Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Your extraordinary European vacation begins with a 2-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and a special excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility). Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to unrivaled beauty of Germany’s Black Forest. Soak in the sights of Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border—perfectly blending the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles peer from 400-foot cliffs above the shores. History comes to life in Cologne, Germany—the 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and towering twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam and board a canal cruise for an immersive view of the tall, narrow houses in the capital of Holland. Be whisked away via high-speed train to Paris to board your Seine River cruise to be wined, dined, and delighted by French culture, cuisine, and captivating charm. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk or see the legendary landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few.Your European river cruise vacation gets even better with a captivating cruise on France’s Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Sail through the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!

1. Day 1
   LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

   Sun, May 18, 2025

   Welcome to Switzerland!
   
   The 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.
   
   
2. Day 2
   LUCERNE

   Mon, May 19, 2025

   A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion
   
   CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.
   
   (B)
   
   
3. Day 3
   LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, May 20, 2025

   Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
   
   CLASSIC 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)
   
   
4. Day 4
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Wed, May 21, 2025

   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)
   
   
5. Day 5
   KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG

   Thu, May 22, 2025

   A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
   
   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.
   
   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)
   
   
6. Day 6
   MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

   Fri, May 23, 2025

   Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
   
   ACTIVE 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)
   
   
7. Day 7
   RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

   Sat, May 24, 2025

   Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
   
   ACTIVE 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.
   
   KOBLENZ
   
   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)
   
   
8. Day 8
   COLOGNE

   Sun, May 25, 2025

   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)
   
   
9. Day 9
   AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND

   Mon, May 26, 2025

   Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
   
   ACTIVE 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, canal houses, galleries, and shops.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   *Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” event from August 15 to 19, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.
   
   
10. Day 10
    AMSTERDAM* (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

    Tue, May 27, 2025

    This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
    
    (B,D)
    
    *Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 10 will disembark in Rotterdam.
    
    
11. Day 11
    VERNON

    Wed, May 28, 2025

    Monet’s Fleurs and Crêpes du Jour
    
    Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
    
    ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
    
    DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
    
    This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
    
    LES ANDELYS
    
    Serenity on the Seine
    
    ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    *Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.
    
    
12. Day 12
    CAUDEBEC

    Thu, May 29, 2025

    Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
    
    ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
    
    This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
13. Day 13
    CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

    Fri, May 30, 2025

    Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
14. Day 14
    ROUEN

    Sat, May 31, 2025

    The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
    
    ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
15. Day 15
    CONFLANS

    Sun, Jun 01, 2025

    The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
    
    ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
    
    Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    *Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
    
    
16. Day 16
    PARIS

    Mon, Jun 02, 2025

    Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light
    
    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
    
    ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
    
    Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
17. Day 17
    PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)

    Tue, Jun 03, 2025

    Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
    
    This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX*
    
    (B,D)
    
    *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
    
    
18. Day 18
    CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE*

    Wed, Jun 04, 2025

    On the Steps of Montesquieu
    
    DISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
    
    CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    *Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
    
    
    
19. Day 19
    CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC

    Thu, Jun 05, 2025

    Bikes, Vines, and Wines
    
    This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc
    
    Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
    
    ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux’s finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
    
    This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
20. Day 20
    BLAYE–BOURG

    Fri, Jun 06, 2025

    Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
    
    Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
    
    ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
    
    Scenic afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
    
    CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
    
    Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
21. Day 21
    LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION

    Sat, Jun 07, 2025

    The Village Amid the Vineyards
    
    DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
22. Day 22
    BORDEAUX

    Sun, Jun 08, 2025

    Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
    
    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
    
    DISCOVERY While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
    
    ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
23. Day 23
    BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY

    Mon, Jun 09, 2025

    Seas, Shells, and Sips
    
    ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
    
    This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
24. Day 24
    BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

    Tue, Jun 10, 2025

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)