River Cruise Itinerary

Your picturesque Rhine River cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, with your choice of a visit to a local winery, or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular views of Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main River village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg to disembark for two nights in Munich. Enjoy a guided tour of King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle, and visit the mountain village of Oberammergau—known for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play. Your grand scenic cruise through Germany brings the beauty and charm of its cities and villages to life. From Switzerland to Bavaria and beyond, your German vacation will stay a beautiful memory for years to come!

1. Day 1
   BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

   Fri, Oct 25, 2024

   Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)BASEL-SUNSET.jpg
2. Day 2
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Sat, Oct 26, 2024

   German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY 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, OR: DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
3. Day 3
   STRASBOURG, FRANCE

   Sun, Oct 27, 2024

   A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
4. Day 4
   RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE

   Mon, Oct 28, 2024

   Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard. BOPPARD A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
5. Day 5
   FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT

   Tue, Oct 29, 2024

   Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR: Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,L,D)FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
6. Day 6
   MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

   Wed, Oct 30, 2024

   Beauty on the Main River Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)MAIN-RIVER-VILLAGE-DETAIL.jpg
7. Day 7
   WÜRZBURG

   Thu, Oct 31, 2024

   A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)WURZBURG.jpg
8. Day 8
   BAMBERG

   Fri, Nov 01, 2024

   The City of Seven HillsACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg
9. Day 9
   NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–MUNICH

   Sat, Nov 02, 2024

   Living Heritage and History LessonsCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.Tonight, you’ll stay in Munich to enjoy its nightlife, elegant cuisine, and to relax for tomorrow’s adventures.(B)NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
10. Day 10
    MUNICH

    Sun, Nov 03, 2024

    Modern Munich with Storybook Villages and Fairytale CastlesCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig. (B) MUNICH-NEUSCHWANSTEIN-CASTLE.jpg
11. Day 11
    MUNICH

    Mon, Nov 04, 2024

    Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.(B)MUNICH-MARIENPLATZ.jpg

Inclusions

• 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.

Gateway city for arrivals is Zürich.

Port charges:
$240

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers