Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Southbound) 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. From the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the enchanting French Riviera, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time to explore at your own pace. Discover iconic landmarks, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of each destination. With luxurious accommodations onboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of activities to choose from, this tour promises an exceptional travel experience. Whether you're exploring the medieval alleyways of Lyon, tasting wines in Burgundy, or admiring the stunning seascapes of the Mediterranean coast, each day brings new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us for a journey that captures the essence of Europe's most captivating cities and landscapes.
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
Avalon Waterways cruise ships
2 nights in Nice
14 nights onboard
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
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
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
- More
- Keukenhof Forest
- Castle de Haar
- More
Welcome to the enchanting city of Amsterdam, where your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits your arrival. Spend your first day exploring the vibrant streets and canals of this iconic city. During tulip season, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof Gardens, or venture to Zaanse Schans to admire historic windmills and charming Dutch architecture. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
- More
- Amsterdam Museum
- More
Discover Amsterdam's hidden gems with a guided walking tour through its picturesque cobblestone streets. Alternatively, experience the city's iconic waterways on a canal cruise, passing by the stately homes of Amsterdam's Golden Age. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets and charming canal houses at your own pace. As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you cruise towards Cologne.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne
- Cologne
- More
- Cologne Cathedral
- More
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Cologne with a choice of activities. Cycle through the city like a local, explore its rich Jewish heritage, or admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral. Savor a glass of Kölsch, the city's famous pale lager, and enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim
Day 4: Rüdesheim
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
- More
Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a scenic hike through vineyards or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy a tasting of the local Rüdesheimer coffee and live entertainment onboard as you dock overnight in this charming town.
Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg
Day 5: Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
- More
Explore the historic city of Heidelberg with a guided walk along the Philosophers' Way or visit the Gutenberg Museum to delve into the history of printing. Alternatively, tour the majestic Heidelberg Castle and its famous Great Vat. Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to Kehl, with dinner served onboard.
Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
- More
- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
- More
Discover the enchanting city of Strasbourg by bike or enjoy a guided tour of its Gothic cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. Opt for an excursion to the historic Maginot Line or explore Alsace's wine country. Spend your free time visiting museums or strolling through the city center before cruising to Breisach.
Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach
- Basel
- More
- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
- More
Embark on a full-day tour of the magical Black Forest, visiting an open-air museum and witnessing traditional butter-making. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center, nestled amid vineyards and gardens. Opt for a morning excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar before cruising to Basel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Tournus
- Beaune
- More
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
- More
Visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, home to Van der Weyden's Last Judgement painting. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner as you dock overnight in Tournus.
Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus
Day 9: Tournus
Explore Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest monastic centers, with a guided tour of its highlights. Consider an optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or the Castle of Cormatin. Later, enjoy a cheese tasting onboard as you dock overnight in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon
- Lyon
- More
- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
- More
Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided tour to survey the city from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively Place des Terreaux. Enjoy a WWII & French Resistance lecture onboard and live entertainment after dinner as you dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon
- Lyon
- More
Embark on a culinary walk through Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's markets, parks, and murals at your leisure. Enjoy dinner onboard as you cruise to Tournon.
Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Viviers
Day 12: Tournon to Viviers
- Train de l'Ardèche
- More
Explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with a guided walking tour of its 16th-century castle. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers, where you'll discover its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town on a guided tour. Experience live entertainment onboard as you cruise overnight to Avignon.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon
- Avignon
- Arles
- More
- Pont du Gard
- Palais des Papes
- More
Explore the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. Opt for excursions to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy free time to explore Avignon's art, culture, and historic monuments before cruising to Arles.
Day 14 – Day 14: Arles
- Arles
- More
- Arles Amphitheatre
- More
Experience the artistic charm of Arles with a guided walking tour of the Roman Amphitheater. Participate in a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh or enjoy a power walk with your Adventure Host. Spend free time exploring the city's vibrant atmosphere before docking overnight in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Nice
- Nice
- More
After breakfast, journey to the stunning French Riviera, stretching along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. Enjoy the breathtaking seascapes and vibrant culture of this iconic region.
Day 16 – Day 16: Nice
- Nice
- More
- #ILoveNICE
- More
Delve into the charm of Nice with a guided tour of Vieux Nice, the old city. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and admire the baroque churches that have remained unchanged since the 1700s. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Queen of the French Riviera.
Day 17 – Day 17: Nice
- Nice - Departure day
- More
Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast in Nice. Reflect on the memories made during this extraordinary multi-day tour through Europe's most captivating destinations.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.