Essential Britain & Ireland with Romantic Rhine

17 Day River Cruise from London to Basel
This European vacation includes a Globus escorted vacation in Britain and Ireland, along with a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

A jolly good time awaits in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as you explore lively capital cities and legendary countrysides dotted with thatched-roof villages in between. Coast through rolling hills, ferry across legendary waterways, and skip down cobblestone streets to discover the wonders of Stonehenge, Waterford, and York. Drink in the sights of fairytale castles and storybook settings that warm the heart along with locally brewed ales, strong Irish coffees, and perfectly aged Scotch whiskies. With free time to browse for bits and bobs and taste local favorites like fish and chips, you’d be off your trolley not to come along!

Continue your European vacation aboard your Avalon Waterways Suite Ship® for a 7-night cruise on the romantic Rhine River. Take in the spectacular sights of Germany and sample the special experiences in the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland! Begin in the City of the Golden Age in Amsterdam, the capital of Holland, to cruise on its famous canals along the elegant grachten−the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city. Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—and see its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Soak up the sights of Rüdesheim and take in the sounds of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Ludwigshafen for a guided visit to Schwetzingen castle 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. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Disembark your Rhine River cruise in beautiful Basel, Switzerland. The perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous Globus tour and Avalon river cruise!