Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers. Enjoy spectacular views and romantic splendor of this magical journey ending with a night in Marseilles. It all begins in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Cologne, Germany, a 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Breisach, Germany, is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways. Continue to the city of Tournon beautifully nestled among vineyards. Here, you’ll take a guided walk in this medieval treasure with Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take pictures of the bridge in the famous song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” Enjoy your 2 last nights in the French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea—a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise through Germany and France!

1. Day 1
   AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Jul 27, 2027

   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. Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.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)
2. Day 2
   AMSTERDAM

   Wed, Jul 28, 2027

   Canals of Colorful AmsterdamJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC 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.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   COLOGNE, GERMANY

   Thu, Jul 29, 2027

   Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC 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! Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM

   Fri, Jul 30, 2027

   Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rüdesheim, 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:CLASSIC 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, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   LUDWIGSHAFEN. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION

   Sat, Jul 31, 2027

   Printing Halls, 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 Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, 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."AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

   Sun, Aug 01, 2027

   A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE 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.Choose 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 BREISACH(B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Mon, Aug 02, 2027

   German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:CLASSIC 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/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Aug 03, 2027

   Disembark your ship and drive on to Beaune.CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement.This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS(B,D)
9. Day 9
   TOURNUS

   Wed, Aug 04, 2027

   Pearl of Southern Burgundy Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host in Tournus, OR:CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LYON(B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    LYON

    Thu, Aug 05, 2027

    La Vie En Rose in LyonACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance Lecture on board your ship.Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    LYON

    Fri, Aug 06, 2027

    Adventures in Food and WineVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing to Tournon.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNON(B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    TOURNON

    Sat, Aug 07, 2027

    A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsCLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.VIVIERSWorld History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
13. Day 13
    AVIGNON

    Sun, Aug 08, 2027

    The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
14. Day 14
    ARLES

    Mon, Aug 09, 2027

    A Brush with GeniusACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.Take free time to stop at Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
15. Day 15
    ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA

    Tue, Aug 10, 2027

    Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean CoastAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.CLASSIC En route to French Riviera, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown.(B)
16. Day 16
    FRENCH RIVIERA

    Wed, Aug 11, 2027

    The “Queen of the French Riviera” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets, and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.(B)
17. Day 17
    FRENCH RIVIERA

    Thu, Aug 12, 2027

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)