Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard the Avalon Imagery II. Cruise along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, starting in Basel, Switzerland, and visiting remarkable cities in Germany, France, and Amsterdam. Explore Breisach, the gateway to Germany's enchanting Black Forest, then journey to Strasbourg to admire its Gothic cathedral and astronomical clock. Visit the majestic Heidelberg Castle and the picturesque Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim. Experience the stunning Rhine Gorge, dotted with ancient castles, and stop in Koblenz before heading to Bernkastel for a guided walk and Moselle wine tasting. Continue to explore the historic city of Cologne before concluding your river cruise in beautiful Amsterdam, enjoying a canal cruise through its elegant Grachten.
Highlights
Explore Black Forest village, experiencing local culture and beauty
Visit Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral with its stunning architecture and clock
Discover Heidelberg Castle and its magnificent Renaissance ruins
Taste wine in Bernkastel during a guided tour of local vineyards
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.
Welcome to Basel, where your ship awaits for boarding! Ensure your flights to Zürich or Basel arrive by 3 PM, as all guests must be on board by 5 PM. After settling in, enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first evening.
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
You can enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Rhine or opt for a full-day guided tour of the magical Black Forest, which includes a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, an authentic water mill, and a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, join a guided tour to Freiburg’s medieval city center, nestled in the Black Forest among the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may also participate in a guided optional excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar in the morning, known for its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.
Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise
Storybook Colmar, France's Little Venice
Discover the fusion of German and French culture on this wonderful guided tour through storybook Colmar, the "Little Venice" of France and capital of the Alsace wine region.
Duration: 3h 30m
Explore Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, or opt for a city sightseeing tour that showcases the stunning Gothic cathedral, renowned for its ancient murals and astronomical clock, along with the charming La Petite France district. In the afternoon, you can choose from various guided optional excursions or enjoy some free time visiting a museum or wandering through the city center.
Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise Into the Alsace Countryside with Wine Tasting
Travel along the famed Alsace Wine Route on this enchanting half-day excursion that visits a traditional medieval Alsace village and includes a cellar tasting of the local wines.
Duration: 4h 0m
Defending France: The Maginot Line of WWII
Explore France's awe-inspiring WWII Maginot Line, one of the greatest networks of defensive fortifications ever built, on this guided visit through the underground barracks, storehouses, and railways.
Duration: 4h 0m
Philosophers’ Views and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
Accompany your Avalon Adventure Host for an enlightening walk along the Philosophers' Way in Heidelberg, or explore Schwetzingen Palace, which features beautiful gardens and a historic square. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle to admire the impressive Renaissance ruins and the renowned Great Vat, known as the "World’s Largest Wine Barrel." After your explorations, enjoy a relaxing afternoon of sailing to Rüdesheim.
After breakfast, depart from Rüdesheim and take in the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz. Once in Koblenz, you can explore the Mosel side by bike with your Adventure Host, take a guided city walk to discover ancient fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments, or visit the Sayn Manor House on a guided tour. Later, unwind with some live entertainment on board.
This morning, relish a relaxing sailing experience before joining your Adventure Host for a hike in the picturesque surroundings. Alternatively, opt for a guided walking tour of the delightful wine village of Bernkastel, known for its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber-framed houses. In the afternoon, you can choose a guided optional excursion to a local winery for a tasting.
Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise
Wines of Bernkastel
Enjoy a special wine tasting in a local Bernkastel winery.
Duration: 1h 45m
Join a guided tour of Luxembourg City, where you can encounter stunning views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the picturesque gorge. After lunch, enjoy a brief sailing to Trier, Germany. Once there, explore Trier with your Adventure Host on a walking tour, or opt for a guided sightseeing tour of Germany's oldest city, which features ancient remnants dating back to 144-152 AD, beginning at the iconic Porta Nigra as you stroll through the city center.
Take a bike ride along the Mosel River with your Adventure Host, or explore the former bunker of Germany's Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) and experience the underground vault that housed millions of German Marks during the Cold War. Alternatively, join a guided walk through Cochem to admire the charming half-timbered houses and winding streets, culminating in a visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers stunning views of the Moselle Valley and river bend. You can also have free time to explore at your leisure or choose a guided optional excursion to Eltz Castle.
Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise
Eltz Castle Visit
Visit one of Germany's most famous fairytale castles, magnificent 12th-century Burg Eltz, where an expert guide will reveal tales from its fascinating history, and you'll get a peek at its impressive Treasury, Armory, and collection of world-class gold and silver artworks.
Duration: 4h 0m
Experience Cologne like local biking with your Adventure Host, or opt for a guided walking tour highlighting the city's significant Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, join a guided city walk to explore Cologne's iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Afterward, enjoy some free time to savor a glass of Kölsch pale lager, a local brew crafted for over a century!
Begin your day with an early morning walk in Amsterdam alongside your Adventure Host, or opt for a guided walking tour that reveals the city's hidden gems as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore Amsterdam's famous waterways on a guided canal cruise, passing by the elegant homes from the city's "Golden Age."
During tulip season, consider taking a guided optional excursion to the stunning Keukenhof gardens, featuring over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. If you visit outside of tulip season, you can join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to admire historic windmills and picturesque Dutch houses or choose an optional biking tour to explore the countryside. In the afternoon, take some free time to visit one of Amsterdam's many intriguing museums or galleries.
Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise
The Netherlands on two Wheels: Into the Dutch Countryside
Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint, centuries-old villages on this exhilarating guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Duration: 4h 0m
Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland
Tour a working windmill, watch wooden clogs being made, and visit a cheese farm on this exciting half-day guided excursion to Zaanse Schans!
Duration: 4h 0m
Day 11: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 14 will disembark in Rotterdam
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,599
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Select a Date
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 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
Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.