Compare Active & Discovery on the Moselle by Avalon Waterways vs Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,899 | $ 4,175 |
| Price Per Day | $ 487 | $ 348 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Crisp Rieslings. Smooth lagers. Perfect pilsners. There’s much to toast on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Moselle. Starting with the number of interactive ways cruisers, choosers and doers can experience the joys of Luxembourg and Germany. Our vast selection of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you decide how to conquer the castles and venture through the villages that beckon from the banks. Pair a wine tasting with a hike, pedal back in time on a bike, or immerse yourself in the magic of the Moselle with a number of moving experiences. Behind the scenes visits to the botanic gardens, biergartens, and lush vineyards along the Moselle will equally set your heart in motion.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Hike up to the 13th-century Landshut Castle and enjoy a guided tour of the castle with guides in historical costume. •Enjoy the twists and turns of Cochem’s history on a leisurely bike ride along the Moselle.•Take an open-air cable car ride to Rüdesheim’s Niederwald Monument and stroll back through rolling vineyards.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Visit one of the oldest mustard mills and taste the secret recipe that’s been spicing things up for more than 200 years.•Have a barrel of fun as you enjoy a tour and tasting at a famous Koblenz brewery.•Stop and smell the roses on a botanical journey through Frankfurt’s lush Palmengarten. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Moselle. | This 11-day guided tour whisks you through scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. In Luxembourg, indulge in a farm-to-table feast at the horse-stables-turned-restaurant L'Écurie du Parc, then stroll past the 12th-Century Clervaux Castle after dinner. Climb to the top of the star-shaped Mardasson Monument for a birds-eye view of the fields where the World War II��s Battle of the Bulge was fought. Cruise through Amsterdam’s canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sailing past 16th-Century merchant houses and the iconic Magere Brug — the skinny, white-painted wood bridge over the Amstel River. Later, join a Local Expert at the Rijksmuseum, where you can view Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch’, or visit the Floriade Horticultural Expo, and see a shoemaker whittle wood into traditional clogs. |
Day 1: REMICH, LUXEMBOURG (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Luxembourg! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Luxembourg City must arrive by 3.30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to explore Remich—the Pearl of the Moselle—with panoramic views of surrounding forests and vineyards. Enjoy dinner on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH
(Dinner)
REMICH.jpg
Day 2: REMICH. EXCURSION TO LUXEMBOURG
Modern Architecture and Local Wine
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Tour of Schengen, known for the famous agreement which represents one of the major steps towards a unified Europe and the abolishment of inner-European border controls, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.In the early afternoon, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Trier.
TRIER
Germany’s Oldest City
CLASSIC After dinner, enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Trier - Germany’s oldest city with ancient remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra, walk through the city center.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRIER
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LUXEMBOURG-CITY.jpg
Day 3: BERNKASTEL, GERMANY
Gracious German Vineyards of the Moselle Valley
ACTIVE Head out into the fresh air and hike up to Landshut Castle, OR:
DISCOVERY Learn about wine in this special region and enjoy a rich Wine Tasting in a local winery, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber-framed houses. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Traben-Trabach or consider joining an optional excursion to a local brewery.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BERNKASTEL-LANDSHUT-CASTLE.jpg
Day 4: COCHEM
Reichsburg Castle, Riesling Wine, and the Charm of the Moselle Valley
ACTIVE Bike along the Mosel river with your Adventure Host.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Cochem.
ACTIVE See Cochem from atop, followed by a scenic hike, OR:
DISCOVERY Take part to a Guided Visit to one of the oldest mustard mills, dating back to 1810. Under the guidance of the head mustard “miller”, you’ll watch mustard being made using traditional skills, more than 200 years of savoir-faire and a recipe that has been passed down several generations, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk of Cochem to see the charming town’s half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit Cochem’s hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird’s-eye-view of the Moselle Valley and river bend.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN COCHEM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
COCHEM.jpg
Day 5: KOBLENZ
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls
In the morning, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or relax on the Sky Deck while sailing to Koblenz.
ACTIVE Explore the shores of Eifel’s largest volcanic lake “Laacher See" and visit the Maria Laach Benedictine monastery OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of a famous local brewery which reputation is based on their traditional way of brewing tasty beers following old recipes. Afterwards taste some of their classical brewed beers, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares and monuments. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
KOBLENZ.jpg
Day 6: RUDESHEIM–ELTVILLE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
This morning, relax on the Sky Deck while passing along the beautiful villages on the Moselle River shores.
ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable-Car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY 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 Follow your local guide through the area surrounding the Hildegard Abbey and learn about the history of this special place. Walk back to the village and taste different local wines.A short sailing in the late afternoon will bring you from Rüdesheim to Eltville.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
Day 7: FRANKFURT
Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover from a different point of view the city of Frankfurt as well as the picturesque Nidda park, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a botanical journey through the gorgeous gardens of Frankfurt’s Palmengarten, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the historic city of Bad Nauheim with a Guided Walking Tour of this popular spa resort town.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
FRANKFURT-LEDERHOSEN.jpg
Day 1: Welcome to Brussels
Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and stroll leisurely around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Battlefield of Waterloo Relaxed Start
Leaving the city limits behind, visit the Battlefield of Waterloo to learn about Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. Immerse yourself in the action at the Panorama, where a huge 360-degree mural depicts a key moment in the raging battle. If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for panoramic views over the battlefield and countryside. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to the lively city of Antwerp?In the evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Why not choose We Exist, a Syrian initiative supporting immigrants as they build a new life.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Ghent and on to Bruges
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium.Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life.With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerised by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 4: Sightseeing Bruges Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres? Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 5: Luxembourg
Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Scourmont Abbey. The surrounding plateau on which it is built was once considered wild and barren land, but the Trappist monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a successful farm, brewery and cheese plant. Visit the Chimay Experience to learn about the production secrets of Chimay Trappist beers. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner at restaurant L'Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Luxembourg City and Countryside
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert?
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre.
Breakfast
Day 8: Delft and The Hague
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Select departures visit Keukenhof Gardens one of the world's largest flower gardens, an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 9: Amsterdam Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, perhaps venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken?
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 10: Horticulture or Museums of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the horticultural expo Floriade, a colourful garden festival dedicated to sustainable technologies to make our cities greener. Alternatively, join a Local Expert and visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, two world-class exhibitions abundant in masterpieces. Journey to the picturesque village of Monnickendam and discover Dutch traditions. Learn the secrets of the cheese maker's craft, from milk to the finished product and witness a shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. Tonight, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Depart Amsterdam
Transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00.
Breakfast
