Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 1 Night in Amsterdam & 2 Nights in Nice for Wine Lovers (Southbound)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the heart of Europe, from the charming canals of Amsterdam to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of leisure, exploration, and cultural immersion. Discover the hidden gems of Amsterdam, marvel at the architectural wonders of Cologne, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Heidelberg. Savor the world-class wines of Strasbourg, explore the enchanting Black Forest, and soak up the Mediterranean sun in Nice. Each day is packed with exciting activities, guided tours, and free time to explore at your own pace. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
17 nights of accommodation onboard an 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
Map
Attractions
#ILoveNICE
Palais des Papes
Keukenhof Forest
Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Arles Amphitheatre
Freiburger Rieselfeld
Château de Grignan
Gutenberg Museum
Castle de Haar
Place Bellecour
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary ArtDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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Welcome to Holland! Your first day in Amsterdam is free for you to explore at your leisure. Get lost in the city's charming streets, visit its world-class museums, or simply relax at a canal-side café.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Keukenhof Forest
- Castle de Haar
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Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets. Depending on the season, you may also visit the Keukenhof gardens or the historic windmills and charming houses of Zaanse Schans. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and dinner on board your Suite Ship.
Day 3 – Day 3: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
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Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise, passing by the stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. In the afternoon, choose from various optional excursions or enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, galleries, and shops. As the day ends, set sail for Cologne, Germany.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a bike ride in Cologne, or choose a guided walking tour of the city's important Jewish heritage sites or its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Rüdesheim
Day 5: Exploring Rüdesheim
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In Rüdesheim, hike through the picturesque vineyards or take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship in the evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Heidelberg to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Join an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or tour the magnificent Heidelberg Castle. Don't miss the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel' at the castle. As the day ends, set sail for Strasbourg, France.
Day 7 – Day 7: Strasbourg to Breisach
- Strasbourg
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- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a city sightseeing tour, including the Gothic cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to visit the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. As the day ends, set sail for Breisach, Germany.
Day 8 – Day 8: Breisach to Basel
- Basel
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- Wutach Gorge
- Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, visit a local winery in Breisach, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. You may also choose to visit the charming village of Colmar. As the day ends, set sail for Basel, Switzerland.
Day 9 – Day 9: Beaune to Tournus
- Beaune
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Disembark your ship in Beaune and visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a historic monument built in 1443. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship and set sail for Tournus.
Day 10 – Day 10: Tournus to Trévoux
Day 10: Tournus to Trévoux
Explore Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region. Join a lecture about wine while sailing to Mâcon, and take an excursion to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. As the day ends, set sail for Trévoux.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Lyon
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
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Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike, or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town. Attend a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship, and later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.
Day 13 – Day 13: Tournon to Viviers
Day 13: Tournon to Viviers
Hike in the vineyards of Tournon, or take a morning guided walking tour to explore this medieval city. Visit the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona for a wine and chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, sail to Viviers, a charming French country village.
Day 14 – Day 14: Avignon to Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Take a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, including a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. As the day ends, set sail for Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Get your daily dose of exercise through a power walk in Arles, attend a painting workshop, or enjoy a guided walking tour of this captivating city. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and take some free time to stop in Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine.
Day 16 – Day 16: Arrival in Nice
- Nice
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After breakfast, drive to Nice on the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. Spend the rest of the day exploring this glamorous city at your own pace.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city, which has changed little since the 1700s.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Your unforgettable 18-day journey through the heart of Europe ends with breakfast this morning. Take one last stroll along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera before heading home with a suitcase full of memories.
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