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rhine river cruise photo
Avalon Waterways:
Romantic Rhine River Cruise
 
Introduction

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating journey along the Rhine river. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an 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 visit Siegfried’s fascinating Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim.

 

Itinerary (9 days/8 nights)

Day One: Depart USA/Canada
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day Two: Arrive in Amsterdam
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. (D)

Day Three: 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. (B,L,D)

Day Four: 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.” (B,L,D)

Day Five: 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. (B,L,D)

Day Six: Excursion to Heidelberg
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (B,L,D)

Day Seven: 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. (B,L,D)

Day Eight: 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. (B,L,D)

Day Nine: Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (B)

Tour Features

Highlights
Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam or Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Basel:
Welcome reception

Strasbourg:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

Heidelberg:
Guided visit of the castle

Mainz:
Visit the Gutenberg Museum

Rüdesheim:
“Winzerexpress” mini train; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Koblenz:
Guided sightseeing

Cologne:
Guided sightseeing

Amsterdam:
Canal cruise

Notes:
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Ship

romantic rhine river cruise photo 2

Avalon Felicity:
The Avalon Felicity, coming in 2010, is the latest addition to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon river cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers with four suites & 65 staterooms, she will be the smallest of the Avalon ships, yet the Avalon Felicity staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. Staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.

Avalon Luminary:
The Avalon Luminary, coming in 2010, is the latest addition to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon river cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers with four suites & 65 staterooms, she will be the smallest of the Avalon ships, yet the Avalon Luminary staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. Staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.

FAQ

Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.

Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Dates & Cruise Only Prices

April 3, 2010   $2,339.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
April 17, 2010   $2,456.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
May 1, 2010   $2,807.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
May 15, 2010   $2,854.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
May 29, 2010   $2,854.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
June 12, 2010   $2,854.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
June 26, 2010   $2,854.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
July 10, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
July 24, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
July 31, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Luminary
August 7, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
August 14, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Luminary
August 21, 2010   $2,796.00 per person   Ship: Felicity
August 28, 2010   $2,913.00 per person   Ship: Luminary

Prices are in CAD.
Prices exclude additional port charges of $119.00 and are per person, cruise-only, based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply.

Tour Map

romantic rhine map