Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Northbound) 2020

8 Day River Cruise Frankfurt to Amsterdam

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Explore the Rhine River from a unique perspective on Avalon Active & Discovery river cruise. With Avalon Choice, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of included excursions to match your interests and pace. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, you’ll find the inclusions that speak to you! With Avalon Choice inclusions, you choose how to discover fascinating sites on your Rhine River cruise. Visit the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, take a guided culinary walk in Düsseldorf, and taste regional wines in Eltville. In Koblenz, take a cable car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for magnificent views of the surrounding area. Onboard, you’ll pass through the magnificent Rhine Gorge and enjoy specialty dishes while cruising. Your Rhine River cruise ends in Amsterdam for a day full of activities. See the colourful corners of Amsterdam your way—from a canal cruise to a leisurely biking tour, or a guided jogging tour of the city—all at an easy pace! You might choose an included painting class, instead, to recreate the masterpieces of Dutch artists. Join us for a Rhine River cruise like no other, with more included selections for every taste, passion, and pace. Avalon Choice on Active & Discovery river cruises gives you the Active, Discovery, and Classic inclusions to see each destination your way!


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Mainz–Rüdesheim–Bingen:Choice of visit to the Eberbach Monastery, or Eltville guided tour with wine tasting, or nature walk in Eltville; free time in RüdesheimDay 3 Rhine Gorge–Boppard–Engers:Cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Marksburg Castle, or Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with a cable car ride; or Volcano Tour experience with a visit to the monastery at “Maria Laach”Day 4 Cologne:Choice of jogging tour, or Cologne sightseeing “off the beaten track”, or visit the chocolate museum, or Cologne highlights walking tourDay 5 Düsseldorf:Choice of guided city sightseeing, or biking tour, or culinary tourDay 6 Arnhem–Nijmegen:Choice of hike in the National Park, or biking tour, or guided sightseeing of Arnhem, or guided tour of Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum; free time in NijmegenDay 7 Amsterdam:Choice of painting class, or jogging tour, or biking tour, or canal cruiseDay 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends with breakfast

Always Included

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind—offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities Section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship
Suites & Staterooms
Health & Fitness
Dining

Throughout the Ship:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Panoramic windows
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Suites & Staterooms:

  • Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • Complimentary bottled water daily
  • And, much more.

Health & Fitness:

  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • Fitbits®
  • All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM

Dining

  • FlexDiningSM for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Early and Late Riser breakfast options
  • Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
  • Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
  • Alternative light lunch or Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
  • Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
  • Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
  • Alternative Panorama Bistro dinner, featuring regional specialties and small plates
  • Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
  • Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
  • Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Day 1

(D)

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Frankfurt must arrive before 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ

Day 2

(B, L, D)

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO ELTVILLE

Forests and Famous Vineyards

Active
For some exercise before lunch, join a Guided Nature Walk along one of the Rheinsteig walking trails through Eltville’s idyllic forest and vineyards, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Walk through the historic Old Town of Eltville am Rhein, well known as the City of Wine, with wine tastings included, OR:
Classic
Visit the Romanesque Beauty of Eberbach Monastery, the location of almost all the interior scenes of the film version of Umberto Eco’s dark medieval murder mystery “The Name of the Rose.”

Enjoy the remaining free time in Mainz before sailing to Rüdesheim this afternoon, where you will have time to discover this picturesque village.

In the evening enjoy dinner on board while cruising to Bingen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BINGEN

Day 3

(B, L, D)

RHINE GORGE–BOPPARD

The Majestic Rhine Gorge and a Peaceful Jewel on the Rhine

Enjoy breakfast on board as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.

Active
Take a Guided Tour of Marksburg Castle, visit its battlements overlooking the Rhine, and take a scenic walk down the surrounding hillside back to your ship, OR:
Discovery
For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the “Lava City” of Mendig for a Vulcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, as well as a visit to the nearby Monastery at “Maria Laach”, OR:
Classic
Take a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.

At day’s end, you’ll dine aboard your ship as you cruise to Engers.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS

Day 4

(B, L, D)

BONN

Beethoven’s Birthplace, Beer Gardens, and History on the Rhine

Take advantage of some free time in Bonn this morning.

COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Active
For a unique view of Cologne’s history and beauty, join us on a Jogging Tour of the city, OR:
Discovery
Join an off-the-beaten-path Guided Tour to discover the quaint Belgian Quarter of Cologne, OR:
Discovery
Visit Cologne’s Chocolate Museum and learn the process of chocolate production and ancient history of this food of the gods, OR:
Classic
Take a leisurely Guided City Walk of Cologne for a view of her must-see sight, including the Old City and its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF

Day 5

(B, L, D)

DÜSSELDORF

Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers

Active
Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
Discovery
Experience Düsseldorf’s Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.

You might join a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf’s microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ARNHEM

Day 6

(B, L, D)

ARNHEM

Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Van Gogh

Active
Go on a hike in the Hoge Veluwe National Park with a Nature Expert and discover its abundance of wildlife, including deers, wild boars and mouflons, OR:
Active
Biking Join a Biking Tour on the Hoge Veluwe National Park and admire its diversity of scenery, from dense forests to high sand dune, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Sightseeing of Arnhem past impressive monuments and places of remembrance, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum with the world’s second largest Van Gogh collection.
NIJMEGEN

Delicious Dutch Specialties and Famous Mills

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Windmill of Thorn or an Optional Cooking Workshop.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

Day 7

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

Active
See the sights of Amsterdam from a unique perspective by joining our Guided Jogging Tour of the city—all at an easy pace with stops for commentary, OR:
Discovery
Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:
Active
Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon you might take an Optional Culinary Walk in one of Amsterdam’s famous districts, or an Optional Kayaking Excursion.

Spend free time strolling at leisure through the galleries and cafés of Amsterdam.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 8

(B)

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

  • 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.
  • Due to “Sail Amsterdam” this cruise will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.

Ship Details

Hotels

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyAvalon site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Mainz
Dusseldorf
Nijmegen
Amsterdam
Packages

Mainz

Discover Mainz & Exclusive Gutenberg Museum Visit

Discover Mainz & Exclusive Gutenberg Museum Visit

Enjoy a guided walk through 2,000-year-old Mainz, including an Avalon VIP exclusive visit to the world-famous museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg's revolutionary printing press!

Price Range: $

Dusseldorf

Rhine Tower Ascent with Sparkling Wine

Rhine Tower Ascent with Sparkling Wine

Discover Media Hafen, Düsseldorf's vibrantly redeveloped dock area, where you'll ascend the city's tallest building for magnificent views and a glass of delicious sparkling wine.

Price Range: $$

Düsseldorf Altbier Discovery Tour

Düsseldorf Altbier Discovery Tour

Join an expert guide for a tour and tasting of Düsseldorf's world-famous Altbiers! Learn all about these historic top-fermented beers, including what gives them their dark copper color and crisp, fruity taste. Prost!

Price Range: $

Nijmegen

Forgotten Foods Cooking Workshop

Forgotten Foods Cooking Workshop

Visit Nijmegen's 12th-century Commanderie for a fascinating cooking workshop featuring long-forgotten European recipes and ingredients, insight into how experts rediscovered them, and the chance to create and taste the delicious final products!

Price Range: $$$

Into the Dutch Countryside: Windmill & Farm Visits with Carriage Ride

Into the Dutch Countryside: Windmill & Farm Visits with Carriage Ride

Head into the beautiful Dutch countryside for visits to an authentic windmill and a fruit farm, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Ooijpolder nature reserve.

Price Range: $$

Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland

Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland

Tour a working windmill, watch wooden clogs being made, and visit a cheese farm on this exciting half-day guided excursion to Zaanse Schans!

Price Range: $

Kayak Adventure on the Canals of Amsterdam

Kayak Adventure on the Canals of Amsterdam

Get a unique perspective of Amsterdam as you traverse the city's canals by kayak! Whether you're a hard-core kayaker or a newcomer to the activity, this fun guided excursion is perfect for anyone seeking an active adventure in the city.

Price Range: $$

Biking in Amsterdam

Biking in Amsterdam

Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint, centuries-old villages on this exhilarating guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.

Price Range: $$

Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle

From Golden Age paintings to 13th-century arms and armor, discover the wonders of Muiderslot Castle, one of Holland's most beautiful medieval castle fortresses, on this captivating half-day guided tour.

Price Range: $$

Packages

Celebration Packages

Celebration Packages

Celebrating a birthday or anniversary while you're cruising? Add an Avalon Celebration Package to your vacation. You can make your special day even more memorable with special touches ranging from flowers to a private cocktail reception.

Price Range: $$$$

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