THE UPPER RHINE TO THE
CITY OF MUSIC 12 DAYS FROM $3,949 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Four countries, three rivers, and the impressive Main Danube Canal are the basis of this delightful river cruise vacation. Start in Zürich, Switzerland, then travel to Basel to embark your river cruise vessel. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Regensburg, and Passau. From Mannheim, you have a choice of excursions—you can go to Heidelberg to see its imposing castle ruins or to Speyer to see its Romanesque cathedral. A stop in Melk includes a visit to the beautiful Benedictine Abbey. Guided orientations of the smaller towns show off their famous sights, and time in Nuremberg includes the chance to sample some of Germany’s world-famous beers. Your journey concludes in Vienna with guided sightseeing and time at leisure to explore this extraordinary “City of Music” on your own.
Day 1 Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation) Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 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 European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Mannheim–Mainz, Germany
After breakfast this morning, choose from an included guided excursion to either Germany’s ancient imperial city of SPEYER or to the university city of HEIDELBERG. Speyer, located on the left bank of the Rhine, was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque CATHEDRAL with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Miltenberg–Wertheim
Time at leisure this morning in charming Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, is known for its medieval town center, its castle, glass blowing, and its wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Bamberg
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. This afternoon, arrive in medieval Bamberg, another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Regensburg
Another peaceful morning of cruising as you head through picturesque Altmühltal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Passau–Linz, Austria
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Melk–Dürnstein
Today is dedicated to the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so much of the excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit Melk’s impressive BENEDICTINE ABBEY, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose one of a variety of optional excursions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Vienna
Also known as the “City of Music,” Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights your Local Guide will show you during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 Vienna (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE:
Deluxe 11-night cruise from Basel to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
BASEL:
Welcome reception
STRASBOURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
MANNHEIM:
Choice of excursion to Speyer or Heidelberg
WERTHEIM:
Orientation
WÜRZBURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz
BAMBERG:
Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall
MAIN DANUBE CANAL:
Cruise in the canal
NUREMBERG:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
REGENSBURG:
Guided sightseeing
PASSAU:
Guided sightseeing
MELK:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
DÜRNSTEIN:
See the Stiftskirche
VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing
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.
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.
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.
Departure Dates:
May - June
August - October
Prices From approx $3,949 US
per person based on double occupancy
To book or for more
information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
Four countries, three rivers, and the impressive Main Danube Canal are the basis of this delightful river cruise vacation. Start in Zürich, Switzerland, then travel to Basel to embark your river cruise vessel. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Regensburg, and Passau. From Mannheim, you have a choice of excursions—you can go to Heidelberg to see its imposing castle ruins or to Speyer to see its Romanesque cathedral. A stop in Melk includes a visit to the beautiful Benedictine Abbey. Guided orientations of the smaller towns show off their famous sights, and time in Nuremberg includes the chance to sample some of Germany’s world-famous beers. Your journey concludes in Vienna with guided sightseeing and time at leisure to explore this extraordinary “City of Music” on your own.