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.
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 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.
Embark on your ship at the beautiful port of Amsterdam and start your amazing trip aboard the Avalon Vista.
Be sure your flight arrives by 3:30 p.m., as all guests must board the ship by 5 p.m. Once you've arrived, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure. If visiting during tulip season, consider taking a Guided Optional Excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, where over seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other blooms are planted annually. Outside of tulip season, you can join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to experience historic windmills and picturesque Dutch houses.
Optional Excursion (Extra Cost)
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
Begin your day in colorful Amsterdam by joining your Adventure Host for special activities.
You can choose a Discovery Excursion, taking an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through the cobblestone streets for an intimate look at the city, or opt for a Classic Excursion with a scenic Guided Canal Cruise past the stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city’s vibrant streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops,
Optional Excursion (Extra Cost)
Medieval Muiderslot Castle
From Golden Age paintings to 13th-century arms and armor, discover the wonders of Muiderslot Castle, one of Holland's most beautiful medieval castle fortresses, on this captivating half-day guided tour.
Duration: 4h 0m
Bites & Highlights of Amsterdam
Discover Amsterdam's charming Jordaan district, and taste the authentic foods the locals know and love on this enjoyable guided foodie walking tour.
Duration: 3h 30m
Prost! Celebrate your day in the Rhineland with a choice of immersive activities in Cologne. Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride through the city like a local, or opt for a Guided Walking Tour exploring Cologne’s significant Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, take a Guided City Walk to admire the highlights of Cologne, including its iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. After your tour, enjoy some free time with a glass of Kölsch, the region’s beloved pale lager that has been locally brewed for over a century. In the evening, return to the ship for live entertainment from local musicians.
As you journey to Rüdesheim, sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at ancient castles perched high on cliffs and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, famed for its mythological siren. Upon arrival, choose to hike through the scenic vineyards of Rüdesheim with your Avalon Adventure Host or take a Guided Tour of the unique Mechanical Music Museum, where you also enjoy a tasting of the region’s famous Rüdesheimer coffee. Cap off your day with live entertainment on board your ship.
In Heidelberg, begin your day with a choice of enriching excursions. Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk along the Philosophers' Way, offering scenic views and historical insight, or take a Guided City Walk that includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to explore the fascinating history of printing. Alternatively, enjoy a Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle, where you can admire the impressive Renaissance ruins and see the famous Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel—nestled within the castle’s storied walls.
Today in Strasbourg, you can choose from a variety of engaging experiences. Ask your Adventure Host about energizing or relaxing activities to start your day. Explore the city by bike alongside your host, or join a City Sightseeing Tour to visit Strasbourg’s stunning Gothic cathedral, known for its intricate stained-glass windows, ancient murals, and impressive astronomical clock. The tour also includes a walk through the charming La Petite France district. For a deeper dive into the region's history or culture, opt for a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line or explore the scenic Alsace wine country. Alternatively, enjoy free time to visit a museum or simply stroll through the picturesque city center.
Optional Excursion (Extra Cost)
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
Explore the heart of southern Germany’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Choose a full-day Guided Tour to the enchanting Black Forest, where you’ll visit the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, explore an authentic water mill, and enjoy a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, take a Guided Tour of Freiburg to discover its medieval city center, nestled in the Black Forest and surrounded by the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. For an added experience, consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar, known for its charming half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.
Optional Excursion (Extra Cost)
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
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.
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.
$3,8302-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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
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
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
Port Fees
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
Cruise taxes
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
Porterage
Passport or Visa fees
Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
