Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026

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Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
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Description

Summary

Starts
Amsterdam
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on a captivating multi-day tour along the legendary Rhine River, where each day unveils a tapestry of European culture, history, and natural beauty. From the vibrant canals of Amsterdam to the storybook landscapes of the Black Forest and the architectural wonders of Strasbourg, this journey offers an immersive exploration of iconic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy the comfort of your Avalon Suite Ship (or similar), where gourmet meals and elegant accommodations await after days filled with guided tours, hands-on workshops, and exclusive experiences. Whether you’re kayaking through Amsterdam’s waterways, tasting local brews in Düsseldorf, or marveling at the castles and cathedrals that line the Rhine, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Let the magic of Europe’s heartland unfold as you cruise from the Netherlands through Germany and France, concluding in the Swiss city of Basel.

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Included

Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites

Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients

Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal

Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room

Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials

Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.

Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats

Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese

Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere

Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options

Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections

Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor

Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés

New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day

Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck

Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

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Avalon Waterways River cruise ship

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7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship

Avalon Vista: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship

Panoramic windows throughout the ship

Elegant, contemporary design & decor

Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges

Covered Observation Lounge

Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Elevator

Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections

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Destinations

Bingen am Rhein
Photo of Panoramic aerial view of Kehl village with river in Germany.Kehl
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Photo of aerial view of the city ,Rheinturm and Media Harbour district in Dusseldorf city in Germany.Dusseldorf
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Photo of aerial view of the historic city center of Freiburg im Breisgau from famous old Freiburger Minster in beautiful evening light at sunset, Germany.Freiburg im Breisgau
Colmar - city in FranceColmar
Photo of historical city of Speyer, Germany.Speyer

Map

Attractions

Duisburg ZooDuisburg Zoo
Philosophers' Way, Neuenheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyPhilosophers' Way
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
Schwarzwaldmuseum
photo of view of Maria Laach Abbey in Germany. Autumn landscape. The medieval church in autumn forest, Gless, Germany.Maria Laach Abbey
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Cathedral of Speyer, Rheinland Pfalz, germanySpeyer Cathedral
photo of aerial view of Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in the Netherlands.Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Ehrenbreitstein FortressEhrenbreitstein Fortress
photo of view of Burg Kybfelsen,Unewatt Germany.Burgstelle Kybfelsen
Église Saint-Thomas, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceSt Thomas Church
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
photo of Traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alsace, France.Petite France
Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Architectural detail of the Museum of Modern Art in Strasbourg on a winter day. Inaugurated in December 1998 by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann.Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Duisburg Inner Harbour, Kaßlerfeld, Duisburg-Mitte, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyDuisburg Inner Harbour

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1
Day 1: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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Begin your multi-day journey in the enchanting city of Amsterdam, where timeless canals and centuries-old architecture set the stage for your adventure. After arriving and settling into your luxurious Avalon Suite Ship (or similar), take the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets, bustling markets, and charming cafés of this historic Dutch capital. Enjoy a delectable dinner on board as you prepare for the days of discovery ahead. Accommodation is provided on the ship, ensuring a restful night in the heart of Amsterdam.

Day2

Day 2
Day 2: Amsterdam to Düsseldorf

  • Amsterdam
  • Dusseldorf
  • More
  • Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam Museum
  • More

Awaken to a day filled with adventure in Amsterdam, where you can glide through the iconic canals by kayak, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of street art at a renowned museum, or stroll through cobblestone streets on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, embark on a classic canal cruise to experience the city from a unique perspective. After a morning of exploration, relax on the ship’s Sky Deck as you set sail for Düsseldorf, enjoying the scenic journey along the waterways. All meals are included, and you’ll spend the night cruising toward your next destination.

Day3

Day 3
Day 3: Düsseldorf to Koblenz

  • Dusseldorf
  • More
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • Duisburg Inner Harbour
  • More

Discover Düsseldorf’s dynamic blend of avant-garde architecture and lively traditions. Choose between an active biking tour through the city, a culinary exploration of its Old Town, or a classic guided tour that reveals the magic of its uniquely designed subway stations. In the afternoon, consider sampling the city’s famed Altbiers at local microbreweries. As evening falls, enjoy live entertainment on board while your ship glides toward the historic city of Koblenz. All meals and overnight accommodation are provided on the ship.

Day4

Day 4
Day 4: Koblenz to Speyer via Bingen

  • Bingen am Rhein
  • More
  • Maria Laach Abbey
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
  • More

Set off from Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and choose between an invigorating e-bike tour through lush vineyards, a fascinating excursion to the lava caves of Mendig, or a leisurely walk through ancient streets culminating in a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for panoramic vistas. As you cruise toward Bingen, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Experience an exclusive reception at the majestic Rheinstein Castle before continuing to Speyer. All meals and overnight accommodation are provided on board.

Day5

Day 5
Day 5: Speyer to Kehl via Heidelberg

  • Speyer
  • Kehl
  • More
  • Philosophers' Way
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Speyer Cathedral
  • More

Begin your day in Speyer, where you can embark on a scenic hike along the Philosophers' Way for breathtaking views, delve into the art of brewing with a guided tour of Heidelberg’s breweries, or explore the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its world-famous wine barrel. Alternatively, discover the grandeur of Speyer Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece. Savor local specialties and enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise toward Kehl. All meals and overnight accommodation are provided on the ship.

Day6

Day 6
Day 6: Kehl to Breisach via Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
  • Kehl
  • More
  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
  • Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
  • More

Cross into France for a day in Strasbourg, where you can choose a riverside walking tour through the European District, embark on a culinary journey to sample Alsatian delicacies, or enjoy a classic sightseeing tour featuring the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district. After a day of cultural immersion, return to your ship for an evening cruise to Breisach. All meals and overnight accommodation are included.

Day7

Day 7
Day 7: Breisach to Basel via the Black Forest

  • Freiburg im Breisgau
  • Basel
  • Colmar
  • More
  • Freiburg Minster
  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
  • Burgstelle Kybfelsen
  • More

Experience the enchanting Black Forest region with your choice of activities: cycle through the forest’s magical landscapes, ride north along the Rhine to the fortified village of Burkheim, or enjoy a full-day guided tour that includes the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, a traditional water mill, and a butter-making demonstration. Alternatively, explore the medieval heart of Freiburg, or opt for an excursion to the storybook town of Colmar. As the day concludes, cruise toward Basel, enjoying all meals and a restful night on board.

Day8

Day 8
Day 8: Basel

  • Basel - Departure day
  • More

Your unforgettable journey concludes in Basel, where you’ll enjoy a final breakfast on board before departing for your onward travels. With convenient access to both Zürich and Basel airports, your multi-day adventure along the Rhine comes to a seamless and satisfying close.

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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