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Cruise the Rhine through Cologne

Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

Southbound - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Vista
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Join the Avalon Vista on an 8-day voyage sailing from the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, to Basel, Switzerland. Follow the romantic Rhine through quaint villages in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands to explore Gothic cathedrals, grand palaces, and imposing fortresses. Visit Cologne, where you can view Germany's most visited landmark, the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. Stroll Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse and savor a locally produced pinot noir at a wine tavern. Make your way to Mannheim, where the bicycle was born, and stop in the quaint town of Germersheim, best known for its iconic Weissenburg Gate. Finally, tour Strasbourg, which is one of the world's most photogenic towns, before disembarking in Basel.
Amsterdam is known for its citizens' love for bikes!Visit castle ruins in the German countrysideCruise the rivers of GermanyExplore BaselThe Cathedral in Cologne.Cruise the Rhine through Cologne
Highlights
  • Join an excursion to the unrivaled natural beauty of Black Forest.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral.
  • Tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim.
  • Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host.
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam | Embark

Embark on your ship at the beautiful port of Amsterdam and start your amazing trip aboard the Avalon Artistry II.

Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, its gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still, others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person. Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age."

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin-spires reaching toward the heavens. Peel your eyes away from the Kölner Dom, its local name, to see the space needle-like Rhine Tower, ancient Roman ruins, a modern museum, cozy beerhalls and the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.

Day 4: Rudesheism, Germany

Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim and past the legendary rock of the Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors. Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; or take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Overnight docking in Rudesheim.

Day 5: Mainz-Heidelberg

Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel. Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. 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.”
Overnight cruise to Strasbourg.

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. Choose 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 Breisach.

Day 7: Breisach, Germany

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest. 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. Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Overnight cruise to Basel.

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Vista

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,730 2-3 travelers
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Bathrobes & slippers, Individual climate control, Large mirror in the bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Individual climate control, Large mirror in bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, 6-person sitting area
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Coffee table, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, 6 person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • 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
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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