Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Holland, Germany, and France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to discover iconic landmarks, delve into local traditions, and savor regional cuisine and wines. From the vibrant canals of Amsterdam to the majestic Rhine Gorge, the medieval charm of Heidelberg to the picturesque Black Forest, every day brings a new adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a food and wine connoisseur, or an outdoor enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
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: Welcome to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Castle de Haar
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Begin your European adventure in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Arrive by 3:30 pm and board your Suite Ship. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure. You may opt for a guided excursion to Zaanse Schans, a charming village renowned for its historic windmills and Dutch houses. Enjoy your first dinner on board and prepare 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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Join your Adventure Host for a guided canal cruise through Amsterdam's iconic waterways, passing by the stately homes of the city's 'Golden Age'. Spend the afternoon exploring Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops at your own pace. In the evening, set sail for Cologne, Germany, where you'll enjoy an overnight cruise.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Cologne and Cruise to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne or choose a guided walking tour of the city's important Jewish heritage sites. Don't miss the chance to visit the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend your free time savoring a glass of Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Wine Country and Rüdesheim
Day 4: Wine Country and Rüdesheim
- Kirschgarten
- 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, choose between a hike through picturesque vineyards, a guided tour of the 13th-century Eberbach Monastery, or a visit to the unique Mechanical Music Museum. Each option includes a delightful wine tasting experience. Enjoy live entertainment on board in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg and Cruise to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
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Embark on a guided city tour, including a visit to the Wine Museum to learn about viticulture and wine production. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and see its famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. In the evening, cruise to Strasbourg, France.
Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg and Cruise to Breisach
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
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Discover Strasbourg by bike or join a city sightseeing tour, featuring the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Embark on a guided tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route, sampling local wines. In the evening, enjoy a special onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine, as you cruise to Breisach, Germany.
Day 7 – Day 7: Black Forest and Cruise to Basel
- Basel
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- Freiburg Minster
- Wutach Gorge
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Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, visiting the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, an authentic water mill, and a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, take a full-day guided tour to the charming village of Colmar in the morning, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. In the evening, cruise to Basel, Switzerland.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell in Basel
- Basel - Departure day
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Your unforgettable European journey concludes with breakfast this morning. Please arrange your return flights to depart from Zürich airport after 10 am or Basel airport after 8 am.
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