Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) (Illumination)
Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) (Illumination)
$5513
Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) (Illumination)
10 Days Starting in Lucerne, Switzerland and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Lucerne, Breisach, Strasbourg, Mainz, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Europe with the "Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) (Illumination)" tour. Begin your adventure in the charming Swiss town of Lucerne, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge. Ascend the Swiss Alps for breathtaking views before setting sail from Basel. Discover the enchanting Black Forest, the historic city of Strasbourg, and the majestic Heidelberg Castle. Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge, marveling at ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Experience the vibrant culture of Cologne and the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. This unforgettable river cruise offers a perfect blend of guided tours, cultural excursions, and leisure time, ensuring a truly romantic and illuminating European experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lucerne,Switzerland
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Renaissance or Radisson Blu
Welcome to SwitzerlandThe day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.
LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND Welcome to SwitzerlandThe day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center.
Day 2: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Renaissance or Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.
LUCERNE A Historic Bridge and Heart of a LionCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (B)
Day 3: Lucerne,Swiss Alps,Basel (Embarkation)
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).
LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingCLASSIC This morning enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 4: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.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 KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 5: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg,France
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’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—the pre-WWII 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 MAINZ(B,L,D)
Day 6: Mainz,Germany. Excursion To Heidelberg
Location: Mainz
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, 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: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim .OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
Day 7: Koblenz
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.KOBLENZTravel 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 8: Cologne
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 9: Amsterdam,Holland
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: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 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)* Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
Day 10: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 10 & 14 will disembark in Rotterdam.
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)* Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 10 & 14 will disembark in Rotterdam.
What's Included
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Guided Walking Tours
Enjoy guided walking tours in Lucerne, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Cologne.
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Excursions
Excursions to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn, Black Forest, and Strasbourg's La Petite France district.
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Onboard Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board the cruise.
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Onboard Entertainment
Live entertainment is provided on board during the cruise.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Lucerne and Amsterdam is included.
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Cruise through Rhine Gorge
Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with views of ancient castles and the Rock of the Lorelei.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as visits to the Maginot Line, Alsace’s wine country, and Keukenhof gardens are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is the responsibility of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Rhine, with excursions to various destinations, and embarkation in Basel. The tour includes guided tours and activities at each stop.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury with stays at the Renaissance and Radisson Blu in Lucerne, and the Westcord Jakarta and Movenpick Amsterdam City in Amsterdam.
Direction
Northbound
Notes
•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.•Due to “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 10 & 14 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if the weather is bad during the excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn?
In case of bad weather, the excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn will be replaced with a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available, such as a visit to the charming village of Colmar, the historic Maginot Line, Alsace’s wine country, Keukenhof gardens during tulip season, or Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills.
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What activities are available in Breisach?
In Breisach, you can choose a full-day guided tour to the Black Forest, explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, or enjoy a bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host.
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What can I expect during the visit to Strasbourg?
In Strasbourg, you can join a city sightseeing tour that includes the Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the La Petite France District. Alternatively, you can explore the city by bike with your Adventure Host.
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What is included in the guided tour of Heidelberg?
The guided tour of Heidelberg includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins and the Great Vat, or you can join a walk along the Philosophers' Way with your Adventure Host.
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What unique experience is offered in Rüdesheim?
In Rüdesheim, you can take a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy a tasting of authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
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What are the options for exploring Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, you can choose between a guided canal cruise, an off-the-beaten-path walking tour, or a morning walk with your Adventure Host. During tulip season, there is also an optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens.
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Thursday - Saturday
Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.