Compare The Rhine & Moselle with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs 5 Different Rivers: The Rhine, Neckar, Main, Moselle, and Saar by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 6,048 | $ 2,386 |
| Price Per Day | $ 465 | $ 265 |
| 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 | Your European vacation begins with a 2 night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking tour, in-cluding the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and an excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility). Your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as Holland’s capital of Amsterdam. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and its fascinating astronomical clock. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, then sail for the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge for the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before coming to the charming wine village of Bernkastel. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk and taste some of the famed Moselle wines! Visit a medieval castle, then sail back into the Rhine and explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which spans both sides of the Rhine River. Your river cruise vacation ends in marvelous Amsterdam. Take in the sights on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” |
From Remich to Strasbourg, cruise along 5 rivers and discover the beauty of the romantic Rhine valley, the Neckar, the Main, the Moselle and the Saar which will unveil their cultural and historical treasures. Admire the landscapes this cruise has to offer and visit iconic cities such as Cochem, Frankfurt, Trier and Luxembourg. Tradition, art and viticulture, each of these cities will tell you its own story. |
Day 1: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland
The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time shopping in the city center.
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Day 2: LUCERNE
A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion
CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (Breakfast)
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Day 3: LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
CLASSIC This morning enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Dinner)
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Day 4: 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: 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 STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Philosophers’ Views and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
CLASSIC Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, 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."Enjoy sailing a leisurely afternoon sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Breathtaking Views
This morning leave Rüdesheim after breakfast and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz.
KOBLENZ
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls
ACTIVE Explore Koblenz's Mosel side by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares and monuments, OR:
CLASSIC Visit the Sayn Manor House on a Guided Tour. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: BERNKASTEL
Hillside Vines and German Wines
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
This morning enjoy a leisurely sailing.
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for an hike in this beautiful area, 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, select a Guided Optional Excursion to a local winery for a wine tasting. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GREVENMACHER
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 9: GREVENMACHER. EXCURSION TO LUXEMBOURG
Ancient Worlds and Old World Charm
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.During lunch time enjoy a short sailing to Trier.
TRIER, GERMANY
Ancient Worlds, and Old World Charm
ACTIVE Wander and Discover Trier. Follow your Adventure Host for a Walk in and around this city, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing tour of Trier—Germany’s oldest city with ancient remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra, walk through the city center.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 10: COCHEM
The Charm of the Moselle Valley
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE Bike along the Mosel river with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Visit the former bunker of Germany's Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) and immerse yourself in the underground vault where millions of German Mark were kept during the Cold War, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk of Cochem to see the charming town’s half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird’s-eye-view of the Moselle Valley and river bend.
Enjoy a short cruise to Alken, where you have free time to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, select a Guided Optional Excursion to Eltz Castle.
EVENING CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City
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 SAILING TO AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: 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.
Alternatively, choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam’s many fascinating museums or galleries.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1 STRASBOURG
You’ll board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Our ship will cast off at 6:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing as we cruise through the night.
Day 2 MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG(4)
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar River to Heidelberg. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to see Heidelberg and its castle. Known as the most romantic city in Germany, it has inspired many the painter and poet by its beauty. We’ll visit the partially ruined, red sandstone castle that sits majestically above the city, overlooking the Neckar River. Up to the Thirty Years’ War, Heidelberg boasted one of the most notable ensembles of buildings in the Holy Roman Empire. While time has taken its toll, this castle’s fame lives on to this day. The giant wine barrel is one of the most popular attractions. Built in a cellar in 1591, it held about 34,342 gallons of wine collected from the Palatinate in payment of taxes. The facade of the Friedrich Building, displaying the perfect gallery of portraits from the royal line, is also a must-see. After our visit, we’ll go to the historical center of the city to take in many of sites. Enjoy some free time before returning on board in Heidelberg. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
Day 2 MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG(4)
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar River to Heidelberg. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to see Heidelberg and its castle. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
Day 3 HEIDELBERG(4) - MAINZ - FRANKFURT
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. We’ll arrive in Mainz in the early afternoon. Join us for a tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum(5). We’ll see some of the most remarkable buildings, including the 1000-year-old Mainz Cathedral, located near the city center, and its picturesque streets in the old city. We’ll also visit the Gutenberg Museum(5), the world-famous museum of book printing which houses two copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed with movable type in the West. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Frankfurt. Join us for an evening of entertainment. We’ll arrive in Frankfurt during the night.
Day 3 HEIDELBERG(4) - MAINZ - FRANKFURT
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. We’ll arrive in Mainz in the early afternoon. Join us for a tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum(5). After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Frankfurt. Join us for an evening of entertainment. We’ll arrive in Frankfurt during the night.
Day 4 FRANKFURT - RÜDESHEIM(3)
This morning, we’ll set off for a guided tour of Frankfurt. A panoramic tour by coach will give you a great overview of the main buildings and monuments found in the city. After, we'll continue our tour on foot. Among the sites we'll see are the Emperor’s Cathedral, the center of the old quarter, and the Römerberg. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Rüdesheim. On our way, we’ll pass the cities of Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Eltville am Rhein before arriving in Rüdesheim at the end of the afternoon.Join us for a tour of Rüdesheim. First, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the local vineyards on a tourist train. Then, we participate in a wine tasting in the historic rooms of the Bassenheimer Hof. We’ll then head to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, located in a lovely, 15th-century building. This museum holds a collection of fascinating musical instruments ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.The famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafés, bars, and music awaits you tonight!
Day 4 FRANKFURT - RÜDESHEIM(3)
This morning, we’ll set off for a guided tour of Frankfurt. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Rüdesheim, arriving at the end of the afternoon. Join us for a tour of Rüdesheim. The famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafés, bars, and music awaits you tonight!
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM(3) - KOBLENZ - COCHEM
This morning, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. Majestic castles, mysterious ruins, and famous vineyards dot the countryside known for its legendary German royalty and fabled Lorelei Rock. We’ll arrive in Koblenz mid-morning. Once we arrive, explore the city with our host or hostess. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Moselle River, one of the most beautiful tributaries of the Rhine, towards Cochem. Enjoy the calm as we pass by charming villages, vineyards, and what seems like a castle on every peak. We’ll arrive in Cochem this evening.
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM(3) - KOBLENZ - COCHEM
This morning, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. We’ll arrive in Koblenz mid-morning. Once we arrive, explore the city with our host or hostess. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Moselle River. We’ll arrive in Cochem this evening.
Day 6 COCHEM - TRIER
This morning, take part in our guided tour of Cochem Castle. You’ll be transferred to Cochem Castle on a mini-bus. The Imperial Castle sits on a mighty crag over the Moselle River. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent building that dates back to 1000. After being destroyed by the French in the 17th century, it was rebuilt from scratch in a Neo-Gothic style by a local German businessman. After a visit of the castle, enjoy some free time in the city. Take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets and enjoy the ambiance full of lovely half-timbered homes with slate roofs, the historic square near the town hall, and the ancient walls, gates, and churches. We’ll return on board on foot. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Trier.
Day 6 COCHEM - TRIER
This morning, take part in our guided tour of Cochem Castle. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Trier.
Day 7 TRIER - SAARBURG
This morning, join us for a guided tour of Trier. Discover the Roman vestiges and heritage in Trier, the splendid view the city offers of the Moselle, and its magnificent landscape. Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, but it is also home to some impressive churches as well. We’ll have a look at the amphitheater, the imperial baths, the Roman basilica, and the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates. We’ll then return on board. Relax during the first part of the afternoon as we cruise on the Moselle and the Saar. We’ll arrive in Saarburg mid-afternoon. Enjoy some time on your own to discover this charming city at your own pace. Join us for an evening of entertainment.
Day 7 TRIER - SAARBURG
This morning, join us for a guided tour of Trier. We’ll then return on board. Relax during the first part of the afternoon as we cruise on the Moselle and the Saar. We’ll arrive in Saarburg mid-afternoon. Enjoy some time on your own to discover this charming city at your own pace. Join us for an evening of entertainment.
Day 8 SAARBURG - LUXEMBOURG(2)
We’ll spend the morning cruising on the Saar and the Moselle towards Remich. After arriving, join us for a guided tour of Luxembourg city. We’ll leave from Remich for Luxembourg by coach. Luxembourg is a real mix of styles and cultures. We’ll set out on a guided tour on foot to get a closer look at some of the sites, including the Place des Armes, Place de la Constitution, capital buildings, Corniche, old city, Grand Ducal Palace (exterior), and Place Guillaume II. After our tour, we'll visit a winery(1) and enjoy a tasting. You’ll discover the secrets to wine making while strolling through underground passages that seem to go on for miles. After our excursion, we'll return on board our ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 8 SAARBURG - LUXEMBOURG(2)
We’ll spend the morning cruising on the Saar and the Moselle towards Remich. After arriving, join us for a guided tour of Luxembourg city. We'll then return to Remich for a visit to a winery(1) and a tasting. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 9 LUXEMBOURG(2) - Strasbourg
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 and returning to Strasbourg by coach. End of our services.
