Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

16 days
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River Cruise
This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland. Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The ...
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$9,636
From$7,598
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to Switzerland
    • Zürich orientation tour; stop in Biel/Bienne, explore the historical center; Stop in lakeside Neuchâtel
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the Reformation Park
    • See the Rhône vineyards in Évian-Les-Bains; visit the castle in Gruyères; visit the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc
    • Orientation tour in Gstaad; travel to Grindelwald
    • Visit to the Jungfraujoch railway station
    • See the Bear Park, the Old Town and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden in Berne; travel to Lucerne
    • Walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge
    • Travel to Basel; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host

What's this trip about?

    This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland. Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge. Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

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

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Geneva
  • Grindelwald
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Innsbruck
  • Koblenz
  • Lake Como
  • Lucerne
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Vienna
  • Zermatt
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

(Dinner)

ZURICH-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 2: ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA

Swiss Strolls in Geneva ZURICH An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumünsterkirche. BIEL/BIENNE Enjoy free time at the historical district. NEUCHÂTEL Free time for lunch en route to Geneva. 174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in lov...

Day 3: GENEVA

Grandeur in Geneva GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & TRADITION Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in t...

Day 4: GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–BROC– GRUYÈRE AREA, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA

How Sweet it Is ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS Enjoy free time to browse. GRUYÈRES Globus Local Favorite Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème. BROC [LF] Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tas...

Day 5: GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD

Spectacular Switzerland GSTAAD Orientation walk and free time to browse. INTERLAKEN Free time to explore. GRINDELWALD Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. 87 mi / 140 km FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th cent...

Day 6: GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU

The Top of Europe GRINDELWALD Join an excursion to the Globus Local Favorite Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey ...

Day 7: GRINDELWALD–BERNE–LUCERNE

Alpine Attraction BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch. LUCERNE Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening. 112 mi / 180 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGH...

Day 8: LUCERNE

Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the olde...

Day 9: LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

(Breakfast,Dinner)

BASEL-SUNSET.jpg

Day 10: 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 Guid...

Day 11: 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 s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clo...

Day 12: 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 Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure t...

Day 13: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

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;...

Day 14: 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 herita...

Day 15: 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 ...

Day 16: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,598
Price per day$475
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 May 2025
17 May 2025
$7,928
09 May 2025
24 May 2025
$7,958
16 May 2025
31 May 2025
$7,958
23 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$8,478
30 May 2025
14 Jun 2025
$8,068
06 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$8,068
13 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$8,068
20 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$8,578
27 Jun 2025
12 Jul 2025
$8,068
04 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$8,618

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

S

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

Sheraton ZurichA newly opened 197 room hotel set in an urban cosmopolitan district with a cozy lobby lounge fireplace and complimentary wireless internet access in public areas. The à-la-carte restaurant has an emphasis on fresh regional food with exciting cooking displays and there is a hip Italian hotel bar serving snacks and drinks as well as a fitness room for workouts.ZurichSwitzerlandPfingstweidstrasse 100Renaissance Zurich TowerThis 300 room luxury hotel is housed in a modern tower building located in the vibrant Zurich West quarter. The exclusive Grill restaurant serves urban cuisine and the lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and cocktails. Other amenities include a fitness area on the 15th floor with city views, sauna and steam bath.ZurichSwitzerlandTurbinenstrasse 20Royal ManotelIn the heart of Geneva, this 203 room hotel welcomes you into a warm cozy atmosphere, where you will be met with tradition in a neoclassical ambiance with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the hotel. Dining options include an upscale restaurant, a bistro and bar and leisure facilities comprise of a fitness area, sauna and hammam.GeneveSwitzerland41-43, Rue De LausanneCaillerA charming 63 room chalet style hotel set in a magnificent natural setting in the Freiburg foothills of the Alps with two restaurants, a bar and Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The hotel is connected to the thermal baths of La Gruyère which include indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, Turkish steam bath and Spa facilities.CharmeySwitzerland Gros Plan 28Sunstar HotelEnjoying a quiet yet central location in the popular Alpine resort of Grindelwald which has beautiful unspoilt panoramic views of the famous North Face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. This 217 room chalet style property has a stylish lobby bar area with open fireplace and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access, two restaurants, a fitness centre and also boasts a wellness oasis with swimming pool, steambath and sauna.GrindelwaldSwitzerlandDorfstrasse 168AstoriaIdeally 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 29Movenpick Amsterdam CityA 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. AmsterdamNetherlandsPiet Heinkade 11,
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Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-XZH5

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