13 DAYS FROM $3,999 US
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This exciting river cruise vacation has it all! Begin in Amsterdam with a cruise through the city’s enchanting canals. Then, head north to explore the unique harbor town of Volendam, Edam with its world-famous cheeses, and Arnhem, where you can choose between guided sightseeing or a visit of the WWII Airborne Museum Hartenstein. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg; see the Roman ruins at Trier, Reichsburg Castle above charming Cochem, and the unique Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim. Also, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, sail past the legendary Lorelei rock and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, sample the area’s celebrated wines in Bernkastel, and enjoy excursions to majestic Heidelberg and to Germany’s legendary Black Forest.
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation) Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 Amsterdam–Volendam. Excursion to Edam There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” North of Amsterdam and situated on the IJsselmeer is the town of Volendam, a unique open harbor with a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Continue to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. Rejoin your ship, and this evening, cruise across the IJsselmeer, the former Zuider Zee. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Cruising the Gelderse IJssel–Arnhem
This morning, relax on board while you cruise a branch of the Rhine known as the “Gelderse IJssel,” which flows from just east of Arnhem into the IJselmeer. In the afternoon, dock in Arnhem, where the choice of activity is yours: either join a guided sightseeing tour of the city or visit the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN, a hotel during WWII that served as the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the famous Battle of Arnhem. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of the magnificent gothic cathedral dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. Try a Kölsch, the favorite local beer, and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Koblenz
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Bernkastel
In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKETPLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region’s varietals. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Remich, Luxembourg. Excursions to Luxembourg and Trier, Germany
A short motorcoach ride takes you to Luxembourg, capital of the Grand Duchy of the same name. The city boasts a large array of historical and cultural sights, which come to life as you visit the city with your Local Guide. This afternoon, visit the venerable Episcopal city of Trier, the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. Trier’s most famous son was socialist revolutionary Karl Marx. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Cochem
Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here, views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg
This morning your ship docks in Mainz, Germany’s largest and most important wine market. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. From here, a half-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city and enjoy free time to explore. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)
Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE:
Deluxe 12-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
AMSTERDAM:
Welcome reception; canal cruise
VOLENDAM:
Orientation
EDAM:
Guided sightseeing
ARNHEM:
Choice of guided sightseeing or visit Airborne Museum Hartenstein
COLOGNE:
Guided sightseeing
KOBLENZ:
Guided walk
BERNKASTEL:
Guided walk, local marketplace; visit a wine cellar
REMICH:
Luxembourg excursion
TRIER:
Guided sightseeing
COCHEM:
Visit Reichsburg Castle
RHINE GORGE:
Cruise through the gorge
RÜDESHEIM:
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat
MAINZ:
Visit the Gutenberg Museum
HEIDELBERG:
Take pictures of the castle
STRASBOURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
BREISACH:
Excursion to the Black Forest
Meals
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
Notes:
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Always Included
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.
Panoramic windows throughout every ship.
Spacious designs provide personal space.
Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
Headsets for shore excursions.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Personalized room options & excursions.
Highest-quality craftsmanship.
Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
Coffee self-serve beverage station.
A lounge serving premium spirit cocktails.
Maintain your routine in the fitness center.
The Comfort Collection by AvalonSM.
Premium L'Occitane bath amenities.
Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
Complimentary juices with breakfast.
Made-to-order egg station at breakfast.
Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
Chef-inspired regional recipes.
Four-course dinners with open seating.
Choice of appetizers, soups & salads.
Nightly option of entree, dessert or cheese.
Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m.
Remarkable service through the cruise.
English-speaking crew.
Non-smoking interior.
Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors.
Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels.
Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage.
And, much more
Avalon Affinity
Accommodating a maximum of 138 passengers for an intimate cruise experience, the Avalon Affinity set sail in 2009 and reflects the uniqueness of the rivers it cruises - the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle. After a day of exploring some of Europe's most exciting cities, relax in the ship's two lounges, soak in the whirlpool, or unwind in a deck chair atop the Sky Deck. This elegant, contemporary ship features popular amenities such as an Internet corner with Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, hair salon, and elevator. For accommodations, the Avalon Affinity boasts spacious and well-appointed deluxe staterooms and suites. With most staterooms featuring a large floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with a French balcony, passengers experience Europe's beauty and history even when on board.
DEPARTURE DATES
May - September
PRICES
From approx $3,999 US per
person double
occupancy
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