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 read more by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an 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 sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. 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. Holland’s 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!
16 Days
Zürich
Amsterdam
Itinerary
Welcome to Zurich!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Swiss Strolls in Geneva
ZURICH: An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumünsterkirche.
BIEL/BIENNE: Enjoy free time in the historical district.
NEUCHÂTEL: Free time for lunch en route to Geneva. 174 mi / 280 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. (B)
Grandeur in Geneva
GENEVA: Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & TRADITION: Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in the city of the Reformation. Discover fascinating stories along the small cobblestone streets and small squares, as well as secret passages. See the Parc des Bastions where giant statues of the leading figures of the Reformation are carved into the great wall – engraved with Geneva's motto, 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Light After Darkness). (B)
How Sweet it Is
ÉVIAN - LES - BAINS Enjoy free time to browse.
GRUYÈRES Globus Local Favorite Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème.
BROC: Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting. 87 mi / 140 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. (B/L/D)
Spectacular Switzerland
GSTAAD: Orientation walk and free time to browse.
INTERLAKEN: Free time to explore.
GRINDELWALD: Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. 87 mi / 140 km
FREE TIME TIPS - 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. (B)
The Top of Europe
GRINDELWALD: Join an excursion to the Globus Local Favorite Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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. (B/D)
Alpine Attraction
BERN: Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch.
LUCERNE: Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening.
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. (B)
Bridging History
LUCERNE: Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
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. (B/D)
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B/D)
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL (B/L/D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B/L/D)
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B/L/D)
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 (B/L/D)
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
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.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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 travelers 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 (2025-26)
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