18 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam 2027(XZC5)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Vienna to Amsterdam

The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

Starting from $8,690
Ship(s): Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
18 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam 2027 - XZC5
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1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)

River Cruise Description

This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a Globus land tour of Austria and Switzerland-two of Europe's most scenic countries-and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!

See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace-former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world's most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg's castle, towering magnificently over the city, or visit Schwetzingen Castle. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland's popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic architecture, and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city's "Golden Age." A perfect ending to this fabulous land and river cruise adventure!
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Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)		 
May 5, 2027Avalon Panorama$8,940Call Us!
May 12, 2027Avalon Vista$8,940Call Us!
May 19, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,650Call Us!
May 26, 2027Avalon Vista$9,190Call Us!
Jun 2, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,150Call Us!
Jun 9, 2027Avalon Vista$8,800Call Us!
Jun 16, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,430Call Us!
Jun 23, 2027Avalon Vista$8,690Call Us!
Jun 30, 2027Avalon Panorama$8,690Call Us!
Jul 7, 2027Avalon Vista$8,690Call Us!
Jul 14, 2027Avalon Panorama$8,800Call Us!
Jul 21, 2027Avalon Vista$9,530Call Us!
Jul 28, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,020Call Us!
Aug 4, 2027Avalon Vista$9,630Call Us!
Aug 11, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,350Call Us!
Aug 18, 2027Avalon Vista$9,700Call Us!
Aug 25, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,950Call Us!
Sep 1, 2027Avalon Vista$9,840Call Us!
Sep 8, 2027Avalon Panorama$9,840Call Us!
Sep 15, 2027Avalon Vista$9,840Call Us!
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. 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 WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
(D)

Day 2 VIENNA

City of Dreams VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna’s spectacular Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace.
(B)

Day 3 VIENNA–MONDSEE–SALZBURG

The Sound of Music MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church.
SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square.
193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Mondsee is a delightful town situated on Lake Mondsee, a privately owned lake, and is one of the 76 lakes found in the Salzkammergut region. In 1872 prehistoric pile dwellings were discovered there, but the rising lake water has since hidden them from view. Despite them being UNESCO listed, their fame in Mondsee is probably overshadowed by the medieval abbey used as a Sound of Music film location.
(B)

Day 4 SALZBURG

The Birthplace of Mozart SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg’s scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
(B)

Day 5 SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

Heavenly Hills of Switzerland INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz.
236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow-capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland’s most stunning valleys.
(B,D)

Day 6 ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT

All Aboard in the Alps CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with dinner served on board.
149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express train to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you’ll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level.
(B,D)

Day 7 ZERMATT

Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day.
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss.
(B,D)

Day 8 ZERMATT–BERN

Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch.
CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting.
155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle’s secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure!
(B)

Day 9 BERN–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE

Coming up Roses in Bern BERN Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town.
INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne.
75 mi / 120 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park.
(B)

Day 10 LUCERNE

Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.
(B,D)

Day 11 LUCERNE–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
The Globus portion of your package ends this morning. Transfer from Lucerne to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,D)

Day 12 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
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.
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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL
(B,L,D)

Day 13 KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Active
Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the Strasbourg’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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(B,L,D)

Day 14 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY–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
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
Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.
This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)

Day 15 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Classic
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, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
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.
This evening enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)

Day 16 COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Active
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Classic
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
(B,L,D)

Day 17 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Active
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
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.”
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
(B,L,D)

Day 18 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
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