Sail one of Europe’s most legendary rivers on this 8-day Romantic Rhine (Southbound) cruise aboard Avalon Envision, traveling through Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Begin in Amsterdam with a canal cruise along elegant grachten, then visit Cologne to see its twin-spired Gothic cathedral and historic Old Town. Glide through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, where ancient castles rise above the river, and explore Rüdesheim with its Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Discover Mainz with a guided walk and the Gutenberg Museum, or join an excursion to Heidelberg’s red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, marvel at the Gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, and charming La Petite France district. Conclude in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest, known for its scenery, ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks.
Highlights
Stroll through Amsterdam’s canals on a guided walking or canal tour
Cycle through Cologne like a local with your Adventure Host
Sail the breathtaking Rhine Gorge past medieval castles and legendary Lorelei
Enjoy Rüdesheim’s vineyards, mechanical music museum, and authentic coffee specialties
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 Holland! Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 p.m., and all guests must be on board the Suite Ship® by 5:00 p.m. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. In tulip season, you may choose an optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, with its stunning displays of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Outside of tulip season, optional guided tours are available to showcase Amsterdam’s history and culture. This evening, your river cruise adventure begins.
This morning, join your Adventure Host for a choice of excursions: take a guided walking tour through Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets or enjoy a canal cruise past historic homes and landmarks. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion or explore on your own, strolling the colorful streets, canals, galleries, and shops. Later, your Suite Ship® departs on an afternoon and overnight cruise to Cologne.
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 Excursion- Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
Discovery Excursion- 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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
Overnight docking in Rudesheim
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
Active Excursion- Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
Classic Excursion- Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, OR:
Classic Excursion- 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.”
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
Active Excursion- Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion- 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.
Choose 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.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Breisach
Discovery Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Basel
Day 8: Basel | 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.
* Some departures may disembark in Hüningen (France), just across the river or in Breisach (Germany).
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.
$3,9512-3 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, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
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.
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.
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
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
