Romantic Rhine (Northbound) (Illumination)
Romantic Rhine (Northbound) (Illumination)
$4480
Romantic Rhine (Northbound) (Illumination)
8 Days Starting in Basel, Switzerland and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Mainz, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Europe with the Romantic Rhine (Northbound) cruise, exploring the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, and more. Begin your adventure in Basel with a warm onboard reception, then choose from a variety of excursions, including the Black Forest, Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, and Heidelberg Castle. Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, marvel at the ancient castles, and enjoy the vibrant city life in Cologne and Amsterdam. With options for guided tours, biking adventures, and cultural experiences, this cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and delightful meals as you cruise through some of Europe's most picturesque regions, ending your journey in the charming city of Amsterdam.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Basel,Switzerland (Embarkation)
Location: Basel
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
Day 2: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR: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: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, 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 CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 3: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg,France
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
KEHL. EXCURSION TO 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 Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join 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 today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ(B,L,D)
Day 4: Mainz,Germany. Excursion To Heidelberg
Location: Mainz
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: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,” OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim .OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 5: Koblenz
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.En route to Koblenz, 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.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ(B,L,D)
Day 6: Cologne
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 7: Amsterdam,Holland
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)* Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 12 & 16 will disembark in Rotterdam.
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)* Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 12 & 16 will disembark in Rotterdam.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Zurich at Radisson Blu Airport and in Amsterdam at Westcord Jakarta and Movenpick Amsterdam City.
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Meals
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on most days.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Cologne.
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Onboard Entertainment
Live entertainment is provided on board the ship during the cruise.
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Cruise through Rhine Gorge
The cruise includes a scenic journey through the Rhine Gorge, offering breathtaking views of ancient castles and cliffs.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas, if required.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as visits to Colmar, the Maginot Line, and Keukenhof gardens are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Alterations Due to Conditions
In the event of technical or water level issues, the itinerary may be altered, and any additional costs incurred are not included.
Mode of Transport
Embark on a scenic river cruise along the Rhine, with stops in charming cities and picturesque landscapes, offering a unique and leisurely way to explore Europe.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Radisson Blu Airport in Zurich and the Westcord Jakarta and Movenpick Amsterdam City in Amsterdam, ensuring a relaxing stay before and after your river cruise.
Direction
Northbound
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.
- Due to “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 12 & 16 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available in Breisach on Day 2?
In Breisach, you can choose to join a full-day guided tour to the Black Forest, explore Freiburg's medieval city center, or enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host. There is also an optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar.
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What can I expect to see during the cruise through the Rhine Gorge?
During the cruise through the Rhine Gorge, you will experience breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, known for its mythological siren's songs that lured sailors.
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What are the options for exploring Amsterdam on Day 7?
In Amsterdam, you can choose to explore the city with an off-the-beaten-path guided walking tour, take a guided canal cruise past stately homes from Amsterdam's 'Golden Age', or join your Adventure Host for an early morning walk. During tulip season, there is an optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens, and outside of tulip season, you can visit Zaanse Schans or take a biking tour to discover the countryside.
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What is the significance of the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz?
The Gutenberg Museum in Mainz is significant for showcasing the captivating history of printing. It is part of the guided city walk in Mainz, where you can learn about the development and impact of printing technology.
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What unique experience is offered at the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim?
At the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim, you can enjoy a guided tour for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience and taste authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions