The Rhine & Moselle – Northbound

13 days
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River Cruise
Embark on this exciting river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and explore everything the Moselle and Rhine Rivers have to offer as you stop at interesting and unique cities in France and Germany—and end in lively Amsterdam, Holland. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—known to be the gateway to Germany’s famous Black F...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in Colmar
    • Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
    • Guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat
    • Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treat; cruise through the Rhine Gorge
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, or visit Sayn Manor House
    • Guided walk; wine tasting
    • Choice of guided tour in Metz, or excursion to the Maginot Line area
    • Choices of guided tour, or “Roman Trier” tour, see the Porta Nigra
    • Free time in Beilstein; excursion to a medieval castle

What's this trip about?

    Embark on this exciting river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and explore everything the Moselle and Rhine Rivers have to offer as you stop at interesting and unique cities in France and Germany—and end in lively Amsterdam, Holland. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—known to be the gateway to Germany’s famous Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, then head for the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before coming to the charming wine village of Bernkastel! Here, you’ll go on a guided walk and taste some of the famed Moselle wines! Visit a medieval castle, then sail back into the Rhine and explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which straddles both sides of the Rhine River. Your river cruise vacation ends in marvelous Amsterdam where there is much to see! Discover the treasures of this popular, historic city on a canal cruise which takes you through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Don’t miss your chance to discover the treasures you’ll cherish along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBASEL
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Boppard
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Koblenz
  • Luxembourg
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Trier
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest CLASSIC Visit the charming village of Colmar on a Guided Tour of its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, OR: DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Visit ...

Day 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE Gothic Giants and Varietal Vintages CLASSIC Take a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may cho...

Day 4

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Philosophers’ Views, a Hilltop Castle, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its fam...

Day 5

RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. DISCOVERY Based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

Day 6

KOBLENZ Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares and monuments, OR: CLASSIC Visit the Sayn Manor House on a Guided Tour. Spend free time on a cable-car ride,...

Day 7

BERNKASTEL Gracious German Vineyards of the Moselle Valley CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber-framed houses. DISCOVERY Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO THIONVILLE (B,L,D)

Day 8

THIONVILLE, FRANCE Ornate Palaces, Opera Houses, and Old Battle Lines CLASSIC Visit the historic Maginot Line—pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion to Metz—a city with 3,000 years ...

Day 9

GREVENMACHER, LUXEMBOURG. EXCURSION TO TRIER Ancient Worlds, Old World Charm, and World-Class Wine This morning you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge ...

Day 10

BEILSTEIN, GERMANY The Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle Enjoy free time in Beilstein—known as the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle” for its castle-dotted hills, vineyards, and inviting village of the Moselle River Valley. Go for a morning bike ride through the unspoile...

Day 11

COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites. Don’t miss the chance to ...

Day 12

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Join a Guided Optional Bike Excursion in the ...

Day 13

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,799
Price per day$369
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

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.

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Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

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It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

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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

Radisson Blu Airport This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel. Zurich Switzerland Zuerich Flughafen Moevenpick Amsterdam City A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain. Amsterdam Netherlands Piet Heinkade 11,
Travel Insurance
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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
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WARZ|Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
Trip ID
AVALON-WZRA

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