Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine with 2 Nights in Lucerne

17 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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River Cruise
Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. You’ll start your European vacation with a 2 night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking...
From$8,918
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to Switzerland
    • Guided walking tour with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
    • Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing of Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
    • Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the leg-endary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz
    • Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Travel from Amsterdam to Paris by high speed train; onboard welcome reception

What's this trip about?

    Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. You’ll start your European vacation with a 2 night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility). Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high speed train to start your Seine river cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.

Details

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

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Heidelberg
  • Koblenz
  • Lucerne
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Switzerland

The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.

LUCERNE-LION-MONUMENT.jpg

Day 2: LUCERNE

A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (Breakfast)

LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 3: LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

CLASSIC This morning enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

(Breakfast,Dinner)

MOUNT-PILATUS.jpg

Day 4: 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 Guided Tour...

Day 5: 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 Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as we...

Day 6: 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 to...

Day 7: 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 8: 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 heritage si...

Day 9: 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 tulip s...

Day 10: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

(Breakfast,Dinner)

AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

Day 11: VERNON

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, ho...

Day 12: CAUDEBEC

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built alon...

Day 13: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC Take a...

Day 14: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joa...

Day 15: CONFLANS

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided tou...

Day 16: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk...

Day 17: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

PARIS-MACARONS.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,918
Price per day$525
Last Updated: 6/19/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
04 May 2025
20 May 2025
$9,722
18 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$9,618
15 Jun 2025
01 Jul 2025
$9,743
29 Jun 2025
15 Jul 2025
$9,563
27 Jul 2025
12 Aug 2025
$9,577
10 Aug 2025
26 Aug 2025
$9,677
07 Sep 2025
23 Sep 2025
$10,134
21 Sep 2025
07 Oct 2025
$10,034
05 Oct 2025
21 Oct 2025
$9,818
19 Oct 2025
04 Nov 2025
$9,218

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

RenaissanceA 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. LucerneSwitzerlandPilatusstrasse 15Radisson 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 12Pullman Paris Tour EiffelEnjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.ParisFrance18,Avenue De Suffren,
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
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WZPQ

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