Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

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

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This luxurious multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions, cultural experiences, and leisure time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse traditions of each destination. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the enchanting Black Forest, and from the gastronomic delights of Lyon to the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy, every day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Enjoy the comfort and elegance of your Suite Ship® as you cruise along Europe's most scenic waterways, savoring exquisite meals and engaging in enriching activities hosted by your Master of Wine. Join us for this extraordinary voyage and discover the timeless beauty and charm of Europe's most captivating regions.

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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

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Avalon View or Avalon Poetry II or similar

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14 nights onboard

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control and in-room safe

USB Ports

And, much more

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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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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
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
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
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Mâcon - city in FranceMâcon

Map

Attractions

Augustiner Museum, Altstadt-Mitte, Old Town, Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyAugustiner Museum
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
Kirschgarten, Altstadt, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyKirschgarten
Old Bridge Heidelberg, Neuenheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyOld Bridge Heidelberg
Keukenhof Forest, Lisse, South Holland, NetherlandsKeukenhof Forest
L'espace Van Gogh
photo of Haarlem attraction, Amsterdamse Poort gateway at morning, Netherlands.Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
grignan's castleChâteau de Grignan
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Photo of Castle de Haar with the bridge in the foreground, located in Utrecht ,Netherlands.Castle de Haar
photo of the equestrian monument of King Louis XIV in Place Bellecour at morning in Lyon, France.Place Bellecour
photo of Château de Cormatin at beautiful morning in Cormatin, French.Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
Architectural detail of the Museum of Modern Art in Strasbourg on a winter day. Inaugurated in December 1998 by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann.Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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  • Keukenhof Forest
  • Castle de Haar
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Begin your enchanting journey in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious Suite Ship® and prepare for an evening of leisure. During tulip season, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof Gardens, or explore the charming historical windmills of Zaanse Schans. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you dock overnight in Amsterdam.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne

  • Amsterdam
  • Cologne
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Delve into the heart of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise, gliding past the elegant homes of the city's Golden Age. Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant streets, galleries, and shops at your own pace. As the day winds down, enjoy an onboard lecture hosted by your Master of Wine. Cruise overnight to the historic city of Cologne.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne to Rüdesheim

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the vibrant culture of Cologne with a choice of activities, including a bike ride through the city or a guided tour of its Jewish heritage sites. Marvel at the grandeur of the Cologne Cathedral on a city walk. Savor a glass of Kölsch, the local brew, before enjoying live entertainment onboard. Cruise overnight to the picturesque town of Rüdesheim.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim

Day 4: Rüdesheim

  • Kirschgarten
  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a hike through the vineyards, a tour of the Eberbach Monastery, or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy a wine tasting and live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg to Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Kurpfälzisches Museum
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Explore the historic city of Heidelberg with a guided tour, visiting the impressive Heidelberg Castle and the Wine Museum. Learn about the history of viticulture and marvel at the world's largest wine barrel. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting onboard as you cruise to the enchanting city of Strasbourg, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg to Breisach

  • Strasbourg
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  • Alsatian Museum
  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the captivating city of Strasbourg with a choice of activities, including a bike tour or a city sightseeing tour featuring the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. Embark on a guided tour along the Alsace Wine Route to sample local wines. Enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner onboard as you cruise to Breisach.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach to Basel

  • Basel
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  • Freiburg Minster
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
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Embark on a full-day guided tour to the enchanting Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum and experiencing traditional butter-making. Alternatively, explore the medieval town of Colmar or the vibrant city of Freiburg. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Upper Rhine Valley before cruising to Basel, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Basel to Tournus

  • Basel
  • Beaune
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Disembark in Basel and journey to the charming town of Beaune. Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu, home to Van der Weyden's masterpiece, 'The Last Judgement.' Continue your journey to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner as you dock overnight in Tournus.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus to Trévoux

  • Mâcon
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  • Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
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Explore the historic town of Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers, with a guided tour. Enjoy a lecture on wine hosted by your Master of Wine as you sail to Mâcon. Participate in a wine tasting at a Chardonnay cellar before docking overnight in Trévoux.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Trévoux to Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Sail to the beautiful city of Lyon, where you can enjoy a cheese and wine tasting onboard. Explore Lyon's architectural district by bike or take a guided tour to Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Discover the lively Place des Terreaux before enjoying live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in Lyon.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon to Tournon

  • Lyon
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  • Cluny Abbey
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Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France with a culinary walk through the city. Alternatively, explore the picturesque Beaujolais region and learn about its renowned wines. Enjoy an onboard food and wine pairing dinner as you cruise to Tournon, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Viviers

  • Avignon
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  • Château de Crussol
  • Viaduc de Vogüé
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Embark on a hike through the vineyards of Tournon or explore the medieval city with a guided tour, including a visit to the Cité du Chocolat for a wine and chocolate tasting. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers, where you can explore the village's Romanesque cathedral and Old Town on a guided walking tour. Dock overnight in Viviers.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Viviers to Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Palais des Papes
  • Château de Grignan
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Explore the fortress city of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Experience the renowned wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and savor the flavors of the Rhône wine region. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Avignon, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Avignon to Arles

  • Avignon
  • Arles
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  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Engage in a power walk through Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Explore the captivating city with a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy free time at Café Van Gogh before docking overnight in Arles.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Arles

  • Arles - Departure day
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Conclude your extraordinary journey with a farewell breakfast onboard. Disembark in Arles and prepare for your onward travels. Ensure your flights from Marseille depart after 10 am to accommodate your schedule.

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