Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
Overview
Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an read more unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy.
A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.
Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic 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’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or visit Schwetzingen Castle. 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. The Netherlands popular, modern capital of Amsterdam offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe!
Itinerary
Welcome to Zurich!
At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Swiss Strolls in Geneva
This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich's Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Biel / Bienne, renowned for watch making. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center before continuing to lakeside Neuchâtel. Time to have some lunch, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Arrive in the elegant city of Geneva and take advantage of a leisurely evening to get acquainted with the city chosen to host the headquarters of many international organizations.
202 mi / 325 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Spend your day your way in Geneva
Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Explore more of Geneva with your choice of included Globus choice excursions.
Geneva's humanitarian hearts
Follow your Local Guide for a specially themed tour focusing on Geneva's role in humanitarian efforts on a global scale since the 19th century. See where the Red Cross was founded and the site of the first Geneva Convention signing. Hear about the role Geneva still plays today through its international and non - governmental institutions on behalf of humanitarian issues.
Little train. Big sights.
Hop aboard Geneva's mini - train for a leisurely ride through the Old Town with captivating commentary on the main landmarks of the vibrant Swiss city. Along the route, see the Place Bel - Air, Reformation Wall, the Town Hall, St - Pierre Cathedral, and much more.
Enjoy free time this evening.
How Sweet it Is
This morning, arrive in Evian - Les - Bains and browse the spa town famous for its mineral waters and breathtaking scenery. Arrive in Gruyères for a delicious lunch of local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème. After lunch visit the Castle and spend time in the village. To make things even sweeter, continue to Broc and visit the Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting.
90 mi / 145 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Meringue a la crème and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can't resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyères with the double sweetness of crème and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler's decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory.
Spectacular Switzerland
Lots of alpine scenery to admire today, beginning with Gstaad for a stroll around the winter resort popular with celebrities. Continue to Interlaken and enjoy some free time in one of Switzerland's oldest resorts, then take a short drive to arrive in Grindelwald for a leisurely afternoon.
87 mi / 140 km.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and unspoilt nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland's largest ski resort.
The Top of Europe
Prepare to be filled with wonder by today's special treat! Join an excursion to the Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit. Receive your Jungfrau Passport and at the summit enjoy free time to explore the Alpine Sensation. Visit the Ice Palace, experience the Panorama 360°, have a bite of lunch, and even shop for chocolate at the world's highest chocolate shop!
LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Disembark at Europe's highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy 360° cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don't miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.
Alpine Attraction
Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern's most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO - listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem.
112 mi / 180 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square - meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
Bridging History
This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne's most photographed landmark.
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise and meet your Avalon Cruise Director.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
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 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 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 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
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: Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.
This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
- Classic: 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, OR:
- Discovery: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden - barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
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.
This evening enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
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:
- 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 CRUISE 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.”
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. 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
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 (2027)
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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.
