Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception.(D)

Day 2 Amsterdam
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne.(B,L,D)

Day 3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne.(B,L,D)

Day 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs.(B,L,D)

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine town. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and this morning you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. Then, enjoy some time on the Sky Deck watching the passing scenery, as you head northward. After lunch, an excursion will take you to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and explore on your own before it’s time to rejoin your ship on the banks of the Rhine.(B,L,D)

Day 6 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Breisach, Germany
Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. You may opt for a visit to the workshop of a local wood carver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open air museum of Vogtbauernhof to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago.(B,L,D)

Day  8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am.(B)

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town with its imposing castle. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.

• Superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast (B) with complimentary sparkling wine, lunch (L) with complimentary soft drinks, and dinner (D) including complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks; a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Personalized room options & excursions.

• CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• AMSTERDAM: Welcome reception; canal cruise
• COLOGNE: Guided walk
• KOBLENZ: Guided sightseeing
• RHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorge
• RÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat
• MAINZ: Visit the Gutenberg Museum
• HEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle
• STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
• BREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest, or visit an Open Air Museum

Cruising: outside stateroom onboard Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Felicity or Avalon Affinity

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Cabin upgrades available.
• Port charges of $126 are not included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• 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.