Avalon Expression, Romantic Rhine ex Basel to Amsterdam

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Board your Avalon Suite Ship in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find 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. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, and marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, then pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral.

At the conclusion of your Rhine River cruise, you’ll spend time in colourful Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on an included canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend free time discovering world-famous museums, and an abundance of restaurants in the vibrant, modern capital of Holland.

Day 1
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zurich 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure centre 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 - 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 a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
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.
You may also choose to join 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 centre.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 4
Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below, 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 Vat, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel," OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 5
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei-where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ: Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

Day 6
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 - Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne-with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 7
Canals of colourful Amsterdam
ACTIVE - Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age.".
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)