17 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Lucerne
Your vacation gets underway in the Netherlands’ colorful capital of Amsterdam. For beer enthusiasts, a knowledgeable Beer Expert joins you during the first portion of your cruise (from day 1 to 8) to host lectures, beer tasting, and food-and-beer-pairings for an authentic Holland and Belgium River cruise experience.
This 700-year-old city offers an abundance of classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants to explore before you embark on your river cruise through Holland and Belgium. Sail through Rotterdam’s harbor, said to be the world’s busiest port. Garden enthusiasts will delight in a visit to see the breathtaking colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” With 70 acres of parkland and lakes, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens with nearly 7 million flowering bulbs bursting with color. Next, sail to Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, known for its centuries-old history in diamond trading amid ancient buildings and monuments combined with modern architecture. In Ghent, Belgium, join a local expert for a guided tour of the city, including a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral.

Your cruise traverses back into Holland where you’ll explore Middelburg, formerly an important trading city. You’ll still get a sense of its historic wealth today with its impressive structures like the Gothic Town Hall, Abbey Tower, and bustling Market Square. This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise continues with more time to explore the wonderful city of Amsterdam. See the most fascinating views of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Continue your vacation on the romantic Rhine River to take in the spectacular sights of Germany and sample the special experiences in the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland!

Next, you’ll cruise to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture—an exciting stop to see its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. On your way to Rüdesheim, relax on the Sky Deck of your ship as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge —the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You’ll take a guided tour of Rüdesheim’s outstanding Mechanical Music Museum.

Sail to Ludwigshafen for a guided visit to Schwetzingen Castle or choose an excursion to nearby Heidelberg—and cruise to Strasbourg, France. Then, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

Cruise to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a walking tour in Lucerne.