Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026 - 8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

Call Us 800.528.9300

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam



Tour Description:

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, and marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, then pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral.

At the conclusion of your Rhine River cruise, you’ll spend time in colorful Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on an included canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend free time discovering world-famous museums, and an abundance of restaurants in the vibrant, modern capital of Holland.

Map for Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026 - 8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Friday 03 Apr 26 — Saturday 11 Apr 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 04 Apr 26 — Sunday 12 Apr 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 06 Apr 26 — Tuesday 14 Apr 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 17 Apr 26 — Saturday 25 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 18 Apr 26 — Sunday 26 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 Apr 26 — Tuesday 28 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 01 May 26 — Saturday 09 May 26Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 04 May 26 — Tuesday 12 May 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 08 May 26 — Saturday 16 May 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 11 May 26 — Tuesday 19 May 26Starting at $3,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 15 May 26 — Saturday 23 May 26Starting at $3,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 18 May 26 — Tuesday 26 May 26Starting at $3,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 22 May 26 — Saturday 30 May 26Starting at $3,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 25 May 26 — Tuesday 02 Jun 26Starting at $3,349Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 01 Jun 26 — Tuesday 09 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 05 Jun 26 — Saturday 13 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 08 Jun 26 — Tuesday 16 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 12 Jun 26 — Saturday 20 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 15 Jun 26 — Tuesday 23 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 19 Jun 26 — Saturday 27 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 22 Jun 26 — Tuesday 30 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 26 Jun 26 — Saturday 04 Jul 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 29 Jun 26 — Tuesday 07 Jul 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 03 Jul 26 — Saturday 11 Jul 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 06 Jul 26 — Tuesday 14 Jul 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 10 Jul 26 — Saturday 18 Jul 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 17 Jul 26 — Saturday 25 Jul 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 Jul 26 — Tuesday 28 Jul 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 24 Jul 26 — Saturday 01 Aug 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 31 Jul 26 — Saturday 08 Aug 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 03 Aug 26 — Tuesday 11 Aug 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 07 Aug 26 — Saturday 15 Aug 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 10 Aug 26 — Tuesday 18 Aug 26Starting at $2,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 14 Aug 26 — Saturday 22 Aug 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 17 Aug 26 — Tuesday 25 Aug 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 21 Aug 26 — Saturday 29 Aug 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 24 Aug 26 — Tuesday 01 Sep 26Starting at $3,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 28 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26Starting at $3,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 31 Aug 26 — Tuesday 08 Sep 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 04 Sep 26 — Saturday 12 Sep 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 07 Sep 26 — Tuesday 15 Sep 26Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 11 Sep 26 — Saturday 19 Sep 26Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 14 Sep 26 — Tuesday 22 Sep 26Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 18 Sep 26 — Saturday 26 Sep 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 21 Sep 26 — Tuesday 29 Sep 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 25 Sep 26 — Saturday 03 Oct 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 02 Oct 26 — Saturday 10 Oct 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 05 Oct 26 — Tuesday 13 Oct 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 12 Oct 26 — Tuesday 20 Oct 26Starting at $3,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 16 Oct 26 — Saturday 24 Oct 26Starting at $3,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 19 Oct 26 — Tuesday 27 Oct 26Starting at $3,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 23 Oct 26 — Saturday 31 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 26 Oct 26 — Tuesday 03 Nov 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 30 Oct 26 — Saturday 07 Nov 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 02 Nov 26 — Tuesday 10 Nov 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 09 Nov 26 — Tuesday 17 Nov 26Starting at $2,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 16 Nov 26 — Tuesday 24 Nov 26Starting at $2,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 23 Nov 26 — Tuesday 01 Dec 26Starting at $3,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 30 Nov 26 — Tuesday 08 Dec 26Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 07 Dec 26 — Tuesday 15 Dec 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 14 Dec 26 — Tuesday 22 Dec 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon 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.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing in Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 3 Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 4 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
Day 5 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz
Day 6 Cologne: Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 7 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Amsterdam (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.

ITINERARY

Day 1
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 BASEL-SUNSET.jpg

Day 2
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: 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: 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 BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 3
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE 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 STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 4
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG 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 HEIDELBERG.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 5
RÜDESHEIM–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: DISCOVERY 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. 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 RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 6
COLOGNE 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 COLOGNE-BEER.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 7
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: DISCOVERY 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 AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 8
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

Accommodations

ZurichAmsterdamAmsterdam
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.
Check Mark 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.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

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.