Overview
Your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as Holland’s capital of Amsterdam. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Continue your river read more cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and its fascinating astronomical clock. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, then sail for the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim.
Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge for the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before coming to the charming wine village of Bernkastel. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk and taste some of the famed Moselle wines! Visit a medieval castle, then sail back into the Rhine and explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which spans both sides of the Rhine River. Your river cruise vacation ends in marvelous Amsterdam. Take in the sights on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
Itinerary
Welcome to Switzerland.
The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. 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.
A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion.
- Classic: Join a guided walking tour which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.
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/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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
Philosophers' Views and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
- 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 Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel."
Enjoy sailing a leisurely afternoon sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
Breathtaking Views.
This morning leave Rüdesheim after breakfast and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz. 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: Visit the Sayn Manor House on a Guided Tour.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL
Hillside Vines and German Wines.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. This morning enjoy a leisurely sailing.
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for an 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.
This afternoon, select a Guided Optional Excursion to a local winery for a wine tasting.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GREVENMACHER
Ancient Worlds and Old World Charm.
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.
During lunch time enjoy a short sailing to Trier. TRIER, GERMANY Ancient Worlds, and Old World Charm.
- Active: Wander and Discover Trier. Follow your Adventure Host for a Walk in and around this city, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM
The Charm of the Moselle Valley.
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Bike along the Mosel 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 the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird's - eye - view of the Moselle Valley and river bend.
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace or select a Guided Optional Excursion to Eltz Castle.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland's Capital City
- 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 SAILING 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. Alternatively, choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
NOTE: Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” event coinciding with August 12 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
NOTE: Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 12 will disembark in Rotterdam.
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.
