Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the vibrant canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Rhine Gorge, this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of iconic cities and charming towns. Delight in guided tours, wine tastings, and cultural experiences as you sail from the Netherlands to Germany, France, and Switzerland. Each day presents a new adventure, from the Gothic splendor of Cologne's cathedral to the enchanting beauty of Strasbourg's La Petite France. With luxurious accommodations on board and expertly curated excursions, this tour promises an unforgettable voyage through Europe's most picturesque regions.
Included
7 night accommodation onboard Avalon Waterways cruise ship
Avalon View: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon View 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
Amsterdam
Basel
Strasbourg
CologneMap
Attractions
Freiburg Minster
Kirschgarten
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
St Thomas Church
Castle de Haar
Amsterdam Museum
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- 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 vibrant streets at your own pace. Consider an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, where you can admire historic windmills and charming Dutch architecture. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you settle in for an overnight docking in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Embark on a captivating canal cruise through Amsterdam's iconic waterways, passing by the stately homes of the city's Golden Age. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets, galleries, and shops at your leisure or join one of the optional guided excursions. As the day winds down, enjoy an onboard lecture by your Master of Wine before setting sail for Cologne.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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In Cologne, choose between a leisurely bike ride or a guided walking tour to explore the city's rich Jewish heritage and the majestic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Savor a glass of Kölsch, the local brew, and enjoy live music on board as you cruise overnight to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim
Day 4: Rüdesheim
- Kirschgarten
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a vineyard hike, a tour of the Eberbach Monastery, or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy a wine tasting and live entertainment on board as you dock overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
- Kurpfälzisches Museum
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In Heidelberg, explore the city's rich history with a guided tour of the Wine Museum or visit the majestic Heidelberg Castle, home to the world's largest wine barrel. Later, indulge in a wine and chocolate tasting on board as you cruise to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg to Breisach
- Strasbourg
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- Alsatian Museum
- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
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Discover Strasbourg's charm with a bike tour or a city sightseeing tour, including the Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. Alternatively, explore the Alsace Wine Route and sample local wines. Enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner on board as you cruise to Breisach.
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 to the enchanting Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum and witnessing traditional butter-making. Alternatively, explore the medieval town of Colmar or the vibrant city of Freiburg. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Upper Rhine Valley as you cruise to Basel for an overnight stay.
Day 8 – Day 8: Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast on board in Basel. Ensure your flights from Zürich or Basel are scheduled for later in the morning to accommodate a leisurely departure.
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