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

12 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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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...
$6,207
From$5,298
See departure dates

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour
    • 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
    • Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility (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 (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) 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!

Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

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

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Popular 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.

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary ...

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: RHINE GORGE–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: KEHL. EXCURSION TO 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: CLASSIC ...

Day 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–SWISS ALPS

Spectacular Views in Switzerland

This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer which will bring you in the heart of Swiss Alps.

CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessi...

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)

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. There is no shortage of ways to explore Lake Como with free time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping in the city centre. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!

(Breakfast)

Day 12: LAKE COMO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,298
Price per day$442
Last Updated: 3/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
10 May 2025
21 May 2025
$5,685
Please Call
20 May 2025
31 May 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
03 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
17 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
21 Jun 2025
02 Jul 2025
$5,685
Please Call
01 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
15 Jul 2025
26 Jul 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
19 Jul 2025
30 Jul 2025
$5,685
Available
29 Jul 2025
09 Aug 2025
$5,775
Sold Out
02 Aug 2025
13 Aug 2025
$5,685
Available

Gateway city for departures is Milan. Port charges are included. Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

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.

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
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Westcord Jakarta

A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Javakade 766

Movenpick Amsterdam City

A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Piet Heinkade 11

Radisson Blu

Situated on the shore of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by Swiss mountains, this contemporary 189-room hotel is conveniently located close to the historic Old Town with many shops and restaurants just a short walk away. Spacious, light-filled guest rooms have large floor-to-ceiling windows with a stylish chic decor and amenities include air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, minibars and Free Wi-Fi internet access. Mediterranean dishes are served in the LUCE Restaurant with an outdoor terrace for Summer dining, creative cocktails can be enjoyed in the LUCE Bar and a great selection of vintage wines are available in the LUCE Wine Lounge. On-site services include a fitness center on the fifth floor, a sauna, a steam bath and a relaxation room with a view of Mount Pilatus. Room service is delivered by the hotel's resident robot butler, aptly named" Jeeves" after the legendary quintessential butler invented by British-American author P.G. Wodehouse.

Lucerne

Switzerland

Inseliquai 12

Renaissance

A contemporary 87-room hotel set in an elegant turn-of-the-century building located in the heart of Lucerne. Amenities include a lively South American-inspired restaurant, hip cocktail bar, small fitness center, and a contemporary lounge area where complimentary tea and coffee can be enjoyed during the day.

Lucerne

Switzerland

Pilatusstrasse 15

Barchetta Excelsior

Overlooking 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.

Como

Italy

Piazza Cavour 1

Como

Located just 10 minutes walk from the historic center, the hotel has 79 spacious, air-conditioned rooms, all fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi access, minibar, desk, safe and a private bathroom, equipped with hairdryer and free toiletries. The seasonal panoramic swimming pool is located on the terrace and has a bar service with hot and cold dishes, drinks, snacks and cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere with background music. The breakfast buffet provides a wide range of choice between sweet and savory, hot and cold delicious products.

Como

Italy

Via Mentana 28

Sheraton Lake Como Hotel

Set in a leafy park with magnolia and cedar trees, this 137-room hotel is tucked away in a peaceful location just a few minutes' walk from the shores of Lake Como. The property features an outdoor seasonal heated swimming pool, a free gym, and a wellness area. The town of Cernobbio and the city center of Como are easy to reach by frequent public bus rides that stop in front of the hotel (with tickets available at the Reception desk). The spacious air-conditioned guestrooms are elegantly furnished with parquet flooring and feature a minibar, a 48" LED TV with satellite channels, and a marble bathroom. The modern public areas are decorated in a range of natural materials in a neutral palette with handcrafted Italian furniture, and free Wi-Fi Internet is available throughout. The hotel boasts three in-house restaurants with a choice of both gourmet and traditional dishes including pizza and grilled meats. There is also a large breakfast room and two bars for drinks and cocktails.

Como

Italy

Via Per Cernobbio,S/N

Travel Insurance
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WAZ1

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