German Grandeur with Lucerne (Westbound)
Overview
Then cruise to Strasbourg read more and join a guided city tour of the sights, such as the stunning stained glass of its Gothic-style cathedral, the astronomical clock, and La Petite France district. Your scenic cruise through Europe includes a stop in Breisach to visit Germany’s beautiful Black Forest region. Choose visit to the charming city of Colmar, or a day trip to the Black Forest’s Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum. You’ll find much more to explore your way on this grand river cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers. Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) and a walking tour in Lucerne.
Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
- Active: Follow your Adventure Host to explore the wonderful Hiking trails along the river banks, OR:
- Discovery: Savor the flavors of Franconia with a guided winery visit and cellar tasting. Then, depending on the season, stroll through the city's charming old town or among the vines of the renowned Würzburger Stein vineyard with panoramic views of the Main River Valley, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WERTHEIM
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Enjoy a walk with your Adventure Host in charming Wertheim, OR:
- Discovery: Join a Guided Walk through Wertheim's picturesque streets and enjoy a brief pretzel - shaping demonstration, watching the baker craft fresh pretzels by hand, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Wertheim, a showcase of medieval half - timber homes.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
Charm in Frankfurt.
- Active: Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: Classic: Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany's oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge.
This morning, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rüdesheim.
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
- Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning to relax onboard. This afternoon, take a motorcoach transfer to Strasbourg.
- Classic: Join a City Tour of Strasbourg's sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
Rejoin your ship in Kehl for dinner on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest.
- Active: Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, 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 and 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.
Lakeshores and Soaring Peaks
Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side - by - side or spend your free time shopping in the city center.
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
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.
