One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating journey. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as a full-day excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous Lorelei rock, and sample the area’s famous Riesling wines in the quaint wine village of Rüdesheim.
AMSTERDAM Welcome reception; canal cruise
COLOGNE Guided sightseeing
COBLENZ Guided sightseeing
RÜDESHEIM “Winzerexpress” mini train Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
HEIDELBERG Guided visit of the castle
STRASBOURG Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral
BREISACH Excursion to the Black Forest
Rhine Cruise Extra Savings
Book and deposit any Amawaterways or
Avalon cruise for April -July 2013 and save
7 Night cruise FREE Gratuities
10+ night cruise FREE Gratuities & Port Fees
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 Amsterdam
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Main is Germany’s largest and most important wine town. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)
We offer similar Itineraries from UniworldAndViking800-640-4899
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.
2013 brings with it another exciting Suite Ship.
The Avalon Artistry II delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include an Internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful open-air bistro.
Ship Details
Built: 2013
Length: 361 ft.
Crew Members: 35
Staterooms: 12
Suites: 52
Ship Amenities
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
Sky Deck with shade awnings
Wi-Fi access
Expanded fitness center
Non-smoking interior
Elevator
Elegant, contemporary design throughtout
Outside Viewing Deck
Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
English-speaking crew
Sightseeing with a Certified Local Guide
Cruise Director
Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
Revolutionary engineering
Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
Sky Deck Whirlpool
Internet Corner
Hair salon (manicures available)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Relax and enjoy onboard movie nights
Complimentary use of iPad mobile digital devices
Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
Alternate dining experience with local specialties and lighter fare in the Panorama Bistro
Avalon Choice cruising experience
Behind-the-scenes ship tour
Choice of excursions - Leisurely, Traditional or Essential Sightseeing options
Complimentary maps and use of Nordic walking sticks
Culture & Cruise onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans and experts
Expanded "on-demand" in-room entertainment
Guest Services is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
Panorama Bistro
Sky Deck Game Area
Sailing Dates from 4/06/2013 - 10/26/2013
Base rates from $1,999-$2,999 per person Based on sailing date and number of passengers
Port charges: $126 per person Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Zürich: in single room $175, in twin room $118
Extra nights per person in Amsterdam from $165 - $312 per person To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:
Felicity/Affinity Category Decks Price B / Sapphire Deck / $549 A / Sapphire Deck / $599 P / Royal Deck / $749 Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $1,299
Artistry II Category Decks Price D / Indigo Deck / $149 B / Sapphire Deck / $799 A / Sapphire Deck / $849 P / Royal Deck / $999 Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,699
If you would like to receive advice and lower prices for your Rhine cruise from Experienced River Cruisers.
Call 800-640-4899
Or
Complete the form along side to receive the current Best Values.
If you do not see our quotes in your "In Box" please check your spam filter.
If they are not there, call 800-640-4899
With the decrease in the value of the dollar and the high price of fuel the cost of hotels and meals have doubled in European during the last three years. Savy travelers have come to understand that a river cruise offers the best value for a European Vacation. Accommodations, all meals on board and shore excursions are included in the price and some companies even include wine with dinner. Because of this, you do not have to live in fear of the $300 per night hotel bill, the $100 not so wonderful restaurant meal and the $10 cup of coffee with no free refills. Many people believe that by dealing directly with the cruise line, they cut out the expense of a middleman. But when it comes to cruising, this is never the case. The cruise lines depend on travel agents to sell their product, and so it is the cruise lines who pay the agent's commission, not the customer. The lines also offer agents various extra incentives, bonus commissions and value-added perks, giving the travel agents more pricing leverage and the ability for us to offer you lower rates: There are many superb and well-trained travel agents, but there are not many who know as much as we do about river cruising.
