a wine tasting. In the evening, cruise 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
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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 Bourg and enjoy free time to explore this charming village. Accommodation: Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 21 – Day 21: Bourg to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
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- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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Explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its legendary landscapes. 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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- Tour Pey-Berland
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Discover Bordeaux's heart on a guided walking tour, exploring its stunning squares and cathedrals. Consider an optional visit 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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Cycle along Bordeaux's picturesque river views or take a full-day tour to the seaside resort of Arcachon. Discover its architectural treasures and savor local oysters and wine. 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 delightful breakfast onboard. Bid farewell to the beautiful city of Bordeaux as your vacation comes to an end. Meals: Breakfast.
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