Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights Paris & 2 Nights London – Northbound 2019

20 Day River Cruise Cote d’Azur to London

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Your Avalon river cruise on the Rhine and Rhône rivers actually begins with a night on the beautiful Côte d'Azur. From the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, you’ll travel to Arles to board your Avalon Suite Ship®. You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles—the city in Provence which inspired works by Vincent van Gogh. Cruise to the picturesque Avignon for a sightseeing in the fortress city, sail to the charming village of Viviers to see the Romanesque cathedral and historic Old Town.

The Saône and Rhône Rivers meet in wonderful Lyon. Explore this city, joining a guided sightseeing tour. Join a transfer to Basel to start your Rhine River cruise. Enjoy a Black Forest excursion, before sailing to Strasbourg, France, and follow the Rhine on to Mainz and Rüdesheim to sail through the stunning scenery of the Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz. Cruise to the Rhineland’s capital city of Cologne and choose between a guided city walk of Cologne, and see its magnificent gothic cathedral, or a walking tour of the city’s notable Jewish heritage sites.

Your cruise continues into the colorful city of Amsterdam, where you’ll explore the Netherland’s capital city with a canal cruise, before traveling via high-speed train to Paris, where your Monograms vacation package of 2 days each in Paris and London begins, including VIP guided sightseeing and helpful onsite support from expert Local Hosts® in both these exciting cities.

Combine Cruise with a Monograms Vacation

Monograms is independent travel without the hassles that typically come with "ordinary" independent travel. With Monograms, you never have to worry about whether or not your hotel will have your reservation, how to get from here to there, or where to go once you get to your destination—it's the perfect addition to your Avalon river cruise! Avalon makes it easy to add a Monograms London, Paris & London, Aix-en-Provence & Nice, Barcelona or Zürich with Mount Pilatus & Lake Como package to your river cruise.

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Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Côte d’Azur:Welcome to FranceDay 2 Côte d’Azur–Transfer to Arles (Embarkation):Onboard welcome reception; cruise into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)Day 3 Arles:Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshopDay 4 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes Day 5 Cruising–Viviers:Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedralDay 6 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne:Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in VienneDay 7 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill Day 8 Cruising St. Jean de Losne:Day at leisure; cheese tasting on boardDay 9 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; transfer to Basel; onboard welcome receptionDay 10 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in ColmarDay 11 Strasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 12 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg:Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 13 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz:Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treat; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; guided walk in KoblenzDay 14 Cologne:Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 15 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 16 Amsterdam (Disembarkation) –Paris, France:Transfer from your ship to the train station then travel to Paris by high-speed train (first class)Day 17 Paris:Guided sightseeing, Seine river cruiseDay 18 Paris–London, England:Travel to London by high-speed train, Eurostar train (Standard class)Day 19 London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays)Day 20 London: Your vacation ends with 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 2 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

CÔTE D’AZUR , FRANCE

Bienvenue en France!

Take free time today to admire Côte d’Azur-with its enchanting yachts, glamorous villas, and famous events. 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 2

(B, D)

CÔTE D’AZUR ARLES—(EMBARKATION)

The Camargue National Park

This morning enjoy free time to explore. In the early afternoon, you’ll drive to Arles to board your Suite Ship®. Before dinner sail toward the mouth of the Rhône for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting).

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Day 3

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

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 4

(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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 5

(B, L, D)

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 TOURNON

Day 6

(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.

In the late morning cruise 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 7

(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.

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 ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Day 8

(B, L, D)

ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

Enjoy a leisurely cruising day 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 on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Day 9

(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 10

(B, L, D)

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

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 Excursion 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 taking a bike from the ship or hiking up to St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

Day 11

(B, L, D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Gothic Giants, Military Marvels & Varietal Vintages

Classic
Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the splendid Alsace wine country, or to the historic Maginot Line—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France.

Alternatively, enjoy a free afternoon sampling the local cuisine in Place Kléber, or pay a visit to one of Strasbourg’s many wonderful museums.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

Day 12

(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.
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 13

(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 either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting, OR:

Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host to explore the picturesque hills and 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 14

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Captial City

Active
Join a walk with your Avalon Adventure Host this morning, OR:
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 15

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

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.”

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 16

(B)

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)-PARIS, FRANCE

Transfer from your Avalon ship to the train station, where you begin your Monograms package. Travel to Paris by high-speed train (first class).

Day 17

(B)

PARIS

Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a SEINE RIVER CRUISE. Embark your comfortable boat near the Eiffel Tower and spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's important landmarks such as the L'Institut de France; magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral where Napoleon was crowned emperor in 1804; Hôtel de Ville, the city's municipal headquarters; the Conciergerie, formerly a notorious prison where Marie-Antoinette spent the last days of her life; famous Louvre Palace and museum; and much more.

Day 18

(B)

PARIS—LONDON, ENGLAND

Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class).

Day 19

(B)

LONDON

Morning guided sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Take photos of the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel situated on the river bank, and the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline.

Day 20

(B)

LONDON

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 – 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.