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RIVER OF ENCHANTMENT: A Big Magic creativity journey with Elizabeth Gilbert, with 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WZA5-T10
Overview
Destination:
Italy,
Netherlands,
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
August 2027 - August 2027
12 days from Lake Como to Amsterdam
Your European vacation begins with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Stanserhorn for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Como, walk through the charming historic district, visit the impressive Piazza Duomo, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour includes the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to Swiss Alps. Then, onto meet your Avalon Suite Ship and begin your cruise. Imagine drifting through the heart of Europe on a journey devoted entirely to wonder, creativity, beauty, and connection. Join New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, as she hosts a “Big Magic” Rhine River cruise — an immersive adventure through the storybook landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, France, and Holland. You'll explore ancient villages, mythical forests, breathtaking cathedrals, vineyards, castles, cafés, museums, and riverside streets that have inspired artists, writers, musicians, and dreamers for centuries. Along the way, you will have the unique and special opportunity to participate in a series of workshops led by Liz and conversations designed to awaken curiosity, rekindle creativity, encourage courage, and deepen community. Step away from ordinary life and remember how astonishing, playful, mysterious, and beautiful the world truly is. About Elizabeth Gilbert: Through her critically acclaimed novels and bestselling works of nonfiction, Elizabeth Gilbert has inspired millions of readers to explore creativity, spirituality, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Her memoir, Eat Pray Love, became a global phenomenon in 2006. The #1 New York Times bestseller chronicles the year Gilbert spent traveling the world following a life-changing divorce and has resonated with readers from around the globe.Since then, people have turned to Gilbert for inspiration in leading brave, authentic, and creative lives. In her bestselling book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, she explores the nature of creativity and shares her signature blend of wisdom, humor, and insight on curiosity, inspiration, and courage to create. With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, Gilbert has become one of her generation’s most beloved and influential voices, earning a devoted international readership that continues to grow.
Your European vacation begins with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Stanserhorn for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Como, walk through the charming historic district, visit the impressive Piazza Duomo, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour includes the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to Swiss Alps. Then, onto meet your Avalon Suite Ship and begin your cruise. Imagine drifting through the heart of Europe on a journey devoted entirely to wonder, creativity, beauty, and connection. Join New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, as she hosts a “Big Magic” Rhine River cruise — an immersive adventure through the storybook landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, France, and Holland. You'll explore ancient villages, mythical forests, breathtaking cathedrals, vineyards, castles, cafés, museums, and riverside streets that have inspired artists, writers, musicians, and dreamers for centuries. Along the way, you will have the unique and special opportunity to participate in a series of workshops led by Liz and conversations designed to awaken curiosity, rekindle creativity, encourage courage, and deepen community. Step away from ordinary life and remember how astonishing, playful, mysterious, and beautiful the world truly is. About Elizabeth Gilbert: Through her critically acclaimed novels and bestselling works of nonfiction, Elizabeth Gilbert has inspired millions of readers to explore creativity, spirituality, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Her memoir, Eat Pray Love, became a global phenomenon in 2006. The #1 New York Times bestseller chronicles the year Gilbert spent traveling the world following a life-changing divorce and has resonated with readers from around the globe.Since then, people have turned to Gilbert for inspiration in leading brave, authentic, and creative lives. In her bestselling book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, she explores the nature of creativity and shares her signature blend of wisdom, humor, and insight on curiosity, inspiration, and courage to create. With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, Gilbert has become one of her generation’s most beloved and influential voices, earning a devoted international readership that continues to grow.
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.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - LAKE COMO, ITALY
Welcome to Italy! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
Day 2 - LAKE COMO
Historic Center and Gothic StyleCLASSIC Step into the storybook streets of Como on a guided walk through its historic heart. Then wander lakeside gardens and craft your own masterpiece at Museo Voltiano. Embark on a Boat Ride on Lake Como which includes a stop in beautiful Bellagio.(B)
Day 3 - LAKE COMO
Breathtaking ViewsEnjoy the day at leisure to relax, recharge or explore the lakeshores. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your free time in Lake Como! Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or some shopping. And be sure to taste the authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!(B)
Day 4 - LAKE COMO–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Lovely LucerneTravel to Lucerne. CLASSIC Enjoy a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes famous Chapel Bridge.(B)
Day 5 - LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. CLASSIC En route to Basel, enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Stanserhorn for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.This evening, meet in the Panorama Lounge for a special welcome by Elizabeth Gilbert. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 6 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO KAISERSTUHL AREA
The Beautiful Black Forest This morning, enjoy a “Fear and Enchantment” Workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert.In the afternoon: ACTIVE Join a guided hike to discover the beauty of Kaiserstuhl area in a truly immersive experience, OR:ACTIVE Take a guided E-bike tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:CLASSIC Embark on a guided visit the charming village of Colmar, and learn about its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.After dinner, join Elizabeth Gilbert for a Q&A session in the Panorama Lounge. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 7 - KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceThis morning, enjoy a “Right Time, Right Place, Right Person” Workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert. In the afternoon, ACTIVE Join a guided bike tour in Orangerie Park in Strasbourg. Explore its hundred-year-old trees, “French-style” promenade and remarkable landscapes and do not miss the many works of art spread around the park, OR:DISCOVERY Join a culinary walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:CLASSIC Join a city sightseeing tour, which includes Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.Evening Entertainment Activity. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 8 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Local Guide for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the magnificent renaissance ruins towering above the city and meet a local artist for an urban sketching session to learn all about the techniques and try your hand at sketching yourself.Enjoy lunch on your own in the city followed by free time.After dinner, join Elizabeth Gilbert for a Q&A session. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 9 - RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a yoga class on the Sky Deck.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Experience the beauty and simplicity of 13th-century Eberbach Monastery-a former abbey for Cistercian monks, known as the film location for the blockbuster movie, "The Name of the Rose", OR:CLASSIC Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.En route to Koblenz, 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.Later in the afternoon while sailing, join a “Permission” Workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert. Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz.This evening, relax on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Day 10 - COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like a local in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a guided city walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.This afternoon, while sailing to Amsterdam, join a “Deep into the Past, Far into the Future” Workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert. This evening, relax on board with live entertainment.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 11 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Join a guided kayak tour to get a unique perspective of Amsterdam from its magnificent canals, OR: ACTIVE Join a biking tour through the Dutch countryside where you’ll encounter polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a painting class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise where you’ll see historic homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” In the afternoon, take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. Before dinner, join a “Your Gift from the Universe” Workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 12 - AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Avalon Waterways
Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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