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10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel 2027(WDZ)
Reflections on the Rhine
Starting from $4,023
Ship(s): Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Tranquility II
River Cruise Description
One of Europe's most legendary rivers takes you across Germany and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent Rhine River cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Cruise on its famous canals along the elegant grachten-the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city dating back to the "Golden Age." Next discover the beautiful cities of Nijmegen and Arnhem. Visit Cologne, Germany-a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture-and see its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Frankfurt for a guided walk or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest. Here, you'll find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2027 | Avalon Imagery II | $4,673 | Call Us! |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Avalon Tranquility II | $4,473 | Call Us! |
| Jul 8, 2027 | Avalon Tranquility II | $4,023 | Call Us! |
| Aug 30, 2027 | Avalon Tranquility II | $4,473 | Call Us! |
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. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
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.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Captivating Amsterdam
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Classic
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."
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN
(B,L,D)
Day 3 NIJMEGEN
Wildlife and WWII Valor
Active
Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek to experience the fascinating story of war and freedom through interactive exhibits focused on democracy and human rights.
ARNHEM
WWII Valor and Medieval Castle
Classic
This afternoon, discover Arnhem, a key site during WWII’s Operation Market Garden, and enjoy a Guided Tour featuring the city’s historical highlights and war memorials, followed by a tasting of herb and vegetable products at a medieval castle.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)
Day 4 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Classic
Discover the people and true spirit of one of Cologne's hippest and most creative districts on this fascinating Guided Walking Tour through the Belgian Quarter, OR:
Classic
Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 5 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rüdesheim, 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.Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Classic
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 6 FRANKFURT
Charm in Frankfurt
Active
Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(B,L,D)
Day 7 LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
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
Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, 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.”
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.Active
Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
Day 9 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black Forest
Active
Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
Classic
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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)
Day 10 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)
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