See the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers. Your picturesque European river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach—with your choice of a visit to a local winery, or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France for a guided tour and visit to the La Petite France district and Gothic-style cathedral, then on to the vineyards and wine village of Rüdesheim through the spectacular views of Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine River, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main River village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before concluding your cruise in Nuremberg. From Switzerland to Bavaria, your German river cruise will create grand memories indeed!
Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 3 Strasbourg:
Choice of guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or visit to Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 4 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Boppard:
Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard
Day 5 Frankfurt:
In Frankfurt choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Seligenstadt
Day 6 Main River Village:
Guided walking tour
Day 7 Würzburg:
Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Bamberg:
Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 9 Nuremberg (Disembarkation):
Your cruise ends this morning
Notes:
In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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 as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
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Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
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:
DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
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Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
Choose 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 RÜDESHEIM
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Day 4
RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
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Day 5
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
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Day 6
MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
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Day 7
WÜRZBURG A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
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Day 8
BAMBERG The City of Seven Hills
ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
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Day 9
NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.
Flights shouldn’t leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am.
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Accommodations
Zurich
Nuremberg
Radisson Blu Airport Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Zuerich Flughafen Zurich Switzerland
This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.
Le Meridien Grand Hotel Superior First-Class
Bahnhofstrasse 1-3 Nuremberg Germany
With the lustrous flair of a classic grand hotel, enhanced with state-of-the-art technology and convenient features, this 190 room historic legend has been hosting international luminaries for almost 125 years. Located in the heart of the ancient city centre, museums, shops, the city's famous market and the Imperial Castle are all just a short stroll away. All air-conditioned guest rooms feature flat screen TVs, in-room safes, Free Wi-Fi Internet access, USB mobile charging ports and elegant Art Nouveau-style marble bathrooms which skillfully highlight the fusion of classic and modern style. There is a Brasserie style restaurant serving authentic German cuisine as well as an Art Deco-style Atelier bar/lounge offering 1920s charm and a large selection of drinks and cocktails.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.