Overview
Start:Frankfurt, Germany
Finish:Basel, Switzerland
Duration:7 days
Discover extraordinary destinations in Germany, France and Switzerland on this Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Frankfurt, with guided sightseeing of this charming city. Enjoy a guided tour of Heildelberg before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship. Relax on the Sky Deck and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic 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. Before the end of your European river cruise holiday, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivalled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
What's Included
5 breakfasts.
3 lunches.
4 dinners.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Welcome to Germany.
Your day in Frankfurt is free to explore at your leisure.
Charm in Frankfurt
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods. (B)
Day 3 - FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG (EMBARKATION)
Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
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."
Sail to Rudesheim while having dinner on your first night onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (D)
The Most Beautiful View of the Rhine River
DISCOVERY While sailing enjoy a cup of Rudesheimer Coffee, a local drink prepared mixing brandy and sugar, topped with coffee and a layer of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy a relaxing day onboard and 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 Join your Adventure Host to discover today's special activities and classes.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a wine tasting onboard.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 5 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
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 visit Alsace's wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city centre.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)
Day 6 - 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:
DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, 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 in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
Operator
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Cruise without crowds, explore new cultures with ease, and sail in intimate settings when you cruise the world with Avalon Waterways! If you’re considering trading ocean cruising for river cruising, here are some of the biggest differences you can look forward to!
