Journey through Europe’s most spectacular scenery aboard Avalon’s luxurious river ships. Sail the Rhine Gorge, visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and explore Arles’ Roman Amphitheatre. Highlights include a 2-night stay in Amsterdam, a 7-night Rhine cruise, and a 7-night Rhone and Saone cruise
Join us as we journey through some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery and soak up the culture of the Netherlands, German, Switzerland and France – all in the comfort of Avalon’s state of the art, luxurious river ships. Your European river cruise on three beautiful rivers—the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers—will carry on in your favourite travel memories for a long time to come.
Sail 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 Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take pictures of the bridge in the famous song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” This remarkable river cruise will take you to Arles, the capital of the Provence region and famous for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre.
This tour will remain one of your favourite travel memories for a long time to come.
Cruise the Rhine for 7 nights –
Amsterdam to Basel on board Avalon ViewCruise the Rhone & Saone for 7 nights –
on board Avalon Poetry II
Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe’s most spectacular views! Many more features included like full sightseeing programme of included tours, on-board entertainment, gourment cuisine and much more.
Panorama Suites – View the interior
Accommodation in Panorama Suites in our 360° Tour with Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows, 200 sq. ft.
Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness & luxurious mattress toppers
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
Alarm clock, Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
Highlights:
Amsterdam for a 2-night stay
Cruise the Rhine for 7 nights from Amsterdam to Basel
Cruise the Rhone and Saone for 7 nights
Cannes – 2 nights with a day trip to Nice and Monte-Carlo
Itinerary
Friday 23 May Home – Dubai
Late this afternoon, we report to the airport and join the flight to Dubai.
Saturday 24 May Dubai (D)
We arrive in Dubai early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay. There is time to rest up after the flight until mid-afternoon when we visit the Palm Jumeirah – one of the world’s most daring developments. Jutting out into the Arabian Gulf, this man-made archipelago was built in the shape of a palm tree, with a 3-mile-long trunk and a fan of fronds lined with luxury villas and five-star hotels. From water parks and wildlife encounters to beach clubs and restaurants, there is an array of different activities on offer. One of the first things that strike you when visiting the Palm Jumeirah is its size. This giant archipelago is visible from space and the outer crescent is more than 10 miles long. Afterward, we visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 160 stories high. We travel to the observation deck which will provide you with a breath-taking unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, desert and ocean. We return to the hotel where we have dinner this evening.
Sunday 25 May Dubai (B.D)
This morning we take a sightseeing tour of the city – a fascinating historical excursion which takes you to the magnificent Jumeirah mosque and past modern palaces sprawled along the coast. In Bastakiya, see the old wind-towered houses built by wealthy merchants and the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. We continue our journey coach to the gold and spice souks, where we see bustling alleys with the aromas of the numerous spices and dazzling jewellery. Next up, we visit the area of La Mer – a new area nestled between Pearl Jumeira and the upcoming Jumeira Bay. There is time to explore this artsy community and to get some lunch at one of the trendy cafes before we return to the hotel to relax. Later, we meet up again for dinner.
Monday 26 May Dubai – Amsterdam (D)
An early transfer back to the airport, where we join the flight to Amsterdam. On arrival early afternoon, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is left free to rest up before we get together for dinner this evening.
Tuesday 27 May Amsterdam – Join Avalon Rhine Cruise (B)
We have a full day of sightseeing in this remarkable city today, before we board our ship, AVALON VIEW this afternoon. Settle back, unpack and relax!
Wednesday 28 May Amsterdam (B.L.D)
Today we explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. Late this afternoon our ship departs Amsterdam and heads towards Cologne.
Thursday 29 May Cologne (B.L.D)
We have a number of different choices today.
Active Excursion: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne.
Discovery Excursions: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR, take a Guided City Walk of Cologne, with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
There will be plenty of time to enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years!
Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
We cruise overnight to Rudesheim.
Friday 30 May Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim (B.L.D)
En route to Rudesheim, we 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 Excursion: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim.Discovery Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. And enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. We dock overnight in Rudesheim.
Saturday 31 May Mainz – Heidelberg Excursion (B.L.D)
Again, we have a few different options today!
Active Excursion: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers’ way.Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, OR, 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”. Later this evening, we set sail toward Strasbourg.
Sunday 01 June Strasbourg, France (B.L.D)
Take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, stroll across the city centre today, or join one of the following excursions on offer.
Active Excursion: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host.Classic Excursion: 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. Optional Excursions: Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, OR, visit Alsace’s wine country.
We cruise overnight to Breisach.
Monday 02 June Breisach, Germany – Black Forest Excursion (B.L.D)
The following excursions are available today.
Discovery Excursion: 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.Classic Excursion: 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. Optional Excursion: Visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
We cruise overnight to Basel.
Tuesday 03 June Basel, Switzerland – Beaune – Chalon-sur-Saône (B.L.D)
We disembark this morning and are transferred through to Beaune where we visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital, built in 1443, and today is the home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement. We continue on to Chalon-sur-Saône in the afternoon to board our Suite Ship, AVALON POETRY II. We dock overnight in Tournus.
Wednesday 04 June Tournus (B.L.D)
Opt for one of the following excursions today.
Classic Excursion: Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centres in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town. Optional Excursion: Visit a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board our ship. We dock overnight in Trevoux.
Thursday 05 June Lyon (B.L.D)
We set sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
Active Excursion: Discover Lyon’s architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet.Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourviere Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Discovery Excursion: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance Lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. We dock overnight in Lyon.
Friday 06 June Lyon (B.L.D)
Today you can choose to join the Classic Excursion: Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals. We cruise to Tournon this evening.
Saturday 07 June Tournon (B.L.D)
This morning, take part in the Classic Excursion: A Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
We enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy another Classic Excursion: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. We cruise overnight to Avignon.
Sunday 08 June Avignon (B.L.D)
Another full day today!
Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon-with its ramparts encircling the city-and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Guided Optional Excursions: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, OR, take a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region.
Alternatively, explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. We cruise this evening to Arles.
Monday 09 June Arles (B.L.D)
Join one of the following excursions today.
Active Excursion: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host.Discovery Excursion: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles-the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city. Take free time to stop in Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine.
We dock overnight in Arle.
Tuesday 10 June Arles (Disembark) – Cannes (B.D)
Sadly, this morning we farewell our crew and disembark our ship. We continue our journey along the coast to Cannes.
Wednesday 11 June Nice & Monte-Carlo (B.D)
A lovely day as we enjoy the French Riveria. We travel the short distance to Nice and walk the promenade, soaking in the sights, before a short drive along the coast takes us to Monte-Carlo, Monaco. We take the coach on part of the Formula One racetrack, at a comfortable pace, and wander around this quaint town. Returning to Cannes late afternoon, we enjoy one final dinner together this evening.
Thursday 12 June Cannes – Nice – Dubai (B)
A relaxed start to the day before we check out mid-morning and transfer to Nice International Airport in time to join our afternoon flight to Dubai. Arrival time is late and overnight accommodation is reserved at the airport.
Friday 13 June Dubai – Home
Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.
Saturday 14 June Welcome Home
Arrival time is mid-morning.
