The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2020
18 days with Avalon Waterways Rating: Deluxe
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River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 VIENNA
Guided sightseeing features a visit to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the Ringstrasse, and Heldenplatz. (B)
Day 3 VIENNA—MELK—SALZBURG
Enjoy a Danube cruise and visit The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee before arriving in Salzburg. Guided walking tour and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4 SALZBURG
An optional excursion is available to Berchtesgaden and Hitler’s Eagles Nest. (B)
Day 5 SALZBURG—INNSBRUCK—ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
In Innsbruck, walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Drive through the Swiss Engadine to St. Moritz. (B,D)
Day 6 ST. MORITZ—CHUR—TÄSCH—ZERMATT
Board the first-class panoramic coach of the Glacier Express train and arrive in Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. (B,L)
Day 7 ZERMATT
An optional excursion is available to the Klein Matterhorn. (B,D)
Day 8 ZERMATT—BERNE
Visit Chillon Castle and arrive in Berne. (B)
Day 9 BERNE—INTERLAKEN—LUCERNE
The guided walking tour of Berne features a panoramic view from the Rose Garden and the Bear Park. Drive across Brünig Pass to Lucerne. (B)
Day 10 LUCERNE
Your morning walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, enjoy a private boat cruise followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 11 LUCERNE—BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 12 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black Forest
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 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.
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 STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day 13 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Gothic Giants, Military Marvels, and Varietal Vintages
CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city’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—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive 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 LUDWIGSHAFEN (B,L,D)
Day 14 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine
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.
Alternatively enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour.
MAINZ
Turning the Pages of History
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)
Day 15 RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim
Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
Travel 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 16 COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City
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!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Day 17 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
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 City 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)
Day 18 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Vienna: welcome to Austria
Day 2 Vienna: guided sightseeing, see the Ringstrasse, Heldenplatz, and visit Schönbrunn Palace
Day 3 Vienna—Melk—Salzburg: Danube cruise and visit to The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee; guided walking tour and dinner at a local restaurant in Salzburg
Day 4 Salzburg: day at leisure
Day 5 Salzburg—Innsbruck—St. Moritz: walk through the Old Town, see the Golden Roof in Innsbruck; travel to St. Moritz
Day 6 St. Moritz—Chur—Täsch—Zermatt: panoramic trip onboard of the Glacier Express train to Zermatt
Day 7 Zermatt: day at leisure
Day 8 Zermatt—Berne: visit Chillon Castle; travel to Berne
Day 9 Berne—Interlaken—Lucerne: guided walking tour in Berne, see the Bear Park and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden; travel to Lucerne
Day 10 Lucerne: morning walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge; private boat cruise and farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Day 11 Lucerne—Basel (Embarkation): travel to Basel; onboard welcome reception
Day 12 Breisach: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische Winzerkeller
Day 13 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
Day 14 Mainz: choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers’ Way, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
Day 15 Rüdesheim—Rhine Gorge—Koblenz: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; free tim in Koblenz
Day 16 Cologne: choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour
Day 17 Amsterdam: canal cruise
Day 18 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
This amazing vacation offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!
If you're a fan of palaces and castles, you'll enjoy a visit to Vienna, Austria’s Schönbrunn Palace, once the home of the Habsburg family. Stand in awe as you hear the stories of this royal family's home. And in Switzerland, you'll enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. If spectacular scenery is your interest, you'll be thrilled with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train, where you'll travel first-class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee, a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.
After this land tour of the historical sights, castles, palaces and spectacular scenery, you’ll embark your cruise ship in Basel, Switzerland, for an exciting river cruise along the Rhine River! In Breisach, Germany, find 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. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, and stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amongst the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this fabulous land and river cruise adventure!
Ship Amenities - Avalon Panorama:
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
Sky Deck whirlpool
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
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
Additional biking excursions available in Amsterdam, Breisach and Bernkastel
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Avalon Choice® cruising experience
Behind-the-scenes galley tour
Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
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
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
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 Panorama:
Avalon FreshSM 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
Spacious, open-seating Panorama 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
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Healthy meal options
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
Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Accommodations on this Tour
Vienna: Zeitgeist Hauptbahnof or Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen
Salzburg: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
St. Moritz: Laudinella
Zermatt: Pollux
Berne: Holiday Inn Bern Westside
Lucerne: Ameron Hotel Flora
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama
Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room from $249 to $367, in twin room from $160 to $242
Notes
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Port charges: $182
Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
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.
Terms and Conditions
*
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.
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