Romantic Rhine with Lucerne

10 days
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River Cruise
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Begin your river cruise journey in the beautiful Swiss city of Lucerne. See the impressive Lion Monument and walk across the famous Chapel Bridge. Also, enjoy free time to explore on your own ...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Guided walk, see the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge; Mount Pilatus excursion
    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Visit a woodcarver’s workshop or visit a Black Forest open-air museum Day 5 Strasbourg:
    • Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
    • Guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
    • Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and enjoy a special treat; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; guided walk in Koblenz Day 8 Cologne:
    • Choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk Day 9 Amsterdam:
    • Canal cruise Day 10 Amsterdam (Disembarkation):
    • One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Begin your river cruise journey in the beautiful Swiss city of Lucerne
    • See the impressive Lion Monument and walk across the famous Chapel Bridge

What's this trip about?

    One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Begin your river cruise journey in the beautiful Swiss city of Lucerne. See the impressive Lion Monument and walk across the famous Chapel Bridge. Also, enjoy free time to explore on your own before heading to Basel where you’ll board your vessel. Then, make your way to Breisach, Germany, located at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find 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. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Also, 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, and stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with an impressive collection of historical self-playing instruments. You’ll pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral. Your wonderful Rhine river cruise concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, which offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amongst the classic architecture and charming canals. A canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age” is the perfect way to see the treasures of this city.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLucerne
End CityAmsterdam (Disembarkation)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands

Attractions

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

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Lucerne. Welcome to Lucerne! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River.

Day 2

Lucerne. On your GUIDED WALK this morning, admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. This afternoon, you are free to explore on your own. (B)

Day 3

Lucerne–Basel (Embarkation). This morning, another true Swiss experience: a trip to the top of nearby MOUNT PILATUS, the “Guard of Lucerne,” for spectacular vistas over Lucerne, its lake, and the Alpine scenery. Departures October 25 to November 2 will visit the Swiss...

Day 4

Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. The area got its name because the pine forests are...

Day 5

Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. On your walking tour, you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with ...

Day 6

Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany–Mainz. This morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, which was founded in 1386. Visit the ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissa...

Day 7

Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz. This morning, dock in pretty Rüdesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th...

Day 8

Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B,L,D)

Day 9

Amsterdam, Holland. Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. There is no better way to...

Day 10

Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,398
Price per day$340
Last Updated: 11/14/2018

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

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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

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 The Hotel Lucerne Designed by the celebrated Parisian architect Jean Nouvel, the hotel is tranquilly and centrally situated next to a pleasant park in the heart of Lucerne. The KKL Culture and Congress Center, the historic quarter with its lake promenade and the train station are all accessible with a 5 minute walk. Celebrating simplicity and spirituality as much as elegance and refinement, the hotel aims to create a unique environment. This idea has been embraced wholeheartedly in the artistic interior which boldly incorporates an imaginative decor, creative features, and inventive touches such as pictures on the ceiling. Lucerne Switzerland Sempacherstrasse 14 Moevenpick 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,
Cancellation policy

Travel Protection payments are always non-refundable once purchased, and will be added to the cancellation fees noted below.

Standard Cancellation Fees

90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price*

59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*

29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price*

On departure day and later: 100% of total price*

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 .
Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WZA|Romantic Rhine – Northbound WZAE-T1|Festive Time Departure
Trip ID
AVALON-WZAE

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