The Rhine & Moselle with Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore & Lucerne (Northbound)
Overview
Your read more cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as the Netherlands’ 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 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.”
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 Italy!
The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Maggiore and its surroundings at your own pace.
Natural Treasures and Baroque Palace.
- Classic: Journey into the refined charm of Isola Bella, then enjoy a boat trip to the serene Isola Madre and its magnificent gardens. (B/ L)
Breathtaking Lake Views.
- Discovery: Join a Guided Tour to historic Rocca di Angera, then enjoy a wine tasting featuring regional flavors in a scenic setting, OR:
- Classic: Embark on a boat ride across Lake Como from elegant Tremezzo to the picturesque village of Bellagio, then enjoy free time to explore this charming lakeside town.
Lovely Lucerne.
Travel to Lucerne.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes 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: 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 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.
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 Tun, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel."
Enjoy a leisurely evening 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: Enjoy a Guided Visit to the Sayn Manor House and its Butterfly Gardens.
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 leisurely sailing.
- 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 TRIER
Ancient Worlds and Old - World Charm.
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM
The Charm of the Moselle Valley.
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- 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 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. Alternatively, 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:
- 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!
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:
- 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.”
You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries.
Alternatively, choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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.
