Style : River cruise
The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne tour

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

Avalon Waterways Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
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*)
9 days
From: $ 3,632 $ 404 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • 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
  • 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

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. 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.

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 LUCERNE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Destinations

France Germany Switzerland

Attractions & Cities Visited

Basel Frankfurt Heidelberg Lucerne Strasbourg

Activities & Interests

Culture River cruise

N/A
See more

Itinerary

Day 1

FRANKFURT, GERMANY Welcome to Germany.

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

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.

(B)

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

(D)

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 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 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 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 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:

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 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 central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).

LUCERNE

A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.

(B)

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.

(B)

Day 9

LUCERNE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,632
Price Per Day: $ 404 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
Apr-28-2023May-06-2023$ 3,632NoPlease Call Reserve
Jun-09-2023Jun-17-2023$ 3,732YesAvailable Reserve
Jul-21-2023Jul-29-2023$ 3,632YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-09-2023Aug-17-2023$ 3,632YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-08-2023Sep-16-2023$ 3,832YesAvailable Reserve
May-24-2024Jun-01-2024$ 3,717YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-23-2024Oct-01-2024$ 3,867YesAvailable 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 with 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne

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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.
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

Terrible customer service

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Terrible customer service

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.
Read more

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.
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Details

Deck & Cabin Plans

Accommodations



The Westin Grand Frankfurt

This 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.


Frankfurt
Germany
Konrad-Adenauer Str. 7

Astoria

Ideally 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.


Lucerne
Switzerland
Pilatusstrasse 29

Trip ID#:

AVALON-WWZ2

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