Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Southbound) 2020

15 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Port-Saint-Louis

Cruise Deals

Get a Quote Book Online From: $6,898$6,648

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Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône 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. It all begins in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk.

Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River dotted every mile with ancient castles. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways. Continue to the city of Tournon beautifully nestled among vineyards. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take pictures of the bridge in the famous song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” This remarkable river cruise will take you to Arles, the capital of the Provence region and famous for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. Your European river cruise on three beautiful rivers—the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers—will carry on in your favorite travel memories for a long time to come.

Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

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River Cruise Map of Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Southbound)

Cruise at-a-Glance

See below for detailed itinerary »

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne:Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Koblenz—Rhine Gorge—Rüdesheim:Free time in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in RüdesheimDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg:Choice of guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, or guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers’ WayDay 6 Strasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 7 Breisach:Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische Winzerkeller Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)—Beaune—St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation):Transfer to Beaune, visit Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome receptionDay 9 Mâcon:Leisurely cruising; cheese tasting on boardDay 10 Lyon:Guided sightseeing in Lyon, picture stop on Fourvière Hill; lecture on boardDay 11 Lyon:Culinary tourDay 12 Tournon—Viviers:Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 13 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the PopesDay 14 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheater, or painting workshopDay 15 Port St. Louis (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Cruise

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.

View 13 Your Way Cruise Options »

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 Beds^SM 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 Host^SM

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 Choice

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)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

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

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 2

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Classic

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Muiderslot Castle, or a Guided Optional Biking Excursion to the Dutch countryside.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Day 3

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE, GERMANY

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!

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ

Day 4

(B, L, D)

KOBLENZ—RHINE GORGE

Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Classic

Enjoy free time in Koblenz this morning before sailing through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. Sail past the legendary rock of the Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

RÜDESHEIM

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.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

Day 5

(B, L, D)

MAINZ. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

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

Classic

Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, 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:

Active

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

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

Day 6

(B, L, D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Gothic Giants, Military Marvels & Varietal Vintages

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—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 BREISACH

Day 7

(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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

Day 8

(B, D)

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

Disembark your ship and drive on to Beaune.

Classic

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.

This afternoon, travel to St. Jean de Losne to board your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MÂCON

Day 9

(B, L, D)

MÂCON

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Mâcon along the majestic Saône River. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.

Discovery

Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

Enjoy live entertainment while sailing for Trévoux this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX

Day 10

(B, L, D)

LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of FranceSail for lovely Lyon this morning.

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.

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

Discovery

Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance Lecture on board your ship.

Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Day 11

(B, L, D)

LYON

French Food and Wine—La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Classic

Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.

The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON

Day 12

(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.

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON

Day 13

(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.

Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

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.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

Day 14

(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 Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by.

EVENING CRUISE TO PORT ST. LOUIS

Day 15

(B)

PORT ST. LOUIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

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.

Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands

Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands

View of Strasbourg, situated on the banks of the Rhine River

The Black Forest in southwestern Germany

Cruise YourWay

Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Southbound)

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

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

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Special Interest Cruises

Looking to enrich your adventures while you cruise? The special interest cruises below are available to help you delve deeper into what you’re passionate about.

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Ship Details

Expression

Poetry II

Expression

Part of Avalon's cutting-edge fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Expression came onto the European river cruising scene with a bang. This gorgeous ship features two full decks of Panorama SuitesSM with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. Awake in your Comfort Collection window-facing bed each morning with seamless river views that become part of your living space. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, delivering incomparable views of Europe's most stunning landscapes. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck.

Included Amenities

Avalon Suite Fleet

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

Fitness Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear and excursions, including

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
FitBits®

^SM

Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

Open-Air Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Complimentary bottled water daily

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
USB Ports
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Two windows
Writing desk and chair

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Double sinks

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

DECK PLANS

Poetry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships®, the Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Visionary, Avalon Tapestry II, and Avalon Tranquility II, the Poetry II features two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony^SM. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites^SM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro.