Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, exploring the Netherlands, Germany, and France. From the enchanting canals of Amsterdam to the historic sites of Cologne and the scenic beauty of the Black Forest, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders. Enjoy luxurious accommodations on your Suite Ship® and savor exquisite meals as you cruise through picturesque landscapes. Join guided tours, partake in unique activities, and relish free time to discover each destination at your own pace. This tour promises an enriching and captivating experience, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Included
9 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Imagery II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Castle de Haar
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Amsterdam. Your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits your arrival. After settling in, you have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Consider joining an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, where you can marvel at historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you dock overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Nijmegen
- Amsterdam
- Nijmegen
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Discover the captivating canals of Amsterdam with a guided walking tour through its picturesque streets or enjoy a serene canal cruise past the stately homes of the Golden Age. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets, galleries, and shops at your leisure. As the day concludes, embark on an overnight cruise to Nijmegen, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Day 3 – Day 3: Nijmegen to Arnhem
- Nijmegen
- Arnhem
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- Veluwe Sand Sculpture Festival
- Airbornemuseum Hartenstein
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Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ooijpolder Nature Reserve with a scenic bike ride or delve into Nijmegen's rich history with a guided tour. Alternatively, visit the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein to learn about the WWII Battle of Arnhem. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Arnhem, where you will explore the city's historical highlights and war memorials. Overnight, cruise to Cologne with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Burg Castle
- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Cologne with a guided walking tour through the trendy Belgian Quarter or indulge in a hands-on tour and tasting at the Chocolate Museum. Alternatively, explore the city's iconic Gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time with a glass of Kölsch pale lager before local musicians entertain you on board. Overnight, cruise to Rüdesheim with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Frankfurt
- Frankfurt (Oder)
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- Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. In Rüdesheim, take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument or visit the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy a tasting of authentic Rüdesheimer coffee before cruising to Frankfurt for an overnight stay. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Frankfurt to Speyer
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- Speyer
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- Frankfurt Cathedral
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Explore Frankfurt with a guided biking experience or a sightseeing tour that showcases the city's cultural landmarks and quaint neighborhoods. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, discovering Frankfurt's unique charm. In the evening, cruise to Speyer with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: Speyer to Strasbourg
- Speyer
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
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In Speyer, choose between a guided tour of the imperial Cathedral or an inspiring walk in Heidelberg along the Philosophers' Way. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its famed Great Vat. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.
Day 8 – Day 8: Strasbourg to Breisach
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
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Explore Strasbourg by bike or take a guided city tour to see the Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France District. Consider an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Spend free time visiting museums or strolling through the city center. Overnight, cruise to Breisach with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 9 – Day 9: Breisach to Basel
- Basel
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- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
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Join a full-day guided tour to the enchanting Black Forest, visiting an open-air museum, an authentic water mill, and witnessing a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center. Consider an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar. Overnight, cruise to Basel with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Day 10 – Day 10: Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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Conclude your memorable journey with a delightful breakfast on board. Ensure your flights from Zürich or Basel airports are scheduled accordingly. Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences of this multi-day tour.
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