The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

18 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace—former home to the long-reigning Habsb...
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$10,635
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Austria
    • Guided sightseeing, see the Ringstrasse, Heldenplatz, and visit Schönbrunn Palace
    • Danube cruise and visit to The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee; guided walking tour in Salzburg
    • Day at leisure
    • Walk through the Old Town, see the Golden Roof in Innsbruck; travel to St. Moritz
    • Panoramic trip onboard of the Glacier Express train to Zermatt
    • Day at leisure
    • Visit Chillon Castle; travel to Berne
    • Guided walking tour in Berne, see the Bear Park and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden; travel to Lucerne
    • Morning walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge; private boat cruise and farewell dinner at a local restaurant

What's this trip about?

    This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace—former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel first class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for 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 visit 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. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic 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 fabulous land and river cruise adventure!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityWELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Colmar
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Innsbruck
  • Koblenz
  • Lucerne
  • Rudesheim
  • Salzburg
  • St. Moritz
  • Strasbourg
  • Vienna
  • Zermatt
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA

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

(Dinner)

VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg

Day 2: VIENNA

City of Dreams VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna’s spectacular Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Sit...

Day 3: VIENNA–KREMS–MONDSEE–SALZBURG

The Blue Danube KREMS Take a delightful Danube River cruise. MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church. SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. 193 mi / 310 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and...

Day 4: SALZBURG

The Birthplace of Mozart SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque arch...

Day 5: SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

Heavenly Hills of Switzerland INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. 236 mi / 380 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swis...

Day 6: ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT

All Aboard in the Alps CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with lunch served on board. 149 mi / 240 km

LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz...

Day 7: ZERMATT

Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day.

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss. (Breakfast,Dinner)

ZERMATT-TOWN.jpg

Day 8: ZERMATT–BERNE

Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch. CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. 155 mi / 250 km

LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the st...

Day 9: BERNE–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE

Coming up Roses in Berne BERNE Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. 75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “Ci...

Day 10: LUCERNE

Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning ...

Day 11: LUCERNE–BASEL (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 12: 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 13: 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 the Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical ...

Day 14: 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 treas...

Day 15: 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 experi...

Day 16: COLOGNE

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 17: 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.”

D...

Day 18: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,268
Price per day$459
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Apr 2025
17 May 2025
$9,098
07 May 2025
24 May 2025
$8,678
14 May 2025
31 May 2025
$8,678
21 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$8,678
28 May 2025
14 Jun 2025
$8,678
04 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$8,698
11 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$8,698
18 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$9,208
25 Jun 2025
12 Jul 2025
$8,698
02 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$8,698

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
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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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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

MGallery am Konzerthaus This 211-room upscale property offers Free Wi-Fi access in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A mix of both Viennese and Mediterranean cuisine is offered in the stylish restaurant, whilst drinks can be enjoyed in the nostalgic charm of the lounge bar which has original décor from the Orient Express.WienAustriaAm Heumarkt 35-37Imlauer Hotel Pitter SalzburgLocated in center of Salzburg, walking distance to Mirabell Gardens and Mirabell Palace - 15 minutes to WA Mozart Airport.SalzburgAustriaRainerstrasse 6-8Hotel SteffaniA quintessential Alpine retreat enjoying a fantastic location in the heart of St. Moritz, just a stone's throw from the chic boutiques and funicular stations. This family-owned traditional hotel dates back to 1869 and offers 60 guestrooms furnished with local murals and high-quality materials. The hotel boasts 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a state of the art spa area with indoor pool, steam bath and sauna. St. MoritzSwitzerlandSonnenplatzPolluxChalet style hotel with modern comforts and amenities, restaurant, sauna and solarium; located near the Gornergrat station.ZermattSwitzerlandBahnhofstrasse, 28Best Western Plus Hotel Bern"Offering contemporary comfort, this hotel impresses with its excellent city center location right next to the historic ""Zytglogge"" Tower and close to the French Church. The impressive Art Nouveau facade conceals a modern interior with a timeless design, all 116 air-condoned guest rooms have a telephone, radio, television, Free Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machine, hairdryer and safe. Guests have complimentary access to a fitness center and The ""Volkshaus 1914"" restaurant is a popular culinary meeting place with a stylish interior, drinks can be enjoyed in the Attika-bar which offers breathtaking views over the old roofs of the city. " BernSwitzerlandZeughausgasse 9,Holiday Inn Bern WestsideEnjoy a Great Location at the Westside Shopping and Leisure Centre when you Book the Holiday Inn Bern-Westside Hotel. This chocolate-themed hotel is only 200 meters away from the Toblerone factory and is linked to Daniel Libeskind's Westside Centre, putting a wide range of shops and restaurants at your doorstep.BerneSwitzerlandRiedbachstrasse 96AstoriaIdeally 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 29Radisson BluSituated 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. LucerneSwitzerlandInseliquai 12Movenpick 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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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-XZC5

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