The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne

9 days
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River Cruise
Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Frankfurt, with guided sightseeing of this charming city. Enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®. Relax on the Sky Deck and p...
24%
$4,903
From$3,737
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to Frankfurt
    • Guided tour
    • Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; 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 or Freiburg guided tour
    • Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
    • Full day at leisure
    • Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel
    • Before your cruise, spend two nights in Frankfurt, with guided sightseeing of this charming city

What's this trip about?

    Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Frankfurt, with guided sightseeing of this charming city. Enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®. 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. Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a 2-night stay, including a walking tour, in Lucerne. Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a wonderful European vacation.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityFRANKFURT, GERMANY
End CityLUCERNE

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France

Attractions

  • Basel
  • Frankfurt
  • Heidelberg
  • Lucerne
  • Strasbourg

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

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Itinerary

Day 1: FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Welcome to Germany.

Your day in Frankfurt is free to explore at your leisure.

FRANKFURT-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 2: FRANKFURT

Charm in Frankfurt

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.

(Breakfast)

FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg

Day 3: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG (EMBARKATION)

Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel." Sail to Rüdesheim while having dinner on your first night onboard.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

(Dinner)

HEIDELBERG.jpg

Day 4: 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 ...

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 w...

Day 6: 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:

DIS...

Day 7: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS

Spectacular views in Switzerland

This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer to Mount Pilatus.

CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over centra...

Day 8: LUCERNE

Lake and Mountains

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. 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.

(Breakfast)

LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 9: LUCERNE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

LUCERNE-CITY.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,737
Price per day$415
Last Updated: 4/18/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
24 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$3,737
Available
23 Sep 2024
01 Oct 2024
$3,887
Please Call

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

The Westin Grand FrankfurtThis classic luxury 371-room hotel offers high quality service and an excellent location, just steps away from the famous Zeil shopping mile and exclusive Goethestrasse with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the property. Three restaurants and bars offer a great choice of cusine to suit every palate, you may choose between regional or international cuisine, Japanese sushi & teppanyaki as well as Chinese. For relaxation and revitalization, there is an indoor swimming pool and fitness area complete with Finnish sauna and steam room.FrankfurtGermanyKonrad-Adenauer Str. 7AstoriaIdeally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.LucerneSwitzerlandPilatusstrasse 29,
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
Trip ID
AVALON-WWZ2

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