Romantic Rhine with Paris & London - Northbound

Highlights

• Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise. Enjoy a special treat in Rüdesheim.

What's this trip about?

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the remarkable Rhine. Enjoy guided sightseeing and a visit of the charming La Petite France district in Strasbourg, situated on the France/Germany border and a showcase of both cultures. Choices abound in Koblenz and Cologne! First, choose between guided sightseeing and a visit to Sayn Manor House in Koblenz; then, join the guided city walk in Cologne—or opt for the Jewish Heritage walk. An included excursion to Heidelberg shows off the remarkable castle with its room-sized wine barrel; a stop in the pretty wine village of Rudesheim features a visit to Siegfried’s mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and a special treat; and time in Mainz includes a visit to the fascinating Gutenberg Museum. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river, which is dotted every mile with castle ruins; see the legendary Lorelei rock and learn its eerie folklore; and explore Amsterdam from a different point of view…on a cruise through its Golden Age canals. After disembarking your Avalon cruise ship in Amsterdam, we transfer you by high-speed train to Paris for your exciting Monograms extension. We've arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the train stations, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the cities, so we've arranged the services of friendly and knowledgeable Local Hosts® to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. The moment you arrive in Paris, you’ll feel the magic. We know the very best place to photograph the iconic Eiffel Tower, and we’ll take you there to take your shots! We’ll also take you to Notre Dame Cathedral to admire its amazing stained-glass Rose Window, then for a different perspective of the city, we've arranged for you to enjoy a cruise along the Seine. With three overnights, the “City of Light” is yours for discovering. Next, bid “Au Revoir” as an included high-speed train transfer whisks you from Paris to London for three nights and plenty of time to investigate just what makes England so jolly. We’ll pick you up at your hotel for exclusive, guided sightseeing with a local expert. You'll hear the inside stories around places like Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married, and the Houses of Parliament. We’ll take you inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, the iconic cathedral where Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married. We’ll also take you to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if available). In both cities you’ll have a full day to explore on your own. From Paris, perhaps join an excursion to Fountainebleau Castle and Château de Vaux le Vicomte, journey to Disneyland® Paris for a day of fun, or visit the Carnavalet Museum, dedicated to the history of Paris. In London, you may want to step back in time on a guided afternoon Classic Rock & Beatles tour, see the “Beefeaters” at the Tower of London, ride a red double-decker bus or the “Tube,” or take in a West End theater show.

Accommodation