Reflections on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Amsterdam
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the charming canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Swiss Alps, offering a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time. Discover iconic landmarks, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of each destination. With luxurious accommodations on board your Suite Ship® and in select cities, you'll enjoy a seamless travel experience. Whether you're exploring the medieval streets of Nijmegen, savoring the flavors of Cologne, or marveling at the breathtaking views from Mount Pilatus, each day promises new adventures and cherished memories. Join us for a journey that captures the essence of Europe's timeless allure.

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Included

9 nights onboard cruise ship

2 nights in Lucerne

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

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Avalon View or similar

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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

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Photo of aerial panorama of river Main and downtown skyscrapers, Frankfurt, Germany.Frankfurt (Oder)
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne
Arnhem - city in NetherlandsArnhem
Photo of historical city of Speyer, Germany.Speyer
Nijmegen - city in NetherlandsNijmegen

Map

Attractions

Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
photo of squirrel monkey in Apenheul Primate Park in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.Apenheul Primate Park
The Arboretum Dreijen, Wageningen, Gelderland, NetherlandsThe Arboretum Dreijen
Burg CastleBurg Castle
Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach, Bad Kreuznach, Landkreis Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyRoemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Cathedral of Speyer, Rheinland Pfalz, germanySpeyer Cathedral
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Mount Pilatus, Alpnach, Obwalden, SwitzerlandMount Pilatus
Église Saint-Thomas, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceSt Thomas Church
Photo of Castle de Haar with the bridge in the foreground, located in Utrecht ,Netherlands.Castle de Haar
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Airbornemuseum Hartenstein, Oosterbeek, Renkum, Gelderland, NetherlandsAirbornemuseum Hartenstein
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Nadelwehr Luzern, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandLucerne Needle Dam
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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  • Castle de Haar
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Begin your enchanting journey in the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. After arriving by 3:30 pm, settle into your luxurious Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner on board. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant city at your own pace or join an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, where you can admire the iconic windmills and charming Dutch architecture. Overnight docking in Amsterdam ensures a restful night as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
  • Nijmegen
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Amsterdam with a guided walking tour through its historic streets or enjoy a scenic canal cruise past the city's elegant homes. Spend the afternoon exploring Amsterdam's lively neighborhoods, galleries, and shops at your leisure. As the day winds down, your ship will set sail for Nijmegen, allowing you to relax and enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Nijmegen and Arnhem

  • Nijmegen
  • Arnhem
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  • The Arboretum Dreijen
  • Airbornemuseum Hartenstein
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Explore the lush landscapes of The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve by bike or delve into Nijmegen's rich history with a guided tour of its Roman-era ruins. Alternatively, visit the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein to learn about the pivotal WWII Battle of Arnhem. After lunch, cruise to Arnhem and discover its historical significance during WWII's Operation Market Garden. Enjoy a guided tour of the city's highlights, including a medieval castle where you'll sample local herb and vegetable products. Overnight cruise to Cologne.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Cologne's Cultural Delights

  • Cologne
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  • Burg Castle
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
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Uncover the vibrant spirit of Cologne with a guided walking tour through the trendy Belgian Quarter or indulge in a chocolate-themed adventure at the Chocolate Museum. Alternatively, explore the city's iconic Gothic cathedral on a guided walk. Enjoy some free time to savor a glass of Kölsch, the local brew, before returning to the ship for an evening of live entertainment. Overnight cruise to Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Scenic Rüdesheim

  • Frankfurt (Oder)
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  • Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument with breathtaking views or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum for a unique musical experience. Savor a tasting of the famous Rüdesheimer coffee before setting sail for Frankfurt. Overnight cruise to Frankfurt.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Frankfurt's Blend of Old and New

  • Frankfurt (Oder)
  • Speyer
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  • Frankfurter Römer
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Experience the dynamic city of Frankfurt with a guided biking tour or a sightseeing tour that highlights its cultural landmarks and financial district. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's quaint neighborhoods at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner on board as your ship cruises to Speyer.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Historic Speyer and Heidelberg

  • Speyer
  • Strasbourg
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Speyer Cathedral
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In Speyer, choose between a guided tour of the impressive imperial cathedral or a visit to Heidelberg Castle, where you'll see the ruins of this Renaissance masterpiece and the world's largest wine barrel. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic walk along Heidelberg's Philosophers' Way. After a day of exploration, return to the ship for an overnight cruise to Strasbourg.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Enchanting Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the enchanting city of Strasbourg with a guided bike tour or a city sightseeing tour that includes the stunning Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. Consider an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Spend the afternoon exploring Strasbourg's museums and charming streets before returning to the ship for an overnight cruise to Breisach.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Black Forest Adventures

  • Basel
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  • Freiburg Minster
  • Wutach Gorge
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Embark on a full-day guided tour of the magical Black Forest, where you'll visit the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, an authentic water mill, and witness a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center, nestled amid vineyards and gardens. Consider an optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar. Return to the ship for an overnight cruise to Basel.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Swiss Alpine Splendor

  • Basel
  • Lucerne
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  • Swiss National Museum
  • Mount Pilatus
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Disembark in Basel and journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views over central Switzerland. In case of inclement weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. In Lucerne, take a guided walking tour to explore the city's iconic Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument. Overnight stay in Lucerne (Hilton or similar).

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Leisure in Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne, where you can explore the city's charming squares and churches, or indulge in some shopping in the city center. Discover how tradition and modernity coexist in this picturesque Swiss city. Overnight stay in Lucerne (Hilton or similar).

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Lucerne

  • Lucerne - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a hearty breakfast in Lucerne. Reflect on the memories made during this captivating tour through the heart of Europe, from the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps. Safe travels as you continue your onward journey.

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