Romantic Rhine (Southbound) (Illumination)
Romantic Rhine (Southbound) (Illumination)
$4622
Romantic Rhine (Southbound) (Illumination)
8 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Basel, Switzerland
Visiting: Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg, Kehl, Breisach, Basel
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Romantic Rhine (Southbound) (Illumination)" river cruise, exploring the heart of Europe through Germany, Holland, and Switzerland. Begin your adventure in Amsterdam with a warm onboard reception, followed by a choice of a canal cruise or a walking tour. Discover Cologne's rich history, cruise through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, and visit the charming town of Rudesheim. Experience the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle and the picturesque streets of Strasbourg. Delight in the natural beauty of the Black Forest or explore Freiburg's medieval charm. Conclude your voyage in Basel, Switzerland, with memories of breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cultures. This cruise offers a perfect blend of guided tours, leisure time, and optional excursions, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience along the iconic Rhine River.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam,Holland (Embarkation)
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 19 will embark in Rotterdam with slight modifications to the itinerary.
AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 19 will embark in Rotterdam with slight modifications to the itinerary.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Due to “SAIL Amsterdam” event coinciding with August 19 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age."
AMSTERDAM* Canals of Colorful AmsterdamJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age." This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)* Due to “SAIL Amsterdam” event coinciding with August 19 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Day 3: Cologne,Germany
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland 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 of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 4: Rhine Gorge,Rüdesheim
Location: Rhine Gorge
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn route to Rüdesheim, 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 Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 5: Mainz. Excursion To Heidelberg
Location: Heidelberg
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.”
MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, OR: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.”EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL (B,L,D)
Day 6: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg,France
Location: Kehl
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.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 the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or 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 7: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
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: CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
Day 8: Basel,Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Location: Basel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.(B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Amsterdam at Movenpick Amsterdam City and Westcord Jakarta, and in Zurich at Renaissance Zurich Tower.
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Meals
Daily meals are included as indicated: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D).
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and the Black Forest.
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Onboard Entertainment
Live entertainment is provided onboard during the cruise.
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Adventure Host Activities
Activities with an Adventure Host are included, such as hiking and biking tours.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas if required.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as visits to Keukenhof gardens or Zaanse Schans, are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is the responsibility of the traveler to arrange.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Rhine, with embarkation in Amsterdam and disembarkation in Basel, exploring picturesque towns and cities along the way.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Movenpick Amsterdam City and Westcord Jakarta in Amsterdam, and the Renaissance Zurich Tower in Zurich.
Direction
Southbound
Notes
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Due to “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 19th will start in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available in Amsterdam during the tour?
In Amsterdam, you can choose between a guided canal cruise or an off-the-beaten-path walking tour. During tulip season, there is an optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens, and outside of tulip season, an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and Dutch houses.
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What can I expect to see during the cruise through the Rhine Gorge?
During the cruise through the Rhine Gorge, you will enjoy breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei.
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What are the options for excursions in Cologne?
In Cologne, you can choose between a guided walking tour of the city's highlights, a Jewish Heritage walking tour, or a bike ride with your Adventure Host.
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What unique experience is offered in Rüdesheim?
In Rüdesheim, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a unique instrumental experience and enjoy a tasting of authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
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What are the excursion options in Strasbourg?
In Strasbourg, you can join a guided sightseeing tour that includes the La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral, or you can explore the city by bike with your Adventure Host.
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What can I do during the excursion to the Black Forest?
During the excursion to the Black Forest, you can join a full-day guided tour to the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, you can explore Freiburg's medieval city center.
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.