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Wooden bridge over river in Lucerne

Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise

Lake Geneva to Amsterdam - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Vista
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Take a 15-day journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam with a river cruise aboard Avalon Vista. Begin in Geneva with a welcome dinner, then travel to Zermatt for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Then, continue to Interlaken and Lucerne to enjoy the alpine scenery and local traditions. Embark in Basel and cruise the legendary Rhine River through Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Discover the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mainz, Koblenz, and Cologne, each offering cultural landmarks and regional flavors. Sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, lined with medieval castles and the fabled Lorelei Rock. Conclude in Amsterdam, exploring its canals, historic streets, and optional excursions to tulip fields or windmills.
Explore BaselExplore quaint towns along the RhineVisit castle ruins in the German countrysideExplore the historic old town KoblenzExplore CologneOld buildings in AmsterdamCruise through the canals of AmsterdamWooden bridge over river in Lucerne
Highlights
  • Ride the Gornergrat railway for spectacular Matterhorn alpine views
  • Tour Strasbourg Cathedral and stroll cobbled lanes of Petite France
  • Cruise UNESCO Rhine Gorge past castles, vineyards, and Lorelei Rock
  • Explore Amsterdam’s canals, tulip fields, and historic Dutch neighborhoods
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: Arrive in Lake Geneva, Switzerland

  • 1 Dinner
The small group tour begins at 6 pm with a meeting with the Tour Director and fellow travelers, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Lake Geneva

  • 1 Breakfast
An orientation walk includes a visit to the Olympic Museum, which opened in 1993 and serves as the world’s largest information center on the Olympic Games. An optional small group excursion offers a wine tasting in Lavaux, reached by train. The experience includes walking among the vineyards, tasting local wines, free time in Vevey, and a boat ride on Lake Geneva.

Day 3: Lake Geneva | Zermatt | Gornergrat

  • 1 Breakfast
All Aboard for Zermatt!

Board the train for your journey from Lausanne to Zermatt. An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat.

Peak Perfection Travel on board Europe’s highest rack railway to marvel at the views of the Matterhorn from its summit. Spectacular!

Day 4: Zermatt | Interlaken

  • 1 Breakfast
Alpine Adventure

Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps en route to Interlaken aboard the Loetschberg train.

Natural Wonders Interlaken lies between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz affording spectacular surrounding views of the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Day 5: Interlaken

  • 1 Breakfast
The Top of Europe

Take advantage of your small group and ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the Eager Express Cable Car.

Small Group Exclusive Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling experience aboard the Eiger Express Cable Car. Be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps before continuing your alpine ascent by cogwheel train to ascend to the “Top of Europe” - the Jungfraujoch. Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and take in the 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Jungfrau Massif.

Day 6: Interlaken | Brienz | Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast
Natural Highs

Sit back and relax for a boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Enjoy wonderful views of the Bernese Oberland with its impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside villages. After disembarking, continue your journey to Lucerne aboard the Lucerne Interlaken Express train.

Lake Stories Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls surround you with picture-perfect scenery. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing as waves ripple, merge, and heighten as your ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake while pondering the depth of the water that has flowed through the Alps for thousands of years.

Small Pleasures Relax at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere. Feel your spirits rise with merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as you indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue.

Day 7: Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Lion Hearts

Join your Tour Director for an orientation walk of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant awaits.

City Sights See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.

Epic Ride Climb soaring Mount Pilatus on a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with an incline of 48 degrees, this silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondola reveal a panorama of unmatched beauty. The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages with countless tales of mythical encounters with a dragon inhabiting the surrounding caves. As you ride higher, it’s easy to imagine the dragon soaring back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne. The trip back down is just as inspiring with irresistible photo opportunities!

Day 8: Lucerne | Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.

Transfer to Basel to embark your Avalon Suite Ship.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

Day 9: Breisach, Germany | Excursion to Black Forest

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion
Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic 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 in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Day 10: Kehl | Excursion to Strasbourg, France

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

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.

You may also choose to join 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 11: Mainz, Germany | Excursion to 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
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,” OR:

Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.

Day 12: Koblenz | Rudesheim | Rhine Gorge

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Active Excursion
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

Classic 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, OR:

Discovery Excursion
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

En route to Koblenz, 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.

KOBLENZ

Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.

Day 13: Cologne

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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!

Day 14: Amsterdam, Holland

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Active Excursion
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

Classic Excursion
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

Classic Excursion
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional 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. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 15: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Vista

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,280 2-3 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, 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
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
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
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, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, 6-person sitting area
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
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, European-style duvets, 6 person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 14 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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