Avalon Waterways German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) (WNZQ)
11 Day River Cruise from Munich to Basel
See the grandeur of
Germany with a scenic river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the
Main and
Rhine Rivers. Your European river cruise begins with two nights in Munich. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of King Ludwig’s
Neuschwanstein Castle, then embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in
Nuremberg, and sail to
Bamberg for a guided walking tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties. Your enchanting river cruise through Germany continues to Würzburg—the “Pearl of the Romantic Road.” From here sail to Frankfurt, where you can join a guided sightseeing tour of the city, or visit the nearby town of Seligenstadt. On your way to
Rüdesheim sail through the picturesque views of the Rhine Gorge. Then cruise to
Strasbourg and join a guided city tour of Strasbourg’s sights, such as the stunning stained glass of its gothic cathedral, the astronomical clock, and La Petite
France district. Your scenic cruise through Europe includes a stop in Breisach to visit Germany’s beautiful Black Forest region. Choose a visit to a local winery in Breisach, or a day trip to the Black Forest’s Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, and more. Your river cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers concludes in
Basel,
Switzerland, but your memories of this tremendous adventure through many of Europe’s most beautiful destinations will last a lifetime.
Ships:
Passion -
Tranquility II
Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing
Day 1 Munich: Welcome to Munich!
Day 2 Munich: Full day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle
Day 3 Munich-Nuremberg (Embarkation): Guided tour in Nuremberg; onboard welcome reception
Day 4 Bamberg: Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 5 Würzburg: Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 6 Main River Village: Guided tour
Day 7 Frankfurt: Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Boppard-Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim: Time at leisure in Boppard; scenic cruise through the
Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in
Rüdesheim or hike with your Adventure Host
Day 9 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit to La Petite
France district and the gothic cathedral
Day 10 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 11 Basel (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning
Special Interest Departures
07/17/2024 - German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound)
10/21/2025 - German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound)
Related Avalon Tours
WNZ - German Grandeur (Westbound)
WNZ1 - With 2 Nights in Lucerne
WNZ2 - With 2 Nights in Munich & 2 Nights in Lucerne
WNZQ - With 2 Nights in Munich
WZN - German Grandeur (Eastbound)
Itinerary (2024)
Day 1 | MUNICH, GERMANY |
| Welcome to Munich!The day is yours to relax and explore the city on your own. |
Day 2 | MUNICH |
| Modern Munich with Storybook Villages and Fairytale CastlesCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig.(B) |
Day 3 | MUNICH–NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION) |
| Living Heritage and History LessonsCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,D) |
Day 4 | BAMBERG |
| The City of Seven HillsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D) |
Day 5 | WÜRZBURG |
| A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D) |
Day 6 | MAIN RIVER VILLAGE |
| Beauty on the Main RiverCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main River Bavarian village.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D) |
Day 7 | FRANKFURT EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT |
| Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy an easy biking experience in Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR: 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.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD(B,L,D) |
Day 8 | BOPPARD |
| A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine GorgeTake some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rüdesheim.RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGEEat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D) |
Day 9 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE |
| A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D) |
Day 10 | BREISACH, GERMANY (BLACK FOREST) |
| German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY 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:ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D) |
Day 11 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) |
| Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.Departure flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B) |
Avalon Pricing Details
Gateway city for departures is Zürich.Port charges: $240Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Avalon 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.