Canals, Vineyards & Castles 2021
(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.

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

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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

This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available.

EVENING/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 Join 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!

Enjoy live entertainment onboard your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 4 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

This morning, relax on the Sky Deck while sailing through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.

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 Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Engers this evening while having dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS (B,L,D)

Day 5 COCHEM
Reichsburg Castle, Riesling Wine, and the Charm of the Moselle Valley

Relax on the Sky Deck of your ship while sailing through the Moselle Valley, famous for the beautiful growing villages and their vineyards.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk of Cochem to see the charming town’s half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit Cochem’s hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird’s-eye-view of the Moselle Valley and river bend. 

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

Day 6 BERNKASTEL
Gracious German Vineyards of the Moselle Valley

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber-framed houses, OR: 

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike to nearby castle ruins.

Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon, perhaps biking through the Renaissance-style village, or visiting a café to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts.

DISCOVERY Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.

Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

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

Day 7 REMICH, LUXEMBOURG. EXCURSION TO LUXEMBOURG CITY
Ancient Worlds, Old World Charm, and World-Class Wine

This morning, you might take a history-focused Guided Optional Excursion to Roman Trier to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in the oldest city in Germany. After your tour, enjoy some free time in Trier.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH (B,L,D)

Day 8 REMICH (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Luxembourg City airport before 8 am. (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 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: cruise through the Rhine Gorge; special treat; in Rüdesheim choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument
• Day 5 Cochem: guided walk, visit Reichsburg Castle
• Day 6 Bernkastel: guided walk; wine tasting
• Day 7 Remich. Excursion to Luxembourg City: guided tour in Luxembourg
• Day 8 Remich (Disembarkation): your cruise ends this morning

This magnificent European river cruise vacation begins in Holland’s colorful, modern capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Then, embark on your picturesque cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. On a guided city walk, see the famous twin-spired cathedral and explore the cobblestone streets of the Old City. You’ll 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, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Along the Moselle River, you’ll stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. In Bernkastel, enjoy a guided walk and taste some of the region’s best-loved wines. Go on an excursion to historical Luxembourg City, offering unique and dramatic views as it is set on two levels—high above on straddling hills and dropping into two river valleys.

• 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
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Artistry II

• Itineraries are subject to change. Final itineraries will be available April 2020.
• 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 Luxembourg City.
• Port charges: $182
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
• 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.