Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps with Lake Como & Lucerne (Northbound)
Overview
Embark on your Rhine River cruise through France, Germany, and Holland. Board your Avalon read more Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, and marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, then pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral.
At the conclusion of your Rhine River cruise, you’ll spend time in colorful Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on an included canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend free time discovering world-famous museums, and an abundance of restaurants in the vibrant, modern capital of Holland.
Itinerary
The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
Historic Center and Gothic Style.
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating gothic façade, and the imposing, marble - clad Duomo. Embark on a Boat Ride on Lake Como which includes a stop in beautiful Bellagio.
Breathtaking Views.
Enjoy the day at leisure to relax, recharge or explore the lakeshores. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your free time in Lake Como! Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping. And be sure to taste the authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!
A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion.
Travel to Lucerne.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorvaldsen's poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
- Classic: This morning 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)
Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: 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 in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.
- 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.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace's wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
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: 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,” OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
- Discovery: 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.
En route to Koblenz, 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. KOBLENZ : Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: 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!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.
- Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
- Discovery: 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.”
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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
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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.
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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.
