Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND (D)
Welcome to Zurich!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2 ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA (B)
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

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.

Day 3 GENEVA (B)
Grandeur in Geneva
GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening.

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).

Day 4 GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–GRUYÈRES, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA (B/L/D)
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 Globus Local Favorite Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting.
87 mi / 140 km

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.

Day 5 GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD (B)
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

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.

Day 6 GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU (B/D)
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.

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.

Day 7 GRINDELWALD–BERN–LUCERNE (B)
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

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.

Day 8 LUCERNE (B/D)
Bridging History
LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

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.

Day 9 LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) (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

Day 10: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST (B/L/D)
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion
Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, 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.

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 CRUISE TO KEHL

Day 11: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG (B/L/D)
Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Active Excursion
Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, 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.

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.

Day 12: MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG (B/L/D)
Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

Active Excursion
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers’ way, 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,” OR:
Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ

Day 13: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE – KOBLENZ (B/L/D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Active Excursion
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
Discovery Excursion
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

Day 14: COLOGNE (B/L/D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active Excursion
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Classic Excursion
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

Day 15: AMSTERDAM/ROTTERDAM*, HOLLAND (B/L/D)
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Active Excursion
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
Discovery Excursion
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 Excursion
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. 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

*Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.

Day 16: AMSTERDAM/ROTTERDAM* (DISEMBARKATION) (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 1st and August 8th will disembark in Rotterdam.

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 Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites^SM
• Comfort Collection Beds^SM 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.