Rhine & Rhône Revealed – Southbound 2019

16 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Côte d’Azur

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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 standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Breisach, Germany, is 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.

Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways. Continue to the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage beautifully nestled among vineyards. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon—a 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.”

Enjoy your last night in France on the captivating French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea—a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise!


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Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Welcome reception Day 2 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne:Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim:Guided sightseeing in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg:Guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great VatDay 6 Strasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral Day 7 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest:Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in ColmarDay 8 Basel (Disembarkation)–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre:Transfer to Beaune, visit the Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome reception Day 9 Seurre–Mâcon:Leisurely cruising; free time in Mâcon; onboard cheese tasting Day 10 Lyon:Guided sightseeing , picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 11 Lyon:Day at leisureDay 12 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–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 Amphitheatre, or painting workshop; sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)Day 15 Arles (Disembarkation)–Côte d’Azur:Evening in Côte d’AzurDay 16 Côte d’Azur:Your vacation 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.

View 6 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 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)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Amsterdam. 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 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

Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age

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

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Muiderslot Castle—Holland’s most beautiful, best-kept medieval castle.

You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam’s many fascinating museums or galleries.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Day 3

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City

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 SAILING TO KOBLENZ

Day 4

(B, L, D)

KOBLENZ—RHINE GORGE

Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Classic
Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortress walls, towers, squares and monuments.

Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise 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.
Discovery
Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

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.
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 an afternoon Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.
EVENING 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, enjoy a free afternoon shopping or sampling the local cuisine in Place Kléber, or pay a visit to one of Strasbourg’s many wonderful museums.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

Day 7

(B, L, D)

BREISACH, GERMANY

BLACK FOREST EXCURSION

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

Classic
Visit the charming village of Colmar on a Guided Tour of its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, OR:
Discovery
Join a full-day Guided Visit to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional Bavarian butter-making demonstration.

Explore on your own this afternoon with a bike from the ship or with a hike up to St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

EVENING CRUISE TO BASEL

Day 8

(B, D)

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

After breakfast drive to Beaune

Classic
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, 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® on the Saône for a brief evening cruise to Seurre.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN SEURRE

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.

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

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Castle of Cormatin.

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 France

Sail for lovely Lyon this morning for French fare.

Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon, with its numerous churches, from Fourvière Hill. 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.

Later on board your ship, be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance Lecture, and 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

Enjoy a free day in Lyon, or choose a Guided Optional Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is is known as the gastronomic capital of France!

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.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON

Day 12

(B, L, D)

TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE

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.
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 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 that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh, 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Day 15

(B)

ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)—CÔTE D’AZUR

Spectacular Seascapes of the French Riviera

After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the Côte d’Azur for your last night in France. Known also as the French Riviera, the spectacular Côte d’Azur stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.

Day 16

(B)

CÔTE D’AZUR

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Notes

  • In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
  • 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 – 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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 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.