Begin this exhilarating vacation with 2 nights in Lucerne, where you’ll walk across the famous covered Chapel Bridge and ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mt. Pilatus for a birdseye view over the town, lake and surroundings. (Departures October 19 to November 2 visit the Swiss Transport Museum as transportation up Mt. Pilatus is unavailable due to maintenance.) Then one of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to the Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam. Be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey.

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Zurich, Switzerland–Transfer to Lucerne: Welcome to Switzerland! Day 2 Lucerne: Guided sightseeing, see the Lion Monument, walk across CHAPEL BRIDGEDay 3 Lucerne–Transfer to Basel (Embarkation): excursion up Mt. Pilatus (departures October 19 to November 2 visit the Swiss Museum of Transport); onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a woodcarver’s workshop or visit a Black Forest open-air museumDay 5 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 6 Excursion to Heidelberg–Mainz: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 7 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and enjoy a special treat; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; guided walk in KoblenzDay 8 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walkDay 9 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 10 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselBuffet breakfast daily while in Lucerne

Notes

NOTES:Departures December 2 & 16 are offered as exclusive Festive Time Cruises, including special features and visits to Christmas markets at no extra cost. Experience the holiday season the European way! Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on your festively decorated ship as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local customs and traditions.In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WZAE-2017