Experience the best of German and French culture on an unforgettable European river cruise along the Rhine, Seine, Saône, and Rhône rivers. Capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey with your camera as you revel in spectacular views.Begin your European adventure with a 2-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland, exploring city highlights and embarking on a special excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility). Your cruise commences in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the breathtaking Black Forest. Strasbourg, situated on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both nations. Sail through the awe-inspiring Rhine Gorge, witnessing ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Discover Cologne, Germany, renowned for its gothic architecture and iconic twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland, before transferring to Paris via a high-speed train for your Seine River cruise. Savor wine, cheese, and the scenic beauty of the Seine River, with stops in charming and historic regions of France. Before bidding adieu to the Seine, immerse yourself in the romantic city of Paris, exploring its rich history and iconic landmarks. Embark on a high-speed train to Dijon, then transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, nestled at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Explore the medieval treasure of Tournon, featuring Roman ruins and a captivating 16th-century castle. In historic Avignon, marvel at the 14th-century Palace of the Popes, the largest gothic fortress in the world. Conclude your cruise in Arles, renowned for inspiring Van Gogh's paintings and hosting captivating plays and concerts in its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater.

1. Day 1
   LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

   Sun, Sep 26, 2027

   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 enjoying some shopping in the city center.
   
   
2. Day 2
   LUCERNE

   Mon, Sep 27, 2027

   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, Sep 28, 2027

   Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
   
   CLASSIC En route to Basel, 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).
   
   Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.
   
   EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
   
   (B,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

   Wed, Sep 29, 2027

   German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
   
   Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
   
   ACTIVE 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 KEHL
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
5. Day 5
   KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

   Thu, Sep 30, 2027

   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.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

   Fri, Oct 01, 2027

   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 Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.
   
   This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
7. Day 7
   RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

   Sat, Oct 02, 2027

   Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
   
   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.
   
   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.
   
   This evening enjoy live entertainment onboard.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
8. Day 8
   COLOGNE

   Sun, Oct 03, 2027

   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:
   
   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!
   
   AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
9. Day 9
   AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

   Mon, Oct 04, 2027

   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)
   
   
10. Day 10
    AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

    Tue, Oct 05, 2027

    Off to Paris
    
    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)
    
    
11. Day 11
    VERNON

    Wed, Oct 06, 2027

    Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
    
    Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
    
    ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, 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.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
    
    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, Oct 07, 2027

    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.
    
    DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
    
    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
13. Day 13
    CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

    Fri, Oct 08, 2027

    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.
    
    EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
14. Day 14
    ROUEN

    Sat, Oct 09, 2027

    The Cathedral of Notre-Dame 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, Oct 10, 2027

    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.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    * Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
    
    
16. Day 16
    PARIS

    Mon, Oct 11, 2027

    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 featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
    
    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)–DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)

    Tue, Oct 12, 2027

    On to Dijon
    
    Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
    
    CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the 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)
    
    
18. Day 18
    TOURNUS

    Wed, Oct 13, 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)
    
    
19. Day 19
    LYON

    Thu, Oct 14, 2027

    La Vie En Rose in Lyon
    
    ACTIVE 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 your lecture on board your ship.
    
    Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
20. Day 20
    LYON

    Fri, Oct 15, 2027

    Adventures in Food and Wine
    
    Visit 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)
    
    
21. Day 21
    TOURNON

    Sat, Oct 16, 2027

    A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
    
    CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
    
    Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
    
    VIVIERS
    
    World 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)
    
    
22. Day 22
    AVIGNON

    Sun, Oct 17, 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)
    
    
23. Day 23
    ARLES

    Mon, Oct 18, 2027

    A Brush with Genius
    
    ACTIVE 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)
    
    
24. Day 24
    ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)

    Tue, Oct 19, 2027

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
    
    (B)