Avalon Waterways Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine (XZH5)

This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland.

Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.

Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. 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. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe!

Day 1 Zürich: Welcome to Switzerland

Day 2 Zürich–Biel/Bienne–Neuchâte–Geneva: Zürich orientation tour; stop in Biel/Bienne, explore the historical center; Stop in lakeside Neuchâtel

Day 3 Geneva: Guided sightseeing, visit the Reformation Park

Day 4 Geneva–Évian Les Bains–Broc–Gruyère area: See the Rhône vineyards in Évian-Les-Bains; visit the castle in Gruyères; visit the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc

Day 5 Charmey–Gstaad–Grindelwald: Orientation tour in Gstaad; travel to Grindelwald

Day 6 Grindelwald. Excursion to the Jungfrau: Visit to the Jungfraujoch railway station

Day 7 Grindelwald–Berne–Lucerne: See the Bear Park, the Old Town and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden in Berne; travel to Lucerne

Day 8 Lucerne: Walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

Day 9 Lucerne–Basel (Embarkation): Travel to Basel; onboard welcome reception

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 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 12 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers' Way, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz

Day 13 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz

Day 14 Cologne: Choice of Cologne Highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 16 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning

Port charges:
$196

Gratuities 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.

• 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.