Active & Discovery on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Artistry II)
Active & Discovery on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Artistry II)
10 Days
Visiting: Lucerne, Switzerland, Basel (Embarkation), Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest, Strasbourg, France, Mainz, Germany. Excursions To Heidelberg, Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Holland, Amsterdam (Disembarkation), Europe
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Tour Overview
Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise with Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn. Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to cave, castle, and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.Move. Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Paddle through the canals of Amsterdam on a kayak.•Take an E-Bike tour surrounded by beautiful vineyards at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.•Follow the road less traveled on an exciting hike along Heidelberg’s Philosophers’ Way.And Be Moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Discover your inner artist at an Amsterdam painting class inspired by the Dutch masters.•Explore the lava caverns on a one-of-a-kind volcano encounter below the town of Mendig.•Join a foodie tour through Strasbourg to discover the cuisine of France’s Alsace region. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Start sooner with a two-night hotel stay in Lucerne! Avalon Choice sightseeing is the perfect highlight of your stay.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lucerne,Switzerland
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland. Your day in Lucerne is free to explore at your leisure.
LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Switzerland. Your day in Lucerne is free to explore at your leisure.LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 2: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Lucerne and discover the beauty of this beautiful city, which lies along the banks of Lake Lucerne, couched in a breathtaking mountainous landscape.
LUCERNE The Lake Lucerne and its LandscapeCLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Lucerne and discover the beauty of this beautiful city, which lies along the banks of Lake Lucerne, couched in a breathtaking mountainous landscape.(B) LUCERNE-CAFE.jpg
Day 3: Lucerne,Basel (Embarkation)
Location: Lucerne, Basel (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Dinner
Join a Wine Tasting tour in the Lucerne area.
LUCERNE–BASEL (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.DISCOVERY Join a Wine Tasting tour in the Lucerne area.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH(D)BASEL-SUNSET.jpg
Day 4: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit a local winery and its vineyards to learn about German winemaking; a wine tasting will be the perfect end of this tour.
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, 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: DISCOVERY Visit a local winery and its vineyards to learn about German winemaking; a wine tasting will be the perfect end of this tour.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Day 5: Strasbourg,France
Location: Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
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.
STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a walking tour along the river and explore Strasbourg’s lovely European District around the Marne-Rhein Canal, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, 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.This afternoon choose one of the Optional Excursions available.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 6: Mainz,Germany. Excursions To Heidelberg
Location: Mainz, Germany. Excursions To Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.
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. While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties.
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSIONS TO HEIDELBERG The World’s Biggest Wine Barrel and Famous VineyardsACTIVE Follow the road less traveled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR: DISCOVERY Learn about the art of beer making with an entertaining and exclusive Guided Tour of four breweries in and out of Old Heidelberg, 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. While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties.DISCOVERY Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BINGEN (B,L,D)HEIDELBERG.jpg
Day 7: Rhine Gorge,Koblenz
Location: Rhine Gorge, Koblenz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
RHINE GORGE–KOBLENZ Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle MeetEn 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.Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR: DISCOVERY For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the “Lava City” of Mendig for a Volcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF (B,L,D)RHINE-GORGE-RHEINSTEIN-CASTLE.jpg
Day 8: Düsseldorf
Location: Düsseldorf
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Düsseldorf’s Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.
DÜSSELDORF Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing AltbiersACTIVE Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:DISCOVERY Experience Düsseldorf’s Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf’s microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers. Later enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ(B,L,D)DUSSELDORF.jpg
Day 9: Amsterdam,Holland
Location: Amsterdam, Holland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:
Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Colorful Canals of Amsterdam ACTIVE Enjoy a Guided Kayak Tour for an adventure which will provide you a unique perspective of the “Venice of the North” from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.This afternoon consider an Optional Culinary Walk in one of Amsterdam’s famous districts. Spend free time strolling at leisure through the galleries and cafés of Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)AMSTERDAM-KAYAKING.jpg
Day 10: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Location: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg
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.
Accommodation
Lucerne:AstoriaAmsterdam:Westcord Jakarta
Check out our Q&As
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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 Dates & Availability
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Thursday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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