The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound)

11 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
Your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as Holland’s capital of Amsterdam. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a loca...
24%
$6,595
From$4,999
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or bike with your Adventure Host or guided tour of Freiburg
    • Choice of guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or visit Schwetzingen Castle or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host; free time in Rüdesheim in the evening
    • Cruise through the Rhine Gorge; in Koblenz choice of guided tour or visit to Sayn Manor House or bike tour with your Adventure Host
    • Guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host
    • Excursion to Luxembourg; guided tour in Trier, see the Porta Nigra or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided tour, visit Reichsburg Castle or visit to Bundesbank bunker or bike tour with Adventure Host; free time in Alken
    • Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of Canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

What's this trip about?

    Your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as Holland’s capital of Amsterdam. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and its fascinating astronomical clock. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, then sail for the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge for the most beautiful view 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 spans both sides of the Rhine River. Your river cruise vacation ends in marvelous Amsterdam. Take in the sights on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Luxembourg

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Heidelberg
  • 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 or Basel 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

(Dinner)

BASEL-SUNSET.jpg

Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guid...

Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well...

Day 4: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Philosophers’ Views and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: CLASSIC Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palac...

Day 5: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Breathtaking Views

This morning leave Rüdesheim after breakfast and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz.

KOBLENZ

Fortress Walls and Manor Halls

ACTIVE Explore Koblenz's Mose...

Day 6: BERNKASTEL

Hillside Vines and German Wines

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

This morning enjoy a leisurely sailing.

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for an hike in this beautiful area, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the...

Day 7: GREVENMACHER. EXCURSION TO LUXEMBOURG

Ancient Worlds and Old World Charm

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain. During lunch time enjoy a short sailing to Trier.

TRIER, GERMANY Ancient World...

Day 8: COCHEM

The Charm of the Moselle Valley

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Bike along the Mosel river with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit the former bunker of Germany's Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank...

Day 9: COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk ...

Day 10: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During ...

Day 11: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,999
Price per day$454
Last Updated: 3/13/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 May 2024
09 Jun 2024
$5,399
Sold Out
25 Aug 2024
04 Sep 2024
$5,199
Available
29 Sep 2024
09 Oct 2024
$5,399
Please Call
19 Oct 2024
29 Oct 2024
$5,099
Available
27 May 2025
06 Jun 2025
$5,399
Available
06 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025
$5,199
Available
26 Jul 2025
05 Aug 2025
$5,199
Available
14 Aug 2025
24 Aug 2025
$5,199
Available
03 Sep 2025
13 Sep 2025
$5,299
Available
31 Oct 2025
10 Nov 2025
$4,999
Available

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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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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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

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. ZurichSwitzerlandZuerich FlughafenDouble Tree by Hilton Amsterdam Central StationAn ultra modern 553-room hotel set in the heart of the city's historic district. The centerpiece of this property is the 11th-floor SkyLounge rooftop bar with outdoor seating offering some of the best views of Amsterdam and its river. There's also a cafe restaurant, a Starbucks coffee stand, and a 24-hour fitness center and lobby bar with library. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.AmsterdamNetherlandsOosterdoksstraat 4,
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
Optional Activities
WZH|The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) WZH1|With 2 Nights in Lucerne
Trip ID
AVALON-WZH

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