The Rhine & Moselle with Swiss Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como (Southbound)
Overview
Visit the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, and visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s Castle, towering magnificently over the city. Continue your stunning European river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you 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. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s legendary Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty.
Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your vacation in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by motorcoach to Como and enjoy a stop and sightseeing on the way in Lugano. In Como, walk through the charming historic district, visit the impressive Piazza Duomo, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent vacation!
A Cruise That Shines All Year Long. From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this journey along the Rhine & Moselle reveals something special in every season. You may enjoy spring jam making, summer brewery tours and tastings or cozy fall walks through historic vineyards with unique wines. Enjoy the same iconic rivers, beautifully shaped by the season in which you experience them.
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.
The day is yours to relax and discover this delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants and lively marketplace.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- 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.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. Alternatively spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
This morning, enjoy leisurely sailing.
- 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.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
Local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO COCHEM
The Charm of the Moselle Valley.
This morning, select a Guided Optional Excursion to Eltz Castle.
- Active: Bike along the Moselle River with your Adventure Host, OR
- Discovery: Visit the former bunker of Germany's Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) and immerse yourself in the underground vault where millions of German Mark were kept during the Cold War, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walk of Cochem to see the charming town's half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit Cochem's hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird's - eye - view of the Moselle Valley and river bend.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TRIER
Ancient Worlds and Old - World Charm.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a walk in Trier with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing tour of Trier—Germany's oldest city with ancient remnants dating from 144 - 152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra, walk through the city center, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL
Hillside Vines and German Wines.
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a hike in this beautiful area, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber - framed houses.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls
- Active: Explore Koblenz's Mosel side by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares, and monuments, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Visit to the Sayn Manor House and its Butterfly Gardens.
Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rüdesheim.
RÜDESHEIM: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
After dinner, enjoy free time to explore this picturesque village or enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
Philosophers' Views and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
- Classic: Discover 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 Tun, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel."
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.
- Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city center.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
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:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour through storybook Colmar, along the charming canals of the “Little Venice” of France and past countless historic buildings and monuments, OR:
- Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
Spectacular Views in Switzerland.
This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer which will bring you in the heart of Swiss Alps.
- Classic: Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead)
LUCERNE: Lovely Lucerne.
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes the famous Chapel Bridge.
History in Grand View.
- Classic: En route to Lake Como, enjoy a stop in Lugano and a guided sightseeing of this charming Swiss city.
Legendary Lake Houses.
- Classic: Step into the storybook streets of Como on a guided walk through its historic heart. Then wander lakeside gardens and craft your own masterpiece at Museo Voltiano.
- Classic: Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como.
Italian Beauty on the Banks
Enjoy a free day to explore Como and its surroundings at your own pace. There is no shortage of ways to explore Lake Como with free time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping in the city centre. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
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
Dates & Pricing
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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.
