Compare Paris to Berlin: Art & the Alps by G Adventures vs The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne by Avalon Waterways
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 21 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,249 | $ 3,248 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 464 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 1 lunch | N/A |
| Description |
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to see less; it just means you have to plan more. Lucky for you, we’re pretty great planners. Cross nine countries off your list in 21 thrilling days and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer. Check out the galleries and museums of Paris, the beauty of the Swiss Alps, delicious Italian cuisine (and, of course, wine!), the exciting nightlife of Berlin, and Prague, and the Eastern charms of Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest. Do more, spend less. |
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) |
Day 1 Paris
Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.
Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.
Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.
Day 3 Paris/Interlaken
Travel from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 Interlaken
Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!
Day 5 Interlaken
Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.
Day 6 Interlaken/Rome
Travel to Rome by bus and train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.
Day 7 Rome
Opt to check out famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 8 Rome/Florence
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio.
Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy. Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!
Day 9 Florence
Free day in Florence to explore. Opt for a day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Florence/Venice
Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city's winding streets on your own.
Opt to take a ride in a gondola, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.
Day 11 Venice/Ljubljana
Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.
Day 12 Ljubljana/Vienna
Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.
Day 13 Vienna
Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner 'dancing' horses.
After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).
Day 14 Vienna/Budapest
Travel from Vienna to Budapest by train and take orientation walk upon arrival before enjoying a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Hit up the city's nightlife in the evening on a Big Night Out with the group.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Budapest
Free time to explore. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets, cruise the Danube, or check out the thermal baths.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 16 Budapest/Krakow
Enjoy free time to explore Hungary's capital. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets or visit the thermal baths. Visit a G Adventures-supported café that assists Hungarians living with a disability before boarding the overnight train to Krakow.
With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do.
Day 17 Krakow
Use free time today to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk.
Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.
Day 18 Krakow/Prague
Take a day train to Prague, then enjoy an orientation walk around town, including a visit to a genuine beer hall. Later, enjoy your Big Night Out with the group. Na Zdravi!
Imagine a city lined with Bohemian art, beer halls offering the finest brews in the region, tranquil gardens, and ornate chapels - it's no wonder why visitors fall in love with this place. Take the afternoon and get lost.
Day 19 Prague
Free day for exploration—check out the Prague castle complex or walk the cobblestone streets through the old town and Jewish ghetto.
Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.
Day 20 Prague/Berlin
Take a train to Germany and enjoy an orientation walk in Berlin. Opt to check out the city's vibrant nightlife.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Day 21 Berlin
Depart at any time.
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Day 7: LUCERNE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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