Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

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

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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