Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (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 along the way. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and scenic beauty, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of your Suite Ship. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the enchanting streets of Nice, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Delight in guided tours, optional excursions, and free time to explore at your leisure. Savor delicious meals onboard and enjoy live entertainment as you cruise through picturesque regions. Whether you're captivated by the majestic castles of the Rhine Gorge or the culinary delights of Lyon, this tour offers something for every traveler. Join us for a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich history and culture of Europe.
Included
14 nights onboard Avalon Expression or Avalon Poetry II
2 nights in Nice
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
Avalon Expression or Avalon Poetry II
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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Welcome to the enchanting city of Amsterdam, where your luxurious Suite Ship awaits. Arrive by mid-afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. During tulip season, consider a visit to the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, or explore the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you settle in for an overnight stay in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Amsterdam with a guided walking tour through its charming streets or enjoy a canal cruise past the elegant homes of the Golden Age. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's colorful neighborhoods, galleries, and shops. As the day winds down, your ship will set sail for Cologne, offering a serene overnight cruise.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Cologne with a choice of activities, including a bike ride through the city or a guided tour of its Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, explore the iconic Cologne Cathedral with its impressive twin spires. Enjoy some free time to savor a glass of Kölsch beer before local musicians entertain you onboard. The evening cruise will take you to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim
Day 4: Rüdesheim
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking 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 or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum, where you can also enjoy a tasting of the local Rüdesheimer coffee. The evening promises lively entertainment onboard.
Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Gutenberg Museum
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Explore the historic city of Heidelberg with a walk along the Philosophers' Way or a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Alternatively, tour the majestic Heidelberg Castle, home to the world's largest wine barrel. As the day concludes, your ship will cruise towards Strasbourg, offering a delightful evening onboard.
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 enjoy a guided tour of its Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. Consider an optional excursion to the Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. Spend some free time exploring the city's museums and charming streets before your ship sets sail for Breisach.
Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach
- Basel
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- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
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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. Consider an optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar. As the day ends, your ship will cruise to Basel, offering a relaxing evening onboard.
Day 8 – Day 8: Basel to Beaune
- Basel
- Beaune
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Disembark in Basel and journey to Beaune, where you'll visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu, home to Van der Weyden's masterpiece. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship for an overnight docking in Tournus. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for the next day's adventures.
Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus
Day 9: Tournus
- Touroparc Zoo
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Explore the historic town of 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, indulge in a cheese tasting onboard as your ship docks overnight in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Sail into the beautiful city of Lyon and explore its architectural district by bike or take a guided tour to enjoy panoramic views from Fourvière Hill. Discover the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively Place des Terreaux. In the evening, enjoy a WWII and French Resistance lecture onboard, followed by live entertainment.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon
- Lyon
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- Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, to discover its culinary delights. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's markets, parks, and over 100 murals at your leisure. In the evening, your ship will cruise to Tournon, providing a relaxing journey.
Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon to Viviers
- Avignon
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- Train de l'Ardèche
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Explore the medieval city of Tournon with a guided walking tour, including a visit to its 16th-century castle. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers, where you'll explore its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town on a guided tour. The evening promises live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Avignon.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Palais des Papes
- Pont du Gard Museum
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided tour of its ramparts and the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Consider optional excursions to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore the city's art and culture at your own pace before enjoying live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Arles.
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, enjoy a guided tour of this captivating city, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Spend some free time at Café Van Gogh before settling in for an overnight stay in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Arles to Nice
- Arles
- Nice
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- Frejus Cathedral
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After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the French Riviera, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the charming coastline. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you travel from Arles to Nice, the 'Queen of the French Riviera.'
Day 16 – Day 16: Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Delve into the heart of Nice with a guided tour of Vieux Nice, the old city, where narrow, winding streets and baroque churches await. Discover the charm of this historic area, largely unchanged since the 1700s, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the French Riviera.
Day 17 – Day 17: Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast in Nice, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories made along the way. Your vacation ends here, but the allure of the French Riviera will linger long after you depart.
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