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Timeless Rivers of Europe: The Rhine & Seine with Swiss Alps, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne for Wine Lovers
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WZP1-T7
Overview
Destination:
France,
Italy,
Duration:19 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
October 2028 - October 2028
19 days from Lake Como to Paris
Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on the Rhine portion of your cruise (from Basel to Amsterdam) with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.You’ll start your European vacation with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) 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. Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high-speed train to start your Seine River cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on the Rhine portion of your cruise (from Basel to Amsterdam) with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.You’ll start your European vacation with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) 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. Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high-speed train to start your Seine River cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
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 the famous Chapel Bridge.(B)
Day 5 - LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingCLASSIC En route to Basel, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus 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®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 6 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestVisit 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 Take a full-day Guided Tour to the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, followed by a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar, OR:CLASSIC 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; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour through storybook Colmar, along the charming canals of the “Little Venice” of France and past countless historic buildings and monuments.DISCOVERY Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 7 - 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.DISCOVERY Join an enchanting Guided Tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to discover the heart of France’s wine country and sample several local wines.DISCOVERY Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 8 - LUDWIGSHAFEN. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
The World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, 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 Tun, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.”This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 9 - RÜDESHEIM-RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a wine tasting, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to experience the beauty and simplicity of 13th-century Eberbach Monastery-a former abbey for Cistercian monks that today is known for its wine production and as the film location for the blockbuster movie, "The Name of the Rose". Also enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a wine tasting.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.DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour in beautiful Koblenz and discover its charming streets, historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Day 10 - COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to Brühl Castle, learn about its history and enjoy a wine tasting, 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! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 11 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk through Amsterdam, and enjoy a curated cheese and wine tasting, featuring local flavors paired with selected wines, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 12 - AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
On to Paris!This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON(B,D)
Day 13 - VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Serenity on the SeineACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
Day 14 - CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
Day 15 - CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 16 - ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)
Day 17 - CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)* Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
Day 18 - PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
Day 19 - PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation 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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