Embark on a scenic journey along the legendary Rhine River, starting in Basel, Switzerland, and visiting France, Germany, and Holland. Highlights include Breisach, Germany, at the edge of the Black Forest; Strasbourg, France, with its stunning cathedral and charming La Petite France district; Heidelberg Castle and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; Rüdesheim's wine town and musical instrument museum; the dramatic Rhine Gorge, lined with ancient castles; and Cologne, home to the iconic Gothic cathedral. This unforgettable river cruise offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural experiences. By booking into this exclusive group you will save $1400 per person (based on double occupancy) and receive and receive complimentary pre-paid gratuities (a value of $204 per person). A total savings of $1604 per person (based on double occupancy). Limited space along with limited Single occupancy rates available. Everyone who registers and pays their deposit will be added to our exclusive Facebook group so that they can meet fellow travelers and begin the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime experience! This 7 night- 8 day cruise starts on April 7th in Basel and ends on April 14th, 2026 in Amsterdam. There is also the option to extend with one or two night pre-cruise hotel in Zurich , and one or two night post-cruise hotel in Amsterdam. The choice is yours! Everyone who registers and pays their deposit will be added to our exclusive Facebook group so that they can meet fellow travelers and begin the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Traveling solo in Europe can be mixed emotions like nervousness and exciting all at the same time, and with a travel advisor accompanying you, there's no need to worry. They'll ensure your safety, provide insider knowledge, handle logistics, and offer personalized recommendations, allowing you to enjoy your journey without any stress. With their expertise and support, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience while feeling confident and secure throughout your adventure.
What's included in this trip:
7 night 8 day Romantic Rhine River Cruise onboard the Avalon Vision April 7th to 14th , 2026 in chosen stateroom category
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while onboard the cruise ship
Sightseeing and tours as outlined in the itinerary
Wine and beer during meals and happy hour
Dedicated Group Leader (it's me - Hi My name is Kristi and I am a travel expert)
Access to our exclusive Facebook group to meet fellow travelers and get the excitement going!
Join a fun group, I can't wait to see what amazing experiences and new friends you make!
Complimentary pre-paid gratuities ($204 CAD value per person)
Optional add-ons:
One or two night pre-cruise hotel in Zurich at the Radisson Blu Airport ( Superior First-Class Hotel as shown or similar )
One or two night post-cruise hotel in Amsterdam at either the Movenpick Amsterdam City or the Westcord Jakarta Superior First-Class Hotel as shown or similar
Travel Insurance
What's not included:
Flights
Transportation to/from hotel and cruise
Optional excursions
On board purchases
Cancellation policy:
A $250 per person non-refundable deposit will be charged at the time of booking.
Final Payment- 31 days prior to departure - 50% Penalty
30-1 Day prior to departure - 80% Penalty
Day of Departure - 100% Penalty
Terms and Conditions: Please review the Terms & Conditions for this travel package online at https://www.avalonwaterways.ca/terms. The Terms & Conditions include details of what you can count on from us, your rights and obligations, and our revision fees and cancellation penalties. Receipt of the non-refundable deposit or payment of the vacation is confirmation that you have reviewed and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zurich or Basel must arrive by 3PM Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
DAY 2 | 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 Experience 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 CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
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 Gothic, stained glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magic Le Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line - the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or 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 MAINZ
DAY 4 | MAINZ, GERMANY.
EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers’ way, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tourto 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,” OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
DAY 5 | RÜDESHEIM-RHINE GORGE - KOBLENZ
Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above water and pass legendary Rock of the Lorelei - where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors. KOBLENZ Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
DAY 6 | COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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 CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
DAY 7 | 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.” This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
DAY 8 | AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Additional rooms in this category are available by request. If you would like to secure another room, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I can submit the request on your behalf.
Please note that the availability of these rooms is subject to confirmation by Avalon.
Additional rooms in this category are available by request. If you would like to secure another room, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I can submit the request on your behalf.
Please note that the availability of these rooms is subject to confirmation by Avalon.
Additional rooms in this category are available by request. If you would like to secure another room, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I can submit the request on your behalf.
Please note that the availability of these rooms is subject to confirmation by Avalon.
Additional rooms in this category are available by request. If you would like to secure another room, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I can submit the request on your behalf.
Please note that the availability of these rooms is subject to confirmation by Avalon.
Additional rooms in this category are available by request. If you would like to secure another room, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I can submit the request on your behalf.
Please note that the availability of these rooms is subject to confirmation by Avalon.
Pricing will be adjusted in Invoice once occupancy rate has been confirmed.
Subject to availability
If the odd chance that Avalon changes the hotel, rest assured that the same high standard of service and luxury would still be provided. They would make sure that any alternate property matches the quality, amenities, and overall experience you’re expecting, so your vacation remains seamless and enjoyable. You’ll still get that same level of excellence, from dining options to accommodations and activities, ensuring that your trip is everything you want it to be!
Pricing will be adjusted in Invoice once occupancy rate has been confirmed.
Subject to availability
If the odd chance that Avalon changes the hotel, rest assured that the same high standard of service and luxury would still be provided. They would make sure that any alternate property matches the quality, amenities, and overall experience you’re expecting, so your vacation remains seamless and enjoyable. You’ll still get that same level of excellence, from dining options to accommodations and activities, ensuring that your trip is everything you want it to be!