Avalon Waterways The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (WWZ1)
7 days from Frankfurt to Lucerne
Discover extraordinary destinations in
Germany,
France and
Switzerland on this
Rhine River cruise to sample local charms and traditions from Frankfurt to Basel. 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 vacation, 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. Cruise to
Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a 2 night stay in
Lucerne. Your Rhine River cruise and vacation in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a wonderful European vacation.
Ships:
Tranquility II
Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing
Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Rhine Gorge: Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei.
Day 3 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite
France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 4 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach
Day 5 Basel (Disembarkation)–Mount Pilatus–Lucerne: Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); guided walking tour in
Lucerne with the
Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
Day 6 Lucerne: Full day at leisure
Day 7 Lucerne: Your vacation ends this morning
Itinerary (2024)
Day 1 | FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) |
| Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Frankfurt must arrive before 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT CRUISE(D) |
Day 2 | RHINE GORGE |
| The Most Beautiful View of the Rhine RiverDISCOVERY While sailing enjoy a cup of Rüdesheimer 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 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE |
| A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s 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 center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D) |
Day 4 | BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO 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: 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, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D) |
Day 5 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS |
| Spectacular Views in SwitzerlandThis morning disembark your Avalon ship and continue your vacation with a 2-night stay in Lucerne. CLASSIC Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). LUCERNEA Historic Bridge and Heart of a LionCLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B) |
Day 6 | LUCERNE |
| Swiss SerenityToday, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.(B) |
Day 7 | LUCERNE |
| Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Avalon Pricing Details
Port charges:$120Gratuities 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.