Romantic Rhine with Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como 2020 (Southbound)

Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM  (D)

Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” 

You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Muiderslot Castle, or a Guided Optional Biking Excursion to the Dutch countryside.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT Cruise to Cologne (B,L,D)

Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:

DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Later local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

Day 4 KOBLENZ—RHINE GORGE
Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz this morning before sailing through the Rhine gorge to Rüdesheim. Sail past the legendary rock of the Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. 

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 5 MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing, 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: 

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Gothic Giants, Petite France, and Varietal Vintages

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.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the splendid Alsace wine country, or a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Alternatively, enjoy a free afternoon sampling the local cuisine in Place Kléber.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,L,D)

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest

DISCOVERY Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, 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.

Follow your visit to Badische Winzerkeller with a free afternoon in Breisach.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)

Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS–LUCERNE
Disembark your Avalon ship and join the Monograms portion of your vacation. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). Later join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge. (B)

Day 9 LUCERNE–LAKE COMO, ITALY
Travel by high-speed train (first class) to Como, the city on the lake that bears its name. Your Local Host will be waiting to greet you and offer recommendations so you can make the most of your time in this well-known city. Your guided walking tour includes the charming historic center; the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating gothic façade; and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. (B)

Day 10 LAKE COMO
Experience a boat ride on Lake Como for panoramas of stunning mountain scenery and luxury lakeside villas. Disembark at picturesque Bellagio for exploration on your own returning by boat to Como. (B)

Day 11 LAKE COMO
Your Local Host will have many suggestions for your day at leisure. (B)

Day 12 LAKE COMO
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Day 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise
• Day 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour
• Day 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: free time in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; special treat; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
• Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: choice of guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, or guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers’ Way
• Day 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
• Day 7 Breisach: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische Winzerkeller
• Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)–Mount Pilatus–Lucerne: excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
• Day 9 Lucerne–Lake Como: transfer by high speed train (first class) to Lake Como; guided walking tour
• Day 10 Lake Como: boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio
• Day 11 Lake Como: full day at leisure
• Day 12 Lake Como: your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland!

This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic archi-tecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdes-heim, 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. An excursion takes you to Heidel-berg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Pe-tite 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 join the Monograms portion of your vacation starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by high-speed train to Como, where an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the gothic Town Hall, and the imposing 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 take the funicular to the village of Brunate—your Local Host® can help you decide how to make this fabulous vacation just perfect for you!

• Ship Amenities - Avalon Artistry II:
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
  • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
  • Convenient Elevator Service
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Outside viewing deck
  • Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Complimentary computer use in public areas
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
  • Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Avalon Choice® cruising experience
  • Behind-the-scenes galley tour
  • Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
  • Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
  • Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Sky Deck game area
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
  • Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
  • Full-size closet mirror
• Ship Dining - Avalon Artistry II:
  • Avalon Fresh^SM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Welcome dinner
  • Five-course farewell dinner
  • Spacious, open-seating dining room
  • Daily early-riser breakfast
  • Daily late-riser breakfast
  • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
  • Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
  • Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
  • Healthy meal options
  • Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
  • Coffee or tea after dinner

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Expression, Avalon Impression, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon View, Avalon Vista
Lucerne: Astoria 
Como: Barchetta Excelsior 

Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room from $221 to $401, in twin room from $140 to $237

Extra nights per person in Como: 
in single room from $205 to $447,in twin room from $129 to $250

• 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.
• Gateway city for departures is Zürich, Switzerland.
• Port charges: $182
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.
• All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. Cabin upgrades are available. 
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.