Active & Discovery on the Rhine with Lucerne (Southbound)
Overview
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, castles read more 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lake Lucerne and its Lovely Landscape.
This morning disembark your Avalon Suite Ship and take a transfer to Lucerne.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Lucerne and discover the beauty of this beautiful city, which lies along the banks of Lake Lucerne, couched in a breathtaking mountainous landscape.
The Lake and the Vineyards
- Discovery: Join a Wine Tasting tour in the Lucerne area.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Download Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2026)
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s legendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, more and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
From Southeast Asia and Egypt to the Amazon and Galápagos, Avalon offers a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary places—all while unpacking once. Backed by nearly a century of Swiss heritage, we infuse precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship into every journey. Welcome aboard the wideopen wonder of Avalon. Your journey begins here.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
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.
