Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) (Vista)

Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) (Vista)

29 Views
12 Days From

$6893

$5634

Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) (Vista)

12 Days

Visiting: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation), Cologne, Germany, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Mainz. Excursion To Heidelberg, Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg, France, Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest, Lucerne, Lake Como, Italy

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

From: $6893 $5634 Operator discount: -$1259 -18%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rudesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit Breisach, Germany, 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.

Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your vacation in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by motorcoach to Como and enjoy a stop and sightseeing on the way in Lugano. In Como, an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent vacation!

Highlights

  • Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour

  • Day 3 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 4 Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim: Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host

  • Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk the Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host

  • Day 6 Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 7 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest or Freiburg sightseeing

  • Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Swiss Alps-Lucerne: Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

  • Day 9 Lucerne-Lugano-Lake Como: Transfer to Lake Como with stop and guided tour in Lugano

  • Day 10 Lake Como: Como walking tour; boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio

Show all

Places You'll See

Westcord Jakarta

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Renaissance

Radisson Blu

Como

Starhotels Rosa Grand

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam,Holland (Embarkation)

Location: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


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


(D)

Day 2: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:


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

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

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


This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

(B,L,D)

Day 3: Cologne,Germany

Location: Cologne, Germany

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.
COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.

Spend 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 RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)

Day 4: Rhine Gorge,Rüdesheim

Location: Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM


(B,L,D)


Day 5: Mainz. Excursion To Heidelberg

Location: Mainz. Excursion To Heidelberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


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”.

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:

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”.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL

(B,L,D)

Day 6: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg,France

Location: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg, France

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



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.

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII 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


(B,L,D)


Day 7: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest

Location: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


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:
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking 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:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

(B,L,D)

Day 8: Lucerne

Gilda Giorgi
meeta

Location: Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast


Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–SWISS ALPS Spectacular Views in Switzerland

This morning disembark your Avalon ship and take a motorcoach transfer which will bring you in the heart of Swiss Alps.

CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).

LUCERNE

A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.

(B)

Day 9: Lucerne,Lake Como,Italy

Gilda Giorgi
meeta

Location: Lucerne, Lake Como, Italy

Meals Included: Breakfast




LUCERNE–LAKE COMO, ITALY History in Grand View

CLASSIC En route to Como, enjoy a stop in Lugano and a guided sightseeing of this charming Swiss city.

Continue to Como, the city on the lake that bears its name.

(B)

Day 10: Lake Como

Location: Lake Como

Meals Included: Breakfast


Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como.

LAKE COMO Legendary Lake Houses

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating Gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo.

CLASSIC Experience a Boat Ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own, returning by boat to Como.

(B)

Day 11: Lake Como

Location: Lake Como

Meals Included: Breakfast


LAKE COMO Italian Beauty on the Banks

Enjoy a free day to explore Como and its surroundings at your own pace. There is no shortage of ways to explore Lake Como with free time. Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or do some shopping in the city centre. And be sure to taste authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!

(B)

Day 12: Lake Como

Location: Lake Como

Meals Included: Breakfast


LAKE COMO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Direction

Southbound

Notes

  • 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.

Accommodation

Amsterdam:Westcord Jakarta
Amsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City
Lucerne:Renaissance
Lucerne:Radisson Blu
Lake Como:Como
Lake Como:Starhotels Rosa Grand

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

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Saturday - Wednesday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026
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Operator discount: -$1259

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Prices last published on 19-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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