Compare The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne by Avalon Waterways
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,737 |
| Price Per Day | $ 415 |
| Highlights |
|
| Trip Style | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
| Travel Themes |
|
| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
|
| Flights & Transport | No |
| Activities |
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description | Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Frankfurt, with guided sightseeing of this charming city. Enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®. Relax on the Sky Deck and 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. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Before the end of your European river cruise vacation, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a 2-night stay, including a walking tour, in Lucerne. Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a wonderful European vacation. |
Day 1: FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Welcome to Germany.
Your day in Frankfurt is free to explore at your leisure.
FRANKFURT-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 2: FRANKFURT
Charm in Frankfurt
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.
(Breakfast)
FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 3: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG (EMBARKATION)
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
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."Sail to Rüdesheim while having dinner on your first night onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(Dinner)
HEIDELBERG.jpg
Day 4: RHINE GORGE
The Most Beautiful View of the Rhine River
DISCOVERY While sailing enjoy a cup of Rüdesheimer Coffee, a local drink prepared mixing brandy and sugar, topped with coffee and a layer of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy a relaxing day onboard and 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.
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host to discover today’s special activities and classes.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a wine tasting onboard.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
RHINE-GORGE-RHEINSTEIN-CASTLE.jpg
Day 5: 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 Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to 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 BREISACH(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 6: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
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, OR:
CLASSIC 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Day 7: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS
Spectacular views in Switzerland
This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus.
CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNEA Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion
CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (Breakfast)
MOUNT-PILATUS.jpg
Day 8: LUCERNE
Lake and Mountains
Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.
(Breakfast)
LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 9: LUCERNE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
LUCERNE-CITY.jpg
