Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Southbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

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

Description

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the vibrant cities, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes along the way. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of each destination. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the medieval charm of Tournon, and the gastronomic delights of Lyon, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy luxurious accommodations aboard your Suite Ship® (or similar), with all meals included, as you cruise through the scenic waterways of the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, savoring local wines, or discovering hidden gems, this tour is designed to create lasting memories. Join us for an extraordinary journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Europe.

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Included

14 nights onboard cruise ship

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Avalon Expression or Avalon Poetry II 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
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

Map

Attractions

Pont du GardPont du Gard
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
Keukenhof Forest, Lisse, South Holland, NetherlandsKeukenhof Forest
L'espace Van Gogh
photo of Haarlem attraction, Amsterdamse Poort gateway at morning, Netherlands.Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Aerial view of The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Lyon city.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon.La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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
photo of view Schwabentor - historical city gate in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany,Freiburg im Breisgau Germany.Freiburger Rieselfeld
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 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. After arriving by 3:30 pm, settle into your luxurious Suite Ship® and prepare for an evening of leisure. During tulip season, consider an optional guided tour to the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of flowers bloom in a spectacular display. Outside of this season, explore the historic windmills and charming houses 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

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Immerse yourself in the colorful charm of Amsterdam with a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets, or opt for a canal cruise to admire the elegant homes from the city's Golden Age. Spend your afternoon exploring Amsterdam's vibrant streets, galleries, and shops at your own pace. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise overnight to Cologne.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the vibrant culture of Cologne with a choice of activities. Cycle through the city like a local, explore its Jewish heritage sites, or take a guided walk to the iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Enjoy a refreshing glass of Kölsch, a local brew, during your free time. Relish live music on board as you cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim

Day 4: Rüdesheim

  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a hike through picturesque vineyards or a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum, complete with a tasting of Rüdesheimer coffee. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you dock overnight in Rüdesheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Explore the rich history of Heidelberg with a walk along the Philosophers' Way or a guided city tour that includes the Gutenberg Museum. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its famous Great Vat. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise overnight to Strasbourg.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the enchanting city of Strasbourg by bike or on a guided tour, including the stunning Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. Consider an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Enjoy free time to explore museums or stroll through the city center. Cruise overnight to Breisach.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach

  • Basel
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  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
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Embark on a full-day guided tour of the magical Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum and witnessing traditional butter-making. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center. Consider an optional morning excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar. Cruise overnight to Basel.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Chalon-sur-Saône

  • Beaune
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Disembark in Beaune and visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu, home to Van der Weyden's 'Last Judgement.' In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship® for an overnight docking in Tournus. Enjoy breakfast and dinner on board.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus

Day 9: Tournus

  • 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. Consider an optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting on board as you dock overnight in Trévoux.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
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Discover Lyon's architectural wonders by bike or on a guided tour, including the panoramic views from Fourvière Hill and the lively Place des Terreaux. Attend a WWII and French Resistance lecture on board and enjoy live entertainment after dinner. Dock overnight in Lyon.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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Embark on a culinary walk through Lyon, renowned as the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's markets, parks, and over 100 murals at your leisure. Cruise overnight to Tournon.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Viviers

  • Avignon
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  • Train de l'Ardèche
  • Viaduc de Vogüé
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Explore the medieval charm of Tournon with a guided walking tour of its 16th-century castle. Sail to Viviers and discover its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town on a late afternoon tour. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise overnight to Avignon.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
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Delve into the history of Avignon with a guided tour of the fortress city and the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, or the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore Avignon's art and culture at your leisure before enjoying onboard entertainment. Cruise overnight to Arles.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Arles

  • Arles
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  • Arles Amphitheatre
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Engage in a power walk through Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, explore the city's Roman Amphitheater on a guided tour. Enjoy free time to relax 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 unforgettable journey with a hearty breakfast on board. Ensure your flights from Marseille airport depart after 10 am to accommodate your travel schedule.

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