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 wine tasting
- 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 Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Learn about German winemaking in the vineyards of Baden, 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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1,479 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
The Best of the Rhine
Company Reviews
Would never book with Avalon again.
Disappointed on the cruise from Croatia to…
1. Dissatisfied with food:
a. The food quality was not even close to mediocre. Frozen foods were utilized to make dishes.
b. There was not even one day when the food tasted good. Even the desserts were horrible.
c. Choice of restaurants and menu items outside on excursions was horrible.
3. Cleanliness on the ship was not up to the mark. There were cob webs everywhere in the room. So many mosquitoes, moths, spiders and other bugs were everywhere.
4. There were no social evening activities planned. There was one informational talk at 6:45 pm by cruise director followed by dinner every night.
5. Enthusiasm of the staff members was low. They did not interact nor engaged in activities nor conversations.
6. For physical activity on the ship, there was a tiny gym on board and one 30 minute stretch class at 6:30am daily.
Overall we were very disappointed with Avalon waterways and will not be recommending it to any one in the future.
I have very good time in Europe trip…
German grandour East bound
Rooms-we stayed in the Panoramic suite. Wonderful room with big sliding doors. So nice to cruise with door open. Beds were extremely comfortable too.
Food- amazing!!! They really cater to your needs. The drinks flowed freely at lunch and dinner too.
I highly recommend this cruise. We will be back!
Ship was Tranquility II.
Danube cruise with Transylvania…
Beautiful ship with much larger cabins than many of its competitors. Pleasant public areas. Excellent, friendly, helpful staff.
The food was OK, but not wonderful. The soups tasted too similar and often had an oily skin. A prawn cocktail with one (!) prawn is not a prawn cocktail. Food was obviously cooked well in advance and kept hot, so the meat and fish was often dried out.
The tours and guides were good, especially the optional Puszta tour to a ranch, preceded by a Budapest city tour. Really enjoyable.
However, a lot of the tours were rushed. There was only enough time for a quick guided tour of the museum at Constanza and Lepenski Vir, then we had to rush back for meals, instead of having an extra 20 - 30 minutes to look around on our own.
As a superficial introduction to the region it is fine, but much too rushed to be really enjoyable.
Amsterdam Active Discovery was Amazing
Details
Deck & Cabin Plans
Optional Activities
WWZ|The Best of the Rhine
WWZ1|With 2 Nights in Lucerne
WWZ2|With 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne
WWZQ|With 2 Nights in Frankfurt
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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