Compare The Rhine & Moselle with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, End Paris, Classic Group, Winter by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 6,048 | $ 3,790 |
| Price Per Day | $ 465 | $ 253 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| 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.” | Experience the best Europe has to offer. Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train. Cruise along the quaint canals in Amsterdam, and travel from Austria, across the Dolomites into Italy. Join a local home dinner in Rome where your host serves up delicious regional dishes. Enjoy VIP Vatican access which allows you to cut the lines to the museums and view the famous Bramante Staircase. Then voyage through the Chianti Hills of Florence and the cobbled streets of lakeside Lucerne with a final stop in the city of lights, Paris. |
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.
LUCERNE-LION-MONUMENT.jpg
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)
LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg
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)
MOUNT-PILATUS.jpg
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)
BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
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)
STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
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)
HEIDELBERG.jpg
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)
RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
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)
BERNKASTEL-TOWN-SQUARE.jpg
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)
LUXEMBOURG-CITY.jpg
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)
COCHEM.jpg
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)
COLOGNE-BEER.jpg
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)
AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg
Day 13: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg
Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, enjoy a day of leisure. Join your Travel Director at 17:00 for a Welcome Reception. Mingle and get to know your fellow travellers as you cruise along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals, to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant.
Hilton Amsterdam.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Rhine Valley and Heidelberg
Take a scenic drive through the Rhine Valley to see quaint villages, hilltop castles and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock.Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Marriott Hotel Heidelberg.
Breakfast
Day 3: Mountain-ringed Innsbruck
Skirt the northern Black Forest and head towards the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein, rumoured to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the Old Town.
AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Breakfast
Day 4: Across the Dolomites to Venice Relaxed Start
Continue your journey, crossing the Italian border and on through the Dolomites. Amongst the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savour a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines and discover how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with wine.
Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: The Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Breakfast
Day 6: The Eternal City of Rome
Head into the Apennine Mountains and venture through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. You’re invited into the home of a Roman local to experience Italian hospitality at its best, as you enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with your host.
Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Papal and Imperial Rome
During your two-night stay, join a Local Expert for a private tour of the priceless art housed in the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Your priority visit includes fast-track entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican usually closed to the public. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Breakfast
Day 8: The Chianti Hills to Florence
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, lined with fountains and statues it acts as a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. A leisurely afternoon give you time to shop for quality goods, like gold and leather, which Florence is famous for. Alternatively, there is the option to visit the Accademia Gallery with an art historian to see Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, 'David.' In the evening, savour an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.
Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Free time in Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start
The day is free for you to fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan capital. Be sure not to miss the magnificent museums and galleries housing some of the most famous works of art in the world. Or perhaps just relax and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many street cafe's?
Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Breakfast
Day 10: The Alps and on to Lucerne
In the morning, travel across the Swiss border. Appreciate the Alpine terrain as you embark on a scenic journey by cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Pilatus. Take in the pristine mountain air and spectacular views. Continue to lakeside Lucerne where the afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne with its dramatic vistas.
Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Breakfast
Day 11: Lakeside Lucerne Relaxed Start
The emotive Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff, is a memorial dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution, which is a source of great pride to the people of Lucerne. See this beautiful work before strolling across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? Later, the choice is yours for your Dine-Around Evening. Enjoy your preferred dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience.
Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Sights and delights of Paris
Journey through the rural French country side of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.
Breakfast
Day 13: The Food and Flavours of Paris
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join an avid foodie as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole. Delight in French cuisine and delicious wine.
Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Au Revoir Paris
Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 and 11:00.
Breakfast
