Romantic Rhine with Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound)

12 days
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River Cruise
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a ca...
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$6,207
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Canal cruise
    • Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk the Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or Freiburg sightseeing, or visit to a local winery in Breisach
    • Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
    • Transfer to Lake Como with stop and guided tour in Lugano
    • Como walking tour; boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio

What's this trip about?

    One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style 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. Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your vacation in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by motorcoach to Como and enjoy a stop and sightseeing on the way in Lugano. In Como an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
End CityLAKE COMO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Koblenz
  • Lake Como
  • Lucerne
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

During tulip season, you may take a Gu...

Day 2: AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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 Guided Opti...

Day 3: COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

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...

Day 4: RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, 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...

Day 5: MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Printing Halls, 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 City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the capt...

Day 6: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass...

Day 7: 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:

DISC...

Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS

Spectacular Views in Switzerland

This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus

CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central ...

Day 9: LUCERNE–LAKE COMO, ITALY

History in Grand View

CLASSIC En route to Como, enjoy a stop in Lugano and a guided sightseeing of this charming Swiss city.

Continue to Como, the city on the lake that bears its name. (Breakfast)

LAKE-COMO.jpg

Day 10: LAKE COMO

Legendary Lake Houses

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating Gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. CLASSIC Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of...

Day 11: LAKE COMO

Italian Beauty on the Banks

Enjoy a free day to explore Como and its surroundings at your own pace. Como offers you every kind of solutions for your spare time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or make shopping in the city centre. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!

(Breakfast)

LAKE-COMO-CAFE.jpg

Day 12: LAKE COMO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

LAKE-COMO-DETAIL.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,898
Price per day$408
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
09 Nov 2024
20 Nov 2024
$4,898
23 Nov 2024
04 Dec 2024
$4,898
08 Dec 2024
19 Dec 2024
$4,998
23 Mar 2025
03 Apr 2025
$4,926
10 May 2025
21 May 2025
$5,685
20 May 2025
31 May 2025
$5,775
03 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$5,775
17 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$5,775
21 Jun 2025
02 Jul 2025
$5,685
01 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$5,775

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,499
Great
139
Average
46
Disappointing
15
Terrible
46
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

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Stephanie Mantell

Jul 2024

Written on

A lot to recommend BUT .........

A beautiful boat, excellent food, although it would have been nice to experienced some international flavours eg: Japanese, Indian etc, however I could not fault the...

P

Patti Evans

Jul 2024

Written on

Fantastic service and experience

Well, speak as you find. I see many poor reviews of Avalon Waterways, but I have to say we have just returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Romantic Rhine from...

I

Ian S.

Jun 2024

Written on

Fantastic River Cruise With Avalon Waterways

My wife and I have just returned from our first River Cruise (Danube Dreams Westbound) operated by Avalon Waterways. This took us from Budapest in Hungary to Vilshof...

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

AstoriaIdeally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.LucerneSwitzerlandPilatusstrasse 29Barchetta ExcelsiorOverlooking Piazza Cavour, this modern 84-room hotel is just steps away from the shores of Lake Como with free Wi-Fi access available throughout. Italian and international cuisine is served in the Bistro restaurant on the ground floor where drinks and light meals can also be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace during the summer season. The American lobby bar offers the perfect place to unwind and relax with a drink.ComoItalyPiazza Cavour 1ComoComoItalyVia Mentana 28,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
WAZ|Romantic Rhine (Southbound) WAZ1|With Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como WAZ2|With 2 Nights in Lucerne WAZ3|With Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 2 Nights in Milan WAZ4|With 1 Night in Amsterdam, Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como WAZ5|With 1 Night in Amsterdam & 2 Nights in Lucerne WAZ6|With 1 Night in Amsterdam, Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 2 Nights in Milan WAZQ|With 1 Night in Amsterdam WZA|Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WAZ1

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