19th Oct 2024 | 11 nights | Avalon | Avalon Vista
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Visit Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture—with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style 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. Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your vacation in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by motorcoach to Como and enjoy a stop and sightseeing on the way in Lugano. In Como an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent vacation!
The 166-passenger Avalon Vista was jointly christened with the 128-passenger Avalon Visionary in May 2012.
Vista, a sister "Suite Ship" to 2011's Avalon Panorama, features the same novel cabin setup as its older sibling. Sixty-four cabins -- or two decks' worth -- have wall-to-wall panoramic windows, which open seven feet to create an open-air balcony of sorts.
Vista also features all the classic riverboat accoutrements, including a top-deck whirlpool, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and spacious sun deck dotted with loungers.
Passengers will also find "light lunch" fare in the boat's lounge during lunch hours for those who wish to skip a trip to the main dining room, and on nice days, a sun deck barbecue offered for up to 40 passengers.
The cruise fare includes guided tours in each port, onboard lectures, evening entertainment and complimentary regional wines with dinner. Wi-Fi is also provided at no additional cost.
English-speaking travellers who want to sail the world by river, exploring at their own pace.
Families with young children or travellers who depend on wheelchairs.
Avalon caters to English-speaking travellers from North America, the U.K. and Australia/New Zealand. The average age of passengers is mid-50s to 60s, but the mix varies by itinerary, and on four- and five-night cruises, you'll find more 40-something travellers and others trying out river cruises for the first time. Children ages 8 and older are welcome onboard, but there is no formal youth program.
No, not really. You can't wear shorts at dinner, but, other than that the dress code is casual. At dinner you'll see mostly open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts or dresses for women. Some people op to dress up a bit nicer, though still relatively casual, for the welcome and farewell dinners (only on Europe river cruises).
Exactly what is included varies somewhat with the itineraries. In Europe, Asia and South America, coffee and tea are available free of charge all day long. In Europe a choice of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks is included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfast. On the Mekong, Ganges and Amazon rivers, select soft drinks and local beer/spirits are available throughout the day and wine is included with lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is free (except in the Amazon or Galapagos, where it's not available), as is dining (including breakfast in bed and picnic lunches to take on shore) and all onboard entertainment and enrichment. Most shore excursions are complimentary, including the line's Active Adventure options. You'll pay extra for gratuities, salon or spa treatments, laundry, onboard shop purchases and some special excursions.
Shore excursions are at the heart of activities on any Avalon sailing. Options can range from active excursions, such as canoeing the Danube or jogging through Amsterdam, to cultural experiences, like following the life of an Austrian worker or taking part in an Amsterdam painting class. Passengers who prefer to explore on their own can use the AvalonGO app loaded with a list of nearby attractions and hours of operation, historical facts, maps and directions as well as local cafes, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. Onboard, most passengers attend enrichment sessions, and the Local Favourites program brings regional performances onboard, as well as classes: tai chi or Mandarin lessons on the Yangtze, culinary demonstrations in France, etc.
Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.