Your Itinerary
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
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)
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE 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)
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE 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.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)
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)
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE 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. 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)
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Off to ParisThis 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)
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourVisit 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. Serenity on the SeineACTIVE 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
Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE 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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
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 (from September replaced with a visit to the D-Day Museum), 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)
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)
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
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)
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)
On to DijonTake a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune. CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne to discover Burgundy’s rich wine culture through an immersive, interactive experience, and enjoy a wine tasting.This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS(B,D)
Pearl of Southern BurgundyCLASSIC 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.Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin. DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX(B,L,D)
La Vie En Rose in LyonSail for lovely Lyon this morning. 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 lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Adventures in Food and WineDISCOVERY Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals. EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsCLASSIC 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. World History in a Charming French Country VillageCLASSIC 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
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 onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
A Brush with GeniusACTIVE 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 in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)–FRENCH RIVIERA
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean CoastAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. CLASSIC En route to French Riviera, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne’s hometown. (B)
The “Queen of the French Riviera” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets, and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.(B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)