Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the medieval charm of Heidelberg, this journey promises unforgettable experiences and luxurious accommodations aboard your Suite Ship® (or similar). Enjoy guided tours, optional excursions, and ample free time to immerse yourself in each destination's unique allure. Savor delicious meals on board as you cruise through picturesque towns and cities, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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
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
Avalon Imagery II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
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
Burg Castle
Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Speyer Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
St Thomas Church
Castle de Haar
Amsterdam Museum
Petite France
Airbornemuseum Hartenstein
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Frankfurter RömerDaily 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! Arrive by 3:30 pm and board your luxurious Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace or join 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 cobblestone streets or enjoy a canal cruise past the stately homes of the Golden Age. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant streets, galleries, and shops. In the evening, cruise to Nijmegen while enjoying a sumptuous 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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Explore the lush landscapes of the Ooijpolder Nature Reserve by bike or take a guided tour of Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands. Alternatively, visit the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein to learn about the WWII Battle of Arnhem. Enjoy a brief cruise to Arnhem during lunch, followed by a guided tour of the city's historical highlights and war memorials. Savor a tasting of herb and vegetable products at a medieval castle before cruising to Cologne.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Burg Castle
- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Immerse yourself in Cologne's vibrant culture with a guided walking tour of the Belgian Quarter or learn about the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. Alternatively, take a guided city walk to see the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy free time with a glass of Kölsch pale lager before local musicians join for live entertainment. Cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.
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 admire ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. In Rüdesheim, take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument or tour the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy a tasting of authentic Rüdesheimer coffee before cruising to Frankfurt.
Day 6 – Day 6: Frankfurt to Speyer
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- Speyer
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- Frankfurter Römer
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Experience Frankfurt with a guided biking tour or a sightseeing tour to see cultural landmarks and financial headquarters. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own before cruising to Speyer.
Day 7 – Day 7: Speyer to Strasbourg
- Speyer
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Speyer to see its imperial Cathedral or take a tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins and the world's largest wine barrel. Alternatively, enjoy a walk in Heidelberg's Philosophers' Way. Cruise to Strasbourg in the evening.
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 join a city sightseeing tour to see the Gothic cathedral and La Petite France District. Choose an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Spend free time visiting a museum or strolling through the city center before cruising to Breisach.
Day 9 – Day 9: Breisach to Basel
- Basel
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- Schwarzwaldmuseum
- Wutach Gorge
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, visit the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center. Choose an optional excursion to Colmar before cruising to Basel.
Day 10 – Day 10: Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey concludes with breakfast in Basel. Ensure your flights from Zürich airport depart after 10 am or from Basel airport after 8 am. Safe travels!
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