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Bridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

Amsterdam to Basel - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon View
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Embark on an 8-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard Avalon View. Explore Amsterdam’s canals and cobblestone streets, Cologne’s twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, and the Rhine Gorge with castles perched above the river. Visit Rüdesheim’s vineyards and Mechanical Music Museum, Heidelberg Castle, Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and La Petite France district, the Black Forest with open-air museums, and Basel’s city center. Guided walking, biking, and optional excursions are available at each stop.
Old buildings in AmsterdamExplore CologneEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near RudesheimDiscover charming HeidelbergStroll through romantic StrasbourgExplore BaselRomantic evening light over BaselBridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Highlights
  • Explore Amsterdam cobblestone streets with a guided walking tour
  • Visit Cologne’s twin-steepled Gothic cathedral with optional walking tours
  • Sail Rhine Gorge and view castles along river cliffs
  • See Strasbourg cathedral, murals, astronomical clock, and La Petite France
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

Holland Arrival and Boarding Flights to Amsterdam should arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must board the ship by 5 pm. The afternoon in Amsterdam is free for independent exploration. During tulip season, a guided optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens is available, featuring over seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other bulbs. Outside of tulip season, a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans offers views of historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Canals of Amsterdam
Join the Adventure Host for today’s activities.

Discovery Excursion
Take a guided walking tour through Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets to see parts of the city off the main tourist paths.

Classic Excursion
Take a guided canal cruise to view Amsterdam’s historic waterways and homes from the “Golden Age.”

In the afternoon, choose from guided optional excursions or spend time exploring Amsterdam’s streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops independently.

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Active Excursion
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:

Discovery Excursion
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

Classic Excursion
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Later, local musicians join you on board for live entertainment.

Day 4: Rhine Gorge | Rudesheim

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rudesheim, 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 Rudesheimer coffee.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

Day 5: Mainz | Excursion to Heidelberg

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.”

Day 6: Kehl | Excursion to 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.

Day 7: Breisach, Germany | Excursion to Black Forest

German Winemaking and the Beautiful 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.

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.

Note: Some departures may disembark in Hüningen (France), just across the river or in Breisach (Germany).

Ship/Hotel

Avalon View

Avalon Bar
Avalon Dining Room
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Free Air or Save $1500 per person 28843
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.
Applies to Aug 4, 2026 departure

Holiday Deals 29701
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.
Click for departure dates

Per person starting at
$3,930 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon 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, 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
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon 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, 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
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon 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, 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
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon 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, 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, Luxurious mattress, and European-style duvets.
Avalon Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon 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, 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
Avalon Royal Suite LayoutAvalon 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, In-room safe, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
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

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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