The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2025
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Save $1000 on select 2025 Europe river cruises
Save $1000 on select 2025 Europe river cruises
Promotion Details
*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 8, 2023 and June 30, 2025 for travel for select cruises in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2025 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1036 PRMW1036
Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
Promotion Details
*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146
Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off
Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off
Promotion Details
*Discount varies depending on the brand(s) booked. This promotion is meant for promotion purposes only to showcase the offer. Please refer to the booking instructions for the individual multiple vacation discounts by brand and for the specific offer and terms. Please call to confirm the promo qualifications and have discount applied. Discount is available on the subsequent land-only portion of the core tour/cruise only not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied by December 31, 2025, for travel in 2025. Multiple tours or cruises must travel within same calendar year and must be booked at the same time. Offer is combinable with applicable consumer promotions, Welcome Back Credits, and account specific promos. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to Groups, Custom, Charter, Sole Uses or Private Touring. Applies to new bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating offices only. 0CALL
This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a Globus land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace—former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel first class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic architecture, and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this fabulous land and river cruise adventure!
- Day 1WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIAWed, Apr 30, 2025Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.(D)
- Day 2VIENNAThu, May 01, 2025City of Dreams VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon.TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna’s spectacular Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace.(B)
- Day 3VIENNA–KREMS–MONDSEE–SALZBURGFri, May 02, 2025The Blue Danube KREMS Take a delightful Danube River cruise.MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church.SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. 193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and watch the world go by during a leisurely cruise along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river. Wunderbar!(B)
- Day 4SALZBURGSat, May 03, 2025The Birthplace of Mozart SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg’s scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. (B)
- Day 5SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLANDSun, May 04, 2025Heavenly Hills of Switzerland INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz.236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow-capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland’s most stunning valleys. (B,D)
- Day 6ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATTMon, May 05, 2025All Aboard in the Alps CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with dinner served on board. 149 mi / 240 kmLOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you’ll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level. (B,D)
- Day 7ZERMATTTue, May 06, 2025Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss.(B,D)
- Day 8ZERMATT–BERNWed, May 07, 2025Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch.CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. 155 mi / 250 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle’s secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure! (B)
- Day 9BERN–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNEThu, May 08, 2025Coming up Roses in Bern BERN Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town.INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. 75 mi / 120 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park. (B)
- Day 10LUCERNEFri, May 09, 2025Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant.LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.(B,D)
- Day 11LUCERNE–BASEL (EMBARKATION)Sat, May 10, 2025Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
- Day 12BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FORESTSun, May 11, 2025German 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 13KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURGMon, May 12, 2025A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the 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 CRUISE TO MAINZ(B,L,D)
- Day 14MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERGTue, May 13, 2025Castle 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.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)
- Day 15RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGEWed, May 14, 2025Eat, 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 16COLOGNEThu, May 15, 2025Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland 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 17AMSTERDAM*, HOLLANDFri, May 16, 2025Canals 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 18AMSTERDAM* (DISEMBARKATION)Sat, May 17, 2025Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)*Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 6 will disembark in Rotterdam.
Countries Visited
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Inclusions
- 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 6 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
Accommodation Information
Port charges:
$210
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
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Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
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Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
Our trip exceeded my expectations. The staff were very friendly and I could tell they had a great team commitment to their mission.
The ship and staff were caring, well organized, and knowledgeable. All aspects of the tour went as planned. The Rhine cruise has some very pleasant and interesting excursions, most were included. Adding two extra days in Amsterdam rounded out a good vacation.
Avalon was excellent in every way.
Avalon did a good job on most fronts. Staff, food and accommodations were all fine. Although they appeared to have some coordination issues with the hotel regarding baggage handling and definitely needed to improve traveler communication aboard the ship. Their reliance on the AvalonGo application for communication was misplaced since the wifi aboard ship worked only intermittently, leaving passengers to wonder about event times and procedures. The ship broke down near the end of the voyage, which suggested that the downtime during covid might have been used more effectively to maintain the propulsion system. Nightly briefings were helpful, but long-winded and repetitious.
This was our first river cruise. The ship was nice and the staff exceptional. We were told that river cruises are more about the included tours than the ship. That was clearly true. There isn't much to do on the ship other than eat and sleep. I thought the tours were just okay. The guides were great, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but they were mostly walking to take pictures. We paid for several optional tours and based on feedback from other cruisers our tours were more interesting than theirs. Overall I think ocean cruising may be a better fit for us.
I'm very glad I chose Avalon. They will be my first choice in the future. Great crew and staff, nice tours, great food, wonderful ship.
Basically a great trip but a few exceptions. Some of the excursions (Black Forest Cuckoo Clock and Heideberg Castle) had very long bus rides for a somewhat short visit to the site,. The Cuckoo Clock stop was just a tourist trap store with many clocks. Most of the Local Guides were great except one at Heidelberg Castle named Charlotte, who had the Gentle Walker Group. SHe stood in one place in the hot sun and talked talked talked, then ran to the next spot leaving her group in the dust. The "First Class High Speed Train" was neither first class or high speed. Tight seating, no food and long stops at stations. Our guide in LucerneUrsula was a delight! Lake Como for 3 nights was great to have free time to do what you pleased. Don't miss the boat tour and stop in Belagio!
The Avalon staff were very professional and courteous. The trip was full of adventure and a packed itinerary. The ship was nice but if I were to book another river cruise I would pick the top floor and closer to the front to avoid the noise from the engines. The rooms were spacious and I loved the balcony doors that opened up. And the food was delicious!
Tulip Time lead one to believe there would be more experiences with gardens than Keukenhof. That garden was spectacular, but was the only time we saw tulips or other spring blooms. Could have used more time in Amsterdam to tour the old section by foot as well as the cruise through the canal. That cruise was very good by the way. The tour guides were great. They had a vast knowledge of the area we were touring and very pleasant. Berthe, Lupii and Willem in particular were very good guides.
WE were happy with our river cruise and the staff was very attentive.
Wonderful crew, good food and wine, nice boat size (164 passengers), good tours with informative, pleasant guides. Staterooms a little small but necessary for the narrow river boats, but nicely appointed, comfortable beds and very clean.
Avalon Vista is a nice ship. The cabins are well designed with storage and stowaway conveniences to feel it bigger than the square footage. The food variety could be better (as compared to AMA WATERWAYS and Viking River cruises for the dinners (food was somewhat bland and needs more international flavors!). The staff was wonderful and extra tour guides knowledgeable with excellent communication skills.
I would highly recommend this River Cruise to everyone. Everything from the ship staff, the accommodations, entertainment, shore tours and meals were high class and top notch. The variety of food offered was very good and plentiful. All the shore tours were wonderful and informative by the expert and friendly tour guides. A wonderful experience.
More entertainment needed in the evening on board ship.
Everything went very smoothly. As changes became a possibility, due to low water levels, we were kept informed. They did everything g they could to ensure our trip was pleasant and met our expectations.
Food and staff were excellent. Bed was very comfortable and room was sufficiently spacious. On the last day, we were forced o spend our last night in a hotel due to water levels, which is understandable. However, there were no food choices at the hotel dinner.
WiFi issues Lack of water in Danube above Passau- Avalon did compensate us for this problem. Vlad was great as the cruise director. Tour guides very informative. Hotels wonderful.
Trip was fantastic. Exceeded our expectations!!
The Intercontinental in Budapest was wonderful - location and comfort. The river cruise was wonderful with high quality entertainment, food and staff. I especially enjoyed hearing about the locks. My only complaint is the hotel Andel in Prague. This location was not acceptable even though a shuttle was provided. We understood that some other Avalon travelers were staying at the Intercontinental in Prague and that was a much better location. The Andel was clean, but after arrival in the AM and being on a walking tour for a few hours, our luggage had not arrived in our room. We did not feel comfortable with it sitting (not secured) in the lobby next to the door. There was no orientation to the room. This hotel seemed to be more for business travelers. We traveled with friends who highly recommended Affordable Tours and they, as we, were very disappointed with our stay in Prague. This made for a less than desirable end to an otherwise great trip. I can't imagine that you have used this Hotel in the past.
The cruise was superb. Avalon Waterways cruise director was the perfect host and the staff was most attentive to the passengers. The Danube river experience was breathtakingly beautiful. The before and after trips to Budapest and Prague, also hosted by our cruise director, were memorable.
Great trip. I have to give it a 10 plus. Service, food and accommodations on the ship was a 10.
Our travel consultant at Affordale Tours was an excellent travel consultant, answered all of our questions, e-mails, and telephone calls. She was very detail-oriented. The accommodations on board the ship were amazing, and the excursions were informative, historical and fun. We had excellent local tour guides. Our cruise director was amazing. I have never seen a woman work so hard to accommodate so many different personalities and she did it with a smile on her face.
Avalon was terrific and the cruise was fabulous. I want to particularly note that the wait staff, the cabin steward and, the Cruise Director were outstanding in their service.
This Danube River Cruise was absolutely fabulous in every respect. The stateroom accommodations on board the Vista were premier. The entire boat was immaculate and the crew were the friendliest and most helpful I have ever experienced while at a vacation facility. My wife and I took almost every included as well as optional tour and we felt at the end of the vacation, each tour we took was better than the previous one and considering the first one was perfect. One can understand the level of appreciation my wife and I felt at the end of the 12 days. The guides were well informed and very entertaining and I felt the experience was worth every penny spent. Avalon River Cruises and Affordable Tours (specifically my travel consultant) are simply outstanding and have earned my travel loyalty!
Avalon exceeded our expectations! Clean, well maintained and well appointed ship. The staff was outstanding! I was afflicted with laryngitis for the duration of this cruise and the staff was so kind!
this is our fourth river cruise with avalon waterways and they always exceed our expectations
Great river cruise experience. Absolutely fantastic experience.
The trip was wonderful! I would certainly go on another river cruise.
The ship was very nice, with plenty of room in our cabin and in the bath. The staff members were extremely courteous and efficient. Excellent food and very good guides at the various places we visited.
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Our stateroom was well appointed and comfortable and clean. Furnishings are starting to show their age. Service staff was fine but not quite at the level we experienced on previous cruises with Avalon. Food and beverage was very good.