Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
The Best of the Rhine

Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Onboard welcome reception
- Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei.
- Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
- Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach
- Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel
- Relax on the Sky Deck and 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
Short Description
Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. Relax on the Sky Deck and 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 Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic 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. Before the end of your European river cruise vacation, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Itinerary
Day 1
FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Frankfurt must arrive before 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT CRUISE(D)
Day 2
RHINE GORGE The Most Beautiful View of the Rhine RiverDISCOVERY While sailing enjoy a cup of Rüdesheimer Coffee, a local drink prepared mixing brandy and sugar, topped with coffee and a layer of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.Enjoy a relaxing day onboard and 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—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host to discover today’s special activities and classes.DISCOVERY Enjoy a wine tasting onboard.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)
Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE 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 clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)
Day 4
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY 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: DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
Day 5
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
Availability
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1,586 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
The Best of the Rhine
Company Reviews
Memorable cruise on the Mekong
World Class Experience
Trip Insurance late but satisfactory payment
Terrible customer service
Buyer BEWARE …
The hotel in Cairo was lovely - but once on the boat on the Nile, it was so tacky, tired, smelly old carpet - the complete opposite of the Avalon boats we had been on. The worst part was that we introduced our friends to Avalon on this trip - and we are sooo embarrassed that this is the experience they are having. They certainly won’t become Avalon travelers.
My favorite was when we found out about the boat NOT being an Avalon boat - the guide said ‘don’t expect this to be like the European Avalon experiences - this will be good for Egypt’ WHAT!!!!?!?! Are you kidding. Maybe Avalon and Egypt need to get their act together. This has so damaged my view of Avalon we are not sure we will ever use them again - and we loved them prior to this experience. Deceptive, over rated, really so very disappointing.
The trip insurance failed us and Avalon
Details
Deck & Cabin Plans

Accommodations
Renaissance Zurich Tower
This 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.
Zurich
Switzerland
Turbinenstrasse 20
Trip ID#:
AVALON-WWZ
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