USTOA

Style : River cruise
The Best of the Rhine tour

The Best of the Rhine

Avalon Waterways Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
By Avalon Waterways
4.8 . Excellent
97%
Travel Style: N/A
Physical Level: Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
5 days
From: $ 2,214 $ 443 / day
Checking price
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Overview Itinerary Availability Reviews Details

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.

Style River cruise
Array
Itinerary Focus N/A
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions N/A
Start City FRANKFURT
End City BASEL

Theme

Cultural 50 plus Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

France Germany Switzerland

Attractions & Cities Visited

Basel Frankfurt Strasbourg

Activities & Interests

Culture River cruise

N/A
See more

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 River

DISCOVERY 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 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 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 Forest

DISCOVERY 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

Checking price
Price From $ 2,214
Price Per Day: $ 443 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
Apr-30-2023May-04-2023$ 2,214YesAvailable Reserve
Jun-11-2023Jun-15-2023$ 2,314YesAvailable Reserve
Jul-23-2023Jul-27-2023$ 2,214YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-11-2023Aug-15-2023$ 2,214YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-10-2023Sep-14-2023$ 2,414YesAvailable Reserve
May-26-2024May-30-2024$ 2,299YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-25-2024Sep-29-2024$ 2,449YesAvailable Reserve

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways .

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.

1,586 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

97%
4.8 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1,364
Great 131
Average 44
Disappointing 14
Terrible 33
Value
4.8
Guide
4.8
Activities
4.8
Lodging
4.8
Transportation
4.8
Meals
4.8

The Best of the Rhine

No reviews yet for this trip. Be the first one to write a review

Company Reviews

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.
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OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

World Class Experience

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was my first cruise, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was delighted at all the off-boat activities available to us, and I was gratified to experience so much of the country’s culture from the locally hired guides. The meals, drinks, and service on the boat were exceptional—and delivered in an approachable and welcoming way. The experience was world class!
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OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

Trip Insurance late but satisfactory payment

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
We submitted a critical review in January of the insurance payout delay due to contracting COVID at the beginning of the trip. We did acknowledge and wish to confirm that the crew and the cruise director, John did everything thing possible to make our confinement bearable. Since our critical review was based largely upon the slow 6 month delay did finally pay a satisfactory amount, we wish to amend our review up to 4 stars. We filed in August, 2022 and were paid what we expected but not until February, 2023.
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OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

Terrible customer service

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Terrible customer service
OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

Buyer BEWARE …

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
If you are use to Avalon in Europe BEWARE of Egypt. First it is not an Avalon boat - this was not made clear prior to arriving. In fact you share a boat with other non- Avalon cruises. The quality is significantly below the standard we were expecting based on our two prior Avalon experiences in France and The Danube - but the price remains just as high. The people (staff/guides) try hard and are sweet but the level of disorganization is monumental. itinerary continual changes, which would be OK if there was a process in place to have app match what gets sent via email, or there were paper schedules left in a defined place at hotels. We were told about the schedule for the first two days in Cairo verbally (after an 11 flight) as we were driving from airport to hotel - no hand out, no Avalon desk at hotel that we were told about to check back in, then schedule changed again and only found out accidentally.
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.
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OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

The trip insurance failed us and Avalon

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
We bought the expensive trip insurance through one of the sponsored companies. After being in Switzerland for 9 days where nobody was wearing masks we did not feel well on the bus ride from Zurich to Basel to board the boat. We immediately took precaution by asking for a Covid test. The man who gave the test was very quick with the steps and did not wait the prescribed time to test. The results were negative and we were invited to be part of the bon voyage celebration and dinner. The next day my wife felt worse and we asked for another Covid test. This time a woman took the time to do it correctly and my wife was positive. I was there also positive the next day. We agreed to stay in our cabin for the 8 day duration of the trip. The staff treated us well and room service food was appreciated. The Cruise director, Robert was kind thoughtful and generously upgraded our room. Unfortunately, 6 months since then insurance company has yet to pay for our loss of all the attributes of cruising on the Rhine. We would give it a second try but are leery of the lack of service by the insurance company.
Read more
OperatorAvalon Waterways Company Reviews

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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