Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2020

15 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to Amsterdam

2020 Information

Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône 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. Your river cruise vacation begins in Port St. Louis, France, from where you’ll set sail to Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. In Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world and, later on, join an excursion to the wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take then a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. A Master of Wine will travel with you on the first portion of this cruise and will hold lectures, tastings and will introduce you to the concept of food and wine pairing.

Continue on the Rhine and stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, and stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Your last stop in Germany is Cologne, where a guided walk shows you the highlights of this 2,000-year-old city. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to conclude this sensational European river cruise. And the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age."


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Port St. Louis (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Arles:Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop; onboard wine lectureDay 3 Avignon:Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du PapeDay 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedral; onboard food & wine pairing dinnerDay 5 Tournon–Vienne:Guided walk in Tournon; onboard chocolate and wine tasting; guided walk in VienneDay 6 Lyon:Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill; guided tour to BeaujolaisDay 7 St. Jean de Losne:Chardonnay excursion; cheese and winetasting onboardDay 8 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Basel (Embarkation):Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; transfer to Basel; onboard welcome receptionDay 9 Breisach:Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische WinzerkellerDay 10 Strasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 11 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers’ Way, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 12 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz:Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; free time in KoblenzDay 13 Cologne:Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 14 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Cruise YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

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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
  • USB Ports
  • 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

  • FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon Fresh® 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 at 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.
  • Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
  • 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)

PORT ST. LOUIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

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

Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

Day 2

(B, L, D)

ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

Classic
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city, OR:
Discovery
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles.

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.

Take advantage of any free time remaining with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by, before sailing to Avignon.

Discovery
Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Master of Wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 3

(B, L, D)

AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Discovery
Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Alternatively, join a Guided Optional Excursionto the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 4

(B, L, D)

VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.

Classic
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Discovery
This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON

Day 5

(B, L, D)

TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your master of wine while sailing to Vienne.
VIENNE

Roman and Middle Age History

Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.

Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Lyon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Day 6

(B, L, D)

LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France

Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
Discovery
Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.

Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS

Day 7

(B, L, D)

TOURNUS—ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

Discovery
Join an excursion that will take you to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting.

Alternatively enjoy a leisurely cruising morning along the majestic Saône River on your way to St. Jean de Losne.

Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to St Jean de Losne.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Day 8

(B, D)

ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Drive to Beaune and transfer to Basel

Classic
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine river cruise.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

Day 9

(B, L, D)

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

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 Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, 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

Day 10

(B, L, D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Gothic Giants, Petite France, and Varietal Vintages

Classic
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s 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—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive 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 LUDWIGSHAFEN

Day 11

(B, L, D)

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine

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:
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.

Alternatively enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour.

MAINZ

Turning the Pages of History

Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Walk 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

Day 12

(B, L, D)

RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

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, OR:

Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim.

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

Day 13

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:
Discovery
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

Day 14

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 15

(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.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound)

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

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 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)

No Excursions are available at this time.

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