Overview
Read 71 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day Romantic Rhine (Southbound). One of Europe’s most legendary rivers takes you across Germany and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent Rhine River cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Cruise on its famous canals along the elegant grachten--the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city dating back to the “Golden Age.” Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—and see its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with read more many shops, cafés, and taverns.
Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Ludwigshafen for a guided visit to Schwetzingen castle, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Ludwigshafen for a guided visit to Schwetzingen castle, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Cruise Length
8 Days
Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
Cruise Ends
Basel
Countries Visited:
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Line
Avalon
Cruise Ship
Avalon View 
71 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.7/5
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
WAZ
Itinerary
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- 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: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age."
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B/L/D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B/L/D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
En route to Rüdesheim, 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.- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
- Discovery: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden - barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B/L/D)
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, 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.”
AFTERNOON/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: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg'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:
- 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.
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 On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.
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.
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.
Avalon View
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
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
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
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
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
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (71)
Rachel was professional and answered all my enquiries promptly. We had a great time on the cruise. The staff, food & drinks were excellent. We met lots of lovely people and exchanged contact details to meet again. We really enjoyed the classical music evening. More of those please! The excursion tours were well done. Would we go again with Avalon...yes!
Beautiful cruise down the Rhine 0
Lauren and Peter, QLD, Australia, Aug 2025
Lovely cruise Amsterdam to Basel - amazing places, great included excursions, good mix of fellow travelers from around the world. Beautiful ship and crew. Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise and would definitely recommend it. Traveled in August which was a bit warm but nice.
Loved this cruise 2
Marion and Sharyn, NSW, Australia, Jul 2024
The cruise with Avalon was lovely. All personnel on board were great. Food and cabin great as well as optional excursions. However the optional excursion to Little Venice would not recommend had done a similar one the day before which was included in the trip.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
Romantic Rhine river cruise 5
Janice , QLD, Australia, Oct 2019
Absolutely brilliant, the cabins were spacious with plenty of storage space to unpack. The staff were amazing, the food was excellent. There were onshore activities that you could participate in or you could just sit back and relax on board. Would recommend to anyone.
Lovely Romantic Rhine Cruise 4
Don & Judith, WA, Australia, Oct 2019
We were so lucky with the weather, being so late in the season, the water levels were kind to us. We really enjoyed the cruise, the food was amazing.
Such a lovely way to travel 3
Anne, NSW, Australia, Oct 2019
Travelling the Rhine with Avalon as a single provides the best of everything. Great accommodation, ease of travel, lovely accommodation, lots of interesting included tours and above all, a great opportunity to meet like minded travellers.
Romantic Rhine 8
Sue, QLD, Australia, Sep 2019
We loved this trip! Avalon met expectations. I admit personally I had set a very high standard for them to meet after travelling with Viking for a Danube cruise. The rooms, the food, the options, the service, everything was of the highest quality. I have two points of feedback that let them down slightly, but I cannot stress enough, these are my observations read more only and did not impact on my enjoyment of this great trip.
1. Older passengers were struggling and left behind/unaccounted for by excursion guides on several occasions. Only other members of the group raised concerns regarding footing safety and their lack of keeping pace with the group.
2. Timings were very tight around excursions on several occasions and the crush/complaints and behaviour, along with the corresponding rush to eat, at the buffet was disheartening. Everyone was fed perfectly well but an adjustment to timings here would leave people a whole lot happier.
1. Older passengers were struggling and left behind/unaccounted for by excursion guides on several occasions. Only other members of the group raised concerns regarding footing safety and their lack of keeping pace with the group.
2. Timings were very tight around excursions on several occasions and the crush/complaints and behaviour, along with the corresponding rush to eat, at the buffet was disheartening. Everyone was fed perfectly well but an adjustment to timings here would leave people a whole lot happier.
8 Day Romantic Rhine Cruise 10
Tim & Michelle, NSW, Australia, Jul 2019
We were looking for a relaxing pre-home trip after having travelled on the Trans-Siberian train trip from Japan to St Petersburg for 4 weeks. We found this Rhine cruise to be surprisingly active and a lot of fun, in a "have a look at each town and city along the way and get out and see everything", kind of way. The food on board was excellent, rooms read more were well set out and regularly serviced by some really diligent and committed staff. The tour director knew exactly what she was on about and had things organised to the nth degree. Wait staff were also very friendly and very keen to see to our every request.
Very enjoyable cruise 14
Jill & Toumi, WA, Australia, Aug 2018
My husband and I really enjoyed our Romantic Rhine river cruise in August this year. The weather was good and the places we visited were very interesting and we saw some very quaint towns with their timbered houses. We found Avalon to be a very organised and enjoyable cruise line. The quality of the ships and their cabins was excellent. The food was read more delicious as well. Was a bit disappointed that somehow we ended up with 2 single beds in our cabin and my sister who was travelling alone had a nice queen in her room. I think I was offered the stateroom with 2 singles and never queried it which I guess I should have.
As they have had a very warm summer in Europe the water levels on the Rhine have dropped considerably, there was one section of the Rhine that our ship could not get through. Consequently we had to change ships and bus it between the two ships. Unfortunately it was the section of the Rhine Gorge where all the castles are but Avalon organised for us to see it on a smaller boat so we didn't miss out on that section entirely. Considering the problems, Avalon handled the change of plans very well with very little inconvenience to us. This was our second cruise with them and I would definitely recommend them and would travel with them again.
As they have had a very warm summer in Europe the water levels on the Rhine have dropped considerably, there was one section of the Rhine that our ship could not get through. Consequently we had to change ships and bus it between the two ships. Unfortunately it was the section of the Rhine Gorge where all the castles are but Avalon organised for us to see it on a smaller boat so we didn't miss out on that section entirely. Considering the problems, Avalon handled the change of plans very well with very little inconvenience to us. This was our second cruise with them and I would definitely recommend them and would travel with them again.
Romantic Rhine 9
Grahame & Georgie, VIC, Australia, Aug 2018
We enjoyed our holiday. The food was excellent and the activities we did were very good. We thought that some of the free excursions could be more explained in detail for particularly the two that went through the Black Forest. It was a pity the boat had to dock on the last night in the middle of a major city party as many passengers really got concerned read more about it and especially when 7 policemen came to guard the boat from the revellers. Waking up in the morning to a dock full of empty bottles and rubbish was not nice.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
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.
