Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise wit Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn.
Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to cave, castle and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.
Inclusions
- Airfare to Amsterdam and return to Basel
- 7 night deluxe cruise aboard Avalon Waterways
- Meals on board: Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel.
- Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise.
- Avalon Choice with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalon Guided Optional Excursions
- Book by Dec 13: FREE Air, FREE gratuities and Exclusive savings of $200 per cabin!(price reflects discount)
| July 25, 2025 | Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, Montreal, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Toronto |
| Riverview | from |
| Balcony | from |
| Taxes & Fees | $330 |
| Pre-Paid Gratuity: |
|
Other dates are available. Please call to inquire!
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. The prices listed are per person based on double occupancy. It is for lead-in categories, but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit may be non-refundable Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
- Paddle through the canals of Amsterdam on a kayak.
- Take an E-Bike tour surrounded by beautiful vineyards at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
- Follow the road less traveled on an exciting hike along Heidelberg’s Philosophers’ Way.
- Discover your inner artist at an Amsterdam painting class inspired by the Dutch masters.
- Explore the lava caverns on a one-of-a-kind volcano encounter below the town of Mendig.
- Join a foodie tour through Strasbourg to discover the cuisine of France’s Alsace region.
Day 1 AMSTERDAM (EMBARKATION) (D)
How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Day 2 AMSTERDAM (B, L, D)
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Enjoy a Guided Kayak Tour for an adventure which will provide you a unique perspective of the “Venice of the North” from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION: Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
This afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing on the Sky Deck.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF
Day 3 DÜSSELDORF (B, L, D)
Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: Experience Düsseldorf’s Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION: Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.
This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf’s microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.
Later enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ
Day 4 KOBLENZ – RHINE GORGE (B, L, D)
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the “Lava City” of Mendig for a Volcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION: Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
En route to Bingen, 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.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BINGEN
Day 5 SPEYER, EXCURSIONS TO HEIDELBERG (B, L, D)
The World’s Biggest Wine Barrel and Famous Vineyards
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Follow the road less traveled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: Learn about the art of beer making with an entertaining and exclusive Guided Tour of four breweries in and out of Old Heidelberg, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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. While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Day 6 STRASBOURG (B, L, D)
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Enjoy a walking tour along the river and explore Strasbourg’s lovely European District around the Marne-Rhein Canal, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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.
This afternoon choose one of the Optional Excursions available.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
Day 7 BREISACH – EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST (B, L, D)
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
ACTIVE EXCURSION: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION: 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 EXCURSION: 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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
Day 8 BASEL (DISEMBARKATION) (B)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
Notes:
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Included for Every Avalon Guests
You’ve always forged your own path… with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind – offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you’ll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.
Throughout the Ship
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows
- Elegant, contemporary design & décor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Dining
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu for a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- New in 2023 – included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Health and Fitness
- Bikes
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Canoe and kayak excursions
- Fitbits®
- Walking Sticks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Yoga Mats
- Fitness bands
Suites & Staterooms
- Open–Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
- Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar
Avalon Choice
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.
CLASSIC Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
DISCOVERY We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
ACTIVE Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go – from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
