Compare Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine by Avalon Waterways vs From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River by CroisiEurope
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 16 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,468 | $ 1,613 |
| Price Per Day | $ 475 | $ 202 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland.Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe! |
From Amsterdam to Basel, embark on a cruise rich in history and authenticity. Discover historic monuments through cities such as Haarlem or Colmar and its Unterlinden museum. You can take a stroll to the Arnhem Open Air Museum, which reveals a 100-year-old story.
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Day 1: ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
(Dinner)
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Day 2: ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA
Swiss Strolls in Geneva ZURICH An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumünsterkirche.BIEL/BIENNE Enjoy free time at the historical district.NEUCHÂTEL Free time for lunch en route to Geneva. 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti. (Breakfast)
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Day 3: GENEVA
Grandeur in Geneva GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & TRADITION Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in the city of the Reformation. Discover fascinating stories along the small cobblestone streets and small squares, as well as secret passages. See the Parc des Bastions where giant statues of the leading figures of the Reformation are carved into the great wall – engraved with Geneva's motto, 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Light After Darkness). (Breakfast)
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Day 4: GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–BROC– GRUYÈRE AREA, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA
How Sweet it Is ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS Enjoy free time to browse.GRUYÈRES Globus Local Favorite Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème.BROC [LF] Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting. 87 mi / 140 km
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Meringue a la crème and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can’t resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyères with the double sweetness of crème and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler’s decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD
Spectacular Switzerland GSTAAD Orientation walk and free time to browse.INTERLAKEN Free time to explore.GRINDELWALD Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. 87 mi / 140 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and unspoilt nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland’s largest ski resort.(Breakfast)
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Day 6: GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU
The Top of Europe GRINDELWALD Join an excursion to the Globus Local Favorite Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy 360° cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don’t miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 7: GRINDELWALD–BERNE–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch.LUCERNE Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening. 112 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
(Breakfast)
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Day 8: LUCERNE
Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 9: LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 10: 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 Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
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, OR:DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
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. EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC 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 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 14: COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 15: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 16: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)
This morning, we offer two excursions depending on your package.CLASSIC package: Panoramic tour of the city and a visit to a diamond merchant. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. Enjoy a highlight tour of all the major sites, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. We’ll then heading over to the dazzling floating flower market. DISCOVERY package: An off-the-beaten-path bike tour of Amsterdam. We’ll leave on foot to head to the bike rental office. Once equipped, we'll set out on a bike tour to discover places only the locals know about. As we ride, we’ll pass in front of many famous monuments and sites, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, Nieuwmarkt, the Rembrandt House Museum, and much more!This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens.(1)(only on pre-booking before departure) Tour the beautiful spring gardens at your own pace. Don’t forget to visit the Orchid House, the Japanese Garden, and the 19th-century windmill on the edge of the tulip fields! Keukenhof also contains the works of 25 artists. To make your visit more active, you can take a boat trip through the fields or bike ride through the surrounding area.During the off-season, we’ll visit Haarlem instead.We’ll return on board in Amsterdam. Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will cruise to Nijmegen overnight.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided panoramic tour of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour of Amsterdam in search of its most secret and unique locations.In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Keukenhof Gardens(1)(only on pre-booking before departure). Outside the opening dates of the park, guided tour of Haarlem.We'll return on board in Amsterdam for an evening of dancing. Our ship will cruise to Nijmegen through the night.
Day 3 NIJMEGEN
Join us on an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Netherlands Open-Air Museum in Arnhem. This national museum focuses on the everyday life of Dutch people throughout the country’s history and includes old homes, farms, and factories from different regions. You can stroll through the attraction at your own pace or take the authentic trams.Our ship will cruise to Cologne overnight. Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.
Day 3 NIJMEGEN
This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the open-air museum in Arnhem.Our ship will cruise to Cologne overnight. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 4 COLOGNE - KOBLENZ
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne, the crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages. We’ll see the immense, Gothic cathedral—the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. We'll then head over to the Old Town to stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Our ship will start to cruise up the Rhine to Koblenz early this morning. Enjoy a stroll to see the famous Deutsches Eck.
Day 4 COLOGNE - KOBLENZ
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne. Our cruise will then continue along the Rhine to Koblenz. In the evening, enjoy a stroll to see the famous Deutsches Eck.
Day 5 KOBLENZ - MAINZ
We’ll cruise to Mainz in the early morning, traveling through the magnificent Rhine Valley.Excursion for both packages: Tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum. This tour on foot will take us to the city’s magnificent cathedral. We’ll then stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old City to the Gutenberg Museum.Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will begin to cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 5 KOBLENZ - MAINZ
We'll cruise up the most beautiful part of the Rhine River all the way to Mainz. Join us for the excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum.Enjoy an evening of dancing after dinner. Our ship will cruise to Strasbourg through the night.
Day 6 STRASBOURG - BREISACH
We’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the afternoon.Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure). Like many European cities, Strasbourg has a striking mix of architecture that includes a broad range of traditional structures next to bold modern designs.After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. Our ship will begin to cruise to Breisach. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 6 STRASBOURG - BREISACH
We'll arrive in Strasbourg in the afternoon. Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure).We'll return on board after our tour and cruise to Breisach. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 7 BREISACH - BASEL
This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum.(2) Colmar is a colorful city bursting with Alsatian charm. We’ll spend time in the romantic Little Venice neighborhood before visiting the Unterlinden Museum. The museum exhibits span 7,000 years—from prehistoric times to modern art. The most regarded masterpiece in its collection is the polyptych by artists Niclaus of Haguenau and Grünewald.We’ll begin to cruise to Basel. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 7 BREISACH - BASEL
This afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum(2).Afterwards, we'll cruise to Basel. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 8 BASEL
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
