Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 10-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions, leisure time, and optional activities, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic peaks of Mount Pilatus, each day brings a new adventure. Savor local delicacies, explore historic sites, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local cultures. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
2 nights in Lucerne
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
Cologne
Lucerne
SpeyerMap
Attractions
Chapel Bridge
Kirschgarten
Heidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge
Cologne Cathedral
Mount Pilatus
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 journey 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. Consider joining a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village known for its historic windmills. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Start your day with a guided canal cruise, exploring the iconic waterways of Amsterdam. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of optional excursions or enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, galleries, and shops. Later, embark on an afternoon and overnight cruise to Cologne.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Enjoy a day in Cologne, where you can choose from a variety of activities. Take a guided city walk to the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, explore the city's important Jewish heritage sites, or enjoy a bike ride like the locals. Spend your free time savoring a glass of Kolsch pale lager, a local specialty. Later, join an onboard lecture hosted by a Master of Wine and enjoy live entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Rüdesheim
Day 4: Exploring Rüdesheim
- Kirschgarten
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on your way to Rüdesheim. Take in the stunning views of ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. In Rüdesheim, choose from a variety of activities, including a hike through picturesque vineyards, a guided tour of the 13th-century Eberbach Monastery, or a visit to the incredible Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy an onboard wine tasting and live entertainment in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Heidelberg to Strasbourg
- Speyer
- Strasbourg
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- Heidelberg Palace
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Explore Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university. Join a guided city tour, including a visit to the Wine Museum, or take a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent renaissance treasure. Don't miss the castle's famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel.' Later, cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg to Breisach
- Strasbourg
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- St Thomas Church
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Discover Strasbourg, a city known for its gothic architecture and charming districts. Choose to explore the city by bike, join a city sightseeing tour, or take a guided tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route. Don't miss the city's gothic, stained-glass cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. In the evening, enjoy an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine before cruising to Breisach.
Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach to Basel
- Basel
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- Wutach Gorge
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Spend the day exploring the beautiful Black Forest region. Join a full-day guided tour to the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, take a full-day guided tour to the charming village of Colmar or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. Later, cruise to Basel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Basel to Lucerne
- Basel
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Mount Pilatus
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Disembark your Avalon ship in Basel and transfer to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus, journeying almost 7,000 ft. up for spectacular views over central Switzerland. In case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. Later, explore beautiful Lucerne on a guided walking tour, including Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Lucerne
- Lucerne
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the city's many squares and churches, where tradition and modernity stand side-by-side. Spend your free time shopping in the city center or exploring the local culture at your own pace.
Day 10 – Day 10: Farewell
- Lucerne - Departure day
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Your 10-day European adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Take home memories of stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cultures to cherish for a lifetime.
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