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Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound)

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Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,419
Save $1,132pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Basel
8 Day Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Basel
8 Day Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
WAW
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
WAW

Overview

Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise with Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn.

Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to caves,...read more castles and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.
Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise with Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn.

Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to caves,...read more castles, and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.

Itinerary

How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Active: Enjoy a Guided Kayak Tour for an adventure which will provide you a unique perspective of the “Venice of the North” from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
  • Discovery: Take a Tour to the Street Art Museum, see nearly 200 large-scale artworks featuring artists from around the world. Afterwards, attend a hands-on workshop with an instructor who will guide you in creating your own group mural to discover your inner artist, OR:
  • Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon, enjoy relaxing sailing on the Sky Deck.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF (B/L/D)

Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers

  • Active: Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
  • Discovery: Experience Düsseldorf's Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.
This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf's microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ (B/L/D)

Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet.

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • Active: Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR:
  • Classic: For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the “Lava City” of Mendig for a Volcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
En route to Bingen, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

  • Discovery: Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (B/L/D)

The World's Biggest Wine Barrel and Famous Vineyards.

  • Active: Follow the road less traveled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
  • Discovery: Learn about the art of beer making with an entertaining and exclusive Guided Tour of four breweries in and out of Old Heidelberg, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel. While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B/L/D)

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

  • Active: Enjoy a walking tour along the river and explore Strasbourg's lovely European District around the Marne - Rhein Canal, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
  • Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg's s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B/L/D)

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest.

  • Active: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
  • Active: Join a Bike Ride north along the Rhine River toward the small fortified Medieval village of Burkheim, OR:
  • Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Active: Enjoy a Guided Kayak Tour for an adventure which will provide you a unique perspective of the “Venice of the North” from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
  • Active: Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
  • Discovery: Take a Tour to the Street Art Museum, see nearly 200 large-scale artworks featuring artists from around the world. Afterwards, attend a hands-on workshop with an instructor who will guide you in creating your own group mural to discover your inner artist, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.  This afternoon, enjoy relaxing sailing on the Sky Deck.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF (B/L/D)

Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers

  • Active: Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
  • Discovery: Experience Düsseldorf's Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.
This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf's microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ (B/L/D)

Fortress Walls and Manor Halls

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • Active: Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Guided Tour of a famous local brewery which reputation is based on their traditional way of brewing tasty beers following old recipes. Afterwards taste some of their classical brewed beers, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
En route to Bingen, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

  • Discovery: Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B/L/D)

The World's Biggest Wine Barrel

  • Active: Follow the road less traveled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel. While visiting the city, enjoy a tasting of local specialties.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B/L/D)

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

  • Active: Enjoy a walking tour along the river and explore Strasbourg's lovely European District around the Marne - Rhein Canal, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
  • Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg's s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B/L/D)

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest.

  • Active: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
  • Active: Join a Bike Ride north along the Rhine River toward the small fortified Medieval village of Burkheim, OR:
  • Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
  • Classic: Discover Freiburg's charming old town on a Guided Tour, then enjoy a behind - the - scenes visit to a local brewery with tastings of traditional German beer.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

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Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One...more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,419
From $5,146
From $6,970
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 09 May 2026 09 May 26 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
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River View
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Unavailable
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Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
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River View
US$3,782
Save $648
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Basel
Details
Avalon Vista
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River View
US$4,262
Save $168
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
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River View
US$3,542
Save $888
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
River View
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Unavailable
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Saturday 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
River View
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Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
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US$3,926
Save $904
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Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Basel
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Avalon Vista
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River View
US$3,926
Save $904
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
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River View
US$3,926
Save $904
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Amsterdam
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Basel
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Avalon Panorama
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River View
US$3,926
Save $904
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 27 Apr 2027 27 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Tuesday 04 May 2027 04 May 27 Basel
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Avalon Envision
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River View
US$3,923
Save $528
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 18 May 2027 18 May 27 Amsterdam
Tuesday 25 May 2027 25 May 27 Basel
Details
Avalon View
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River View
US$4,019
Save $532
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 22 May 2027 22 May 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 29 May 2027 29 May 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,019
Save $532
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 08 Jun 2027 08 Jun 27 Amsterdam
Tuesday 15 Jun 2027 15 Jun 27 Basel
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Avalon Envision
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,659
Save $892
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,659
Save $892
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 17 Jul 2027 17 Jul 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Vista
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,419
Save $1,132
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 24 Jul 2027 24 Jul 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Vista
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,419
Save $1,132
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 28 Aug 2027 28 Aug 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
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River View
US$4,283
Save $668
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 14 Sep 2027 14 Sep 27 Amsterdam
Tuesday 21 Sep 2027 21 Sep 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Envision
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,283
Save $668
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,283
Save $668
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Vista
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,283
Save $668
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Amsterdam
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Basel
Details
Avalon Panorama
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,187
Save $664
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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