Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the vibrant cities, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This luxurious multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the historic streets of Nice, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and live entertainment as you cruise along picturesque rivers and through enchanting regions. With comfortable accommodations onboard your Suite Ship® and delicious meals provided, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience. Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning vistas of Europe on this extraordinary journey.
Included
2 nights stay in Nice
14 nights stateroom accommodation
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
Avalon View and Avalon Poetry II or similar
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
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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 exploration. 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
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Experience the vibrant canals of Amsterdam with a guided cruise, taking in the elegant homes from the city's Golden Age. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's colorful streets, galleries, and shops, or join optional excursions. Enjoy a lecture hosted by a Master of Wine onboard before setting sail for Cologne. Relish a day filled with cultural and culinary delights, with all meals provided.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Embrace the spirit of the Rhineland in Cologne. Choose between a bike ride through the city, a walking tour of Jewish heritage sites, or a city walk to the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Savor a glass of Kölsch and enjoy live music onboard as you cruise to Rüdesheim. Delight in a day of exploration and entertainment with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim
Day 4: Rüdesheim
- Kirschgarten
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, en route to Rüdesheim. Choose to hike through vineyards, tour the historic Eberbach Monastery, or visit the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy wine tastings and live entertainment onboard. Indulge in a day of scenic beauty and cultural discovery with all meals provided.
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. Visit the renowned Wine Museum or marvel at the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Partake in a wine and chocolate tasting onboard as you cruise to Strasbourg. Enjoy a day steeped in history and flavor, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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 enchanting city of Strasbourg. Cycle through the city, explore the Gothic cathedral, or wander through the picturesque La Petite France district. Embark on a guided tour along the Alsace Wine Route, sampling local wines. Enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner onboard as you cruise to Breisach. Revel in a day of cultural and culinary experiences with all meals provided.
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 tour of the magical Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum. Alternatively, explore the charming village of Colmar or the medieval city of Freiburg. Enjoy a day of exploration and discovery, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, as you cruise to Basel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Basel to Tournus
- Basel
- Beaune
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Disembark in Basel and journey to the historic city of Beaune. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu, a former charity hospital, before traveling to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner onboard as you dock overnight in Tournus.
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. Enjoy a lecture about wine while sailing to Mâcon, followed by a visit to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. Delight in a day of cultural and culinary experiences with all meals provided as you dock overnight in Trévoux.
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 explore its architectural district by bike or join a guided tour to survey the city from Fourvière Hill. Discover the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively Place des Terreaux. Enjoy a WWII & French Resistance lecture onboard, followed by live entertainment. Indulge in a day of exploration and discovery with all meals provided.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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- Cluny Abbey
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Embark on a culinary walk through Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, or take a guided tour to the Beaujolais region to learn about its delightful wines. Enjoy an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine. Relish a day of culinary delights and cultural exploration with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included as you cruise to Tournon.
Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Avignon
- Avignon
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- Château de Crussol
- Viaduc de Vogüé
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Explore the medieval city of Tournon with a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Cité du Chocolat for a wine and chocolate tasting. Sail to Viviers and discover its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Avignon. Delight in a day of historical exploration and culinary indulgence with all meals provided.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon to Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Explore the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour, including a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Enjoy a trip to the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. Delight in live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Arles. Indulge in a day of historical and culinary exploration with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 14 – Day 14: Arles
- Arles
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- L'espace Van Gogh
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Discover the captivating city of Arles with a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Participate in a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh or enjoy a power walk with your Adventure Host. Savor a glass of wine at Café Van Gogh. Enjoy a day of artistic and historical exploration with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 15 – Day 15: Arles to Nice
- Arles
- Nice
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- Fort de la Revère
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After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nice along the stunning French Riviera. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast as you travel to this glamorous destination. Delight in a day of relaxation and exploration with breakfast included.
Day 16 – Day 16: Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Explore the charming city of Nice with a guided sightseeing tour. Wander through the narrow streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city. Enjoy a day of cultural discovery and relaxation with breakfast included.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast in Nice. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during this extraordinary multi-day tour through Europe.
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