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Romantic evening light over Basel

Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound)

Amsterdam to Basel - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Imagery II
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Sail Europe’s Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel aboard Avalon Imagery II, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Explore Amsterdam’s canals and Golden Age architecture, or join a walking tour through historic streets. In Nijmegen and Arnhem, learn about Roman history, WWII events, and visit the Freedom Museum. Cruise the Rhine Gorge, passing castles perched on cliffs, then stop in Rüdesheim to see vineyards, enjoy a tasting, and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Tour Cologne’s Gothic cathedral and Old Town, explore Frankfurt’s neighborhoods, visit Heidelberg Castle, stroll Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and La Petite France district, and finish in Breisach, gateway to Germany’s Black Forest.
Old buildings in AmsterdamStroll through romantic StrasbourgExplore quaint towns along the RhineLa Petite district in StrasbourgRomantic evening light over Basel
Highlights
  • Stroll cobblestone streets and historic neighborhoods in Amsterdam
  • Learn WWII history at Nijmegen and Arnhem guided tours
  • Tour Rüdesheim vineyards and visit Mechanical Music Museum
  • Discover Strasbourg’s cathedral and quaint La Petite France district
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam, Holland | Embark

Welcome to Holland! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding. Please ensure your flights into Amsterdam arrive by 3:30 PM, and that all guests are on board the ship by 5:00 PM. Your afternoon in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure, or you may choose to join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, where you can enjoy historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. The ship remains docked in Amsterdam overnight.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Join your Adventure Host for today’s activities. You can choose a Discovery Excursion, which is a guided walking tour through Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets, or a Classic Excursion, a guided canal cruise past the historic homes from Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” In the afternoon, you can join one of the optional excursions or enjoy free time to explore Amsterdam’s streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops. Later, the ship begins its afternoon and evening cruise to Nijmegen.

Additional Optional Excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise
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

The Netherlands on two Wheels: Into the Dutch Countryside
Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint, centuries-old villages on this exhilarating guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Duration: 3h 0m

Day 3: Nijmegen

Wildlife and WWII Valor
  • Active Excursion- Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:
  • Discovery Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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.
  • Classic Excursion- 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

Day 4: Cologne, Germany

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland- Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • Discovery Excursion- 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:
  • Discovery Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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!

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

Overnight cruise to Rüdesheim

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 Excursion- Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
  • Active Excursion- Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
  • Discovery Excursion- 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

Day 6: Frankfurt

Charm in Frankfurt
  • Active Excursion- Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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.
Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Speyer

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle: A World of Culinary Cultures
Welcome to a world of culinary cultures with a visit and tasting at Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle (market hall).
Duration: 2h 30m

Day 7: Speyer | Heidelberg

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- Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany, 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.”
Evening/Overnight cruise to Strasbourg

Day 8: Strasbourg, France

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France- 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

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

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

 

Day 9: Breisach, Germany | Black Forest

Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black Forest
  • 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

While your trip includes your choice of many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

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 10: 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.
* Some departures may disembark in Hüningen (France), just across the river.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Imagery II

Explore the Rhine River and Danube River aboard the Avalon Imagery II. Launched in 2016, this 128-passenger vessel is a standout addition to Avalon Suite Ships featuring stunning Panorama Suites, luxurious amenities, and the best views of Europe.
Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Imagery II Sky Deck
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Free Air or Save $1500 per person 28836
Book a select 2026 Avalon Europe River Cruise and enjoy free round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic airfare from select major U.S. gateways or save $1,500 per person. This offer is valid on new bookings made and deposited between April 5, 2025, and December 10, 2025. A non-refundable deposit of $550 per person is required at the time of booking. Availability is capacity-controlled, and the promotion may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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No Single Supplement 28845
Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. This offer applies to select cabin categories. It is valid for new bookings, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Applies to Aug 10, 2026 departure
Holiday Deals 29702
Book a select 2026 Avalon cruise by December 10, 2025, and receive standard pre-paid gratuities for the full length of the cruise portion of your vacation. This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to availability. Combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Not combinable with the Single Supplement Waiver Promotion. Not valid for groups or charter bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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Per person starting at
$5,396 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Avalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom
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.
Avalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom
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.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
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.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
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.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
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, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Imagery II Royal Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Royal Suite
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 toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 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

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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