Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River dotted every mile with ancient castles. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Continue to the city of Tournon beautifully nestled among vineyards. Join a guided walk of this medieval treasure with Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take pictures of the bridge in the famous song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” This remarkable river cruise will then arrive in Arles, the capital of the Provence region and famous for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater.
Highlights
See Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the renaissance treasure
Experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum in the magical Black Forest
Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France
Take a tour to the fortress city of Avignon visit the Palace of the Popes
Welcome to Holland. The suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day in Amsterdam is free to explore at leisure.
During tulip season, there's an option to take a guided excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs planted each year.
Outside of tulip season, join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Classic: Enjoy free time in Koblenz this morning before sailing through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. Sail past the legendary rock of the Lorelei where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
RÜDESHEIM Discovery: Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. Based on departure, enjoy a local special treat.
Enjoy live entertainment on board the ship this evening.
Classic: Enjoy a guided city walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Classic: Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, its famed Great Vat and the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.
Active: Join the Avalon Adventure Host for a hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.
Classic: 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.
Also, choose to join a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive 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.
Discovery: 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.
Discovery: Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here and enjoy a wine tasting.
Choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Day 8: Basel | Disembark | St. Jean de Losne | Embark
Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Mâcon along the majestic Saône River. Consider a guided optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board the ship.
Enjoy live entertainment while sailing for Trevoux this evening.
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. Also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
Spend free time biking through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance Lecture on board the ship.
On the next day: Classic: Join a culinary walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third-largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.
Classic: Take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
VIVIERS Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon guided walking tour of this charming village. See its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman and medieval influences.
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.
Explore Avignon freely for the city’s art, culture, theatre and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Classic: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, the captivating city of the Provence region. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Discovery: Attend a painting workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create a unique painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles.
Consider a guided optional excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) and be immersed in a truly unique experience of art, sound and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.
Take advantage of any free time remaining with a stop in Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by.
Day 15: Port St. Louis | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 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.
$6,798
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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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
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.
Notes
Throughout the Ship:
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Suites & Staterooms:
Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring a shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
Complimentary bottled water daily
And, much more.
Health & Fitness:
Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking, and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®
All through your Avalon Adventure Host
Dining:
FlexDining for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Early and Late Riser breakfast options
Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes, and vegetarian options.
Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Notes:
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Avalon has designedincluded activitieswith a choice of experiences.
Initial deposit is $450, 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
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.
