Your European vacation begins with A Globus Small Group Discovery tour of Switzerland by train! From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Geneva to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train travel to Interlaken for sheer beauty rising in the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Ride the rails through unbelievable beauty on to Lucerne to explore the history, culture, and rich delicacies of the Swiss Alps.Continue to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise on the Rhine through Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, then head for Breisach, Germany for a magical excursion to the Black Forest. Then venture on to Strasbourg, France, to see its Gothic cathedral with stunning murals and stained glass. Sail to Mainz for an excursion to Heidelberg Castle or join your Avalon Adventure Host® for a hike up Philosophers’ Way. You can alternatively visit the Gutenberg Museum for the amazing history of the early pioneers of printing. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You'll visit Koblenz and Cologne and arrive in Amsterdam for a guided canal cruise through the colorful city. Your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River with Globus Small Group Discover tour to explore the splendors of Switzerland by train are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

1. Day 1
   ARRIVE IN LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

   Sat, Aug 22, 2026

   Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
   
   (D)
2. Day 2
   LAKE GENEVA

   Sun, Aug 23, 2026

   Incredible Feats An orientation walk includes a visit to the Olympic Museum.
   
   (B)
   
   TOUR HIGHLIGHT
   RULES OF THE GAMES The Olympic Museum was opened in 1993 and reflects the spirit of the sports games which bring nations together as the largest information center on the Olympic Games in the world.
   
   ENHANCED FREE TIME
   SMALL GROUP ADVANTAGE Take advantage of your small group optional experience with an exclusive wine tasting experience. Travel by train to the heart of Lavaux; stroll among the vines and taste the local wine. Continue to picturesque Vevey for some free time before enjoying a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva.
3. Day 3
   LAKE GENEVA–ZERMATT–GORNERGRAT EXCURSION

   Mon, Aug 24, 2026

   All Aboard for Zermatt! Board the train for your journey from Lausanne to Zermatt. An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat.
   
   (B)
   
   TOUR HIGHLIGHT
   PEAK PERFECTION Travel on board Europe’s highest rack railway to marvel at the views of the Matterhorn from its summit. Spectacular!
4. Day 4
   ZERMATT–INTERLAKEN

   Tue, Aug 25, 2026

   Alpine Adventure Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps en route to Interlaken aboard the Loetschberg train.
   
   (B)
   
   TOUR HIGHLIGHT
   NATURAL WONDERS Interlaken lies between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz affording spectacular surrounding views of the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
5. Day 5
   INTERLAKEN

   Wed, Aug 26, 2026

   The Top of Europe Take advantage of your small group and [LF] ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the Eager Express Cable Car.
   
   (B)
   
   LOCAL FAVORITE
   SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling experience aboard the Eiger Express Cable Car. Be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps before continuing your alpine ascent by cogwheel train to ascend to the “Top of Europe” - the Jungfraujoch. Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and take in the 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Jungfrau Massif.
6. Day 6
   INTERLAKEN–BRIENZ–LUCERNE

   Thu, Aug 27, 2026

   Natural Highs Sit back and relax for a boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Enjoy wonderful views of the Bernese Oberland with its impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside villages. After disembarking, continue your journey to Lucerne aboard the Lucerne Interlaken Express train.
   
   (B)
   
   TOUR HIGHLIGHT
   LAKE STORIES Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls surround you with picture-perfect scenery. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing as waves ripple, merge, and heighten as your ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake while pondering the depth of the water that has flowed through the Alps for thousands of years.
   
   ENHANCED FREE TIME
   SMALL PLEASURES Relax at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere. Feel your spirits rise with merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as you indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue.
7. Day 7
   LUCERNE

   Fri, Aug 28, 2026

   Lion Hearts Join your Tour Director for an orientation walk of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant awaits.
   
   (B,D)
   
   TOUR HIGHLIGHT
   CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.
   
   ENHANCED FREE TIME
   EPIC RIDE Climb soaring Mount Pilatus on a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with an incline of 48 degrees, this silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondola reveal a panorama of unmatched beauty. The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages with countless tales of mythical encounters with a dragon inhabiting the surrounding caves. As you ride higher, it’s easy to imagine the dragon soaring back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne. The trip back down is just as inspiring with irresistible photo opportunities!
8. Day 8
   LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

   Sat, Aug 29, 2026

   Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
   
   Transfer to Basel to embark your Avalon Suite Ship®.
   
   Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
   
   EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
   
   (B,D)
9. Day 9
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Sun, Aug 30, 2026

   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:
   
   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 CRUISE TO KEHL
   
   (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

    Mon, Aug 31, 2026

    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)
11. Day 11
    MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

    Tue, Sep 01, 2026

    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)
12. Day 12
    RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

    Wed, Sep 02, 2026

    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
    
    ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, 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.
    
    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
    
    Travel 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)
13. Day 13
    COLOGNE

    Thu, Sep 03, 2026

    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)
14. Day 14
    AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

    Fri, Sep 04, 2026

    Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
    
    ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
    
    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.”
    
    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)
15. Day 15
    AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

    Sat, Sep 05, 2026

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)