Compare The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne by Avalon Waterways vs An exceptional cruise through the most beautiful regions of three different countries by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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An exceptional cruise through the most beautiful regions of three different countries
by
CroisiEurope
4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 3,248 | $ 1,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 464 | $ 379 |
| 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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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 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. 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 in Lucerne. Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a wonderful European vacation. (p) |
Embark on a breath-taking cruise in the heart of Switzerland and experience unforgettable moments. You will travel to the island of Mainau, an island of extreme natural beauty. We also take you to the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, and hop aboard the Glacier Express, which will take you through some of the most beautiful regions of the Alps on a scenic train ride. |
Day 1: FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive before 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE
(Dinner)
FRANKFURT-LEDERHOSEN.jpg
Day 2: 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 3: 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.
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 4: 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 5: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS
Spectacular Views in Switzerland
This morning disembark your Avalon ship and continue your vacation with a 2-night stay in Lucerne.
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 6: LUCERNE
Swiss Serenity
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 7: LUCERNE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1 STRASBOURG
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. in Strasbourg. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Cruise towards Breisach through the night.
Day 2 BREISACH - Mulhouse - BASEL
We'll reach Breisach in the morning. Join us for an excursion to the Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, the largest car museum in the world. We'll spend this afternoon cruising to Basel. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. We'll reach Basel during the evening.
Day 3 BASEL - The Glacier Express train
Today's excursion is on board the "Glacier Express”(3). We'll board the most famous train in the world for a panoramic journey through the Alps, from Andermatt to Coire(4). You'll discover the breathtaking beauty of Swiss landscapes through this unique and unforgettable moment. We'll return to Basel where our ship is moored.
Day 4 BASEL - Lake Constance - Mainau Island - Schaffhausen
Join us for an excursion to Mainau Island and Lake Constance(3). There's so much to admire and discover in Mainau, one of the most famous tourist spots in Germany: park and gardens, nature and botany using all your senses. We'll have lunch on the island. This afternoon, we'll continue to the Rhine Falls. The Rhine Falls are among the most spectacular sites to visit in Switzerland. Afterwards, we'll return to Basel or Breisach and cruise towards Strasbourg through the night.
Day 5 STRASBOURG
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise to Strasbourg, reaching it in the morning. Join us for a river boat excursion to discover the charming European capital by night (2). After our tour, we'll return on board. Enjoy one last lunch on board before disembarking at 2:00 p.m. End of our services.
Day 5 STRASBOURG
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise to Strasbourg, reaching it in the morning. Join us for a river boat excursion to discover the charming European capital by night (2). After our tour, we'll return on board. Enjoy one last lunch on board before disembarking at 2:00 p.m. End of our services.
