Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025 - 8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

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Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025

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) 2025 - 8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam
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Dates & Pricing

Saturday 29 Mar 25 — Sunday 06 Apr 25Starting at $2,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 09 May 25 — Saturday 17 May 25Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 12 May 25 — Tuesday 20 May 25Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 16 May 25 — Saturday 24 May 25Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 19 May 25 — Tuesday 27 May 25Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 23 May 25 — Saturday 31 May 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 26 May 25 — Tuesday 03 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 30 May 25 — Saturday 07 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 02 Jun 25 — Tuesday 10 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 06 Jun 25 — Saturday 14 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 09 Jun 25 — Tuesday 17 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 20 Jun 25 — Saturday 28 Jun 25Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 23 Jun 25 — Tuesday 01 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 27 Jun 25 — Saturday 05 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 30 Jun 25 — Tuesday 08 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 04 Jul 25 — Saturday 12 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 07 Jul 25 — Tuesday 15 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 11 Jul 25 — Saturday 19 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 14 Jul 25 — Tuesday 22 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 18 Jul 25 — Saturday 26 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 21 Jul 25 — Tuesday 29 Jul 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 25 Jul 25 — Saturday 02 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 28 Jul 25 — Tuesday 05 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 01 Aug 25 — Saturday 09 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 04 Aug 25 — Tuesday 12 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 08 Aug 25 — Saturday 16 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 11 Aug 25 — Tuesday 19 Aug 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 15 Aug 25 — Saturday 23 Aug 25Starting at $4,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 18 Aug 25 — Tuesday 26 Aug 25Starting at $4,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 25 Aug 25 — Tuesday 02 Sep 25Starting at $4,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 29 Aug 25 — Saturday 06 Sep 25Starting at $4,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 01 Sep 25 — Tuesday 09 Sep 25Starting at $4,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 05 Sep 25 — Saturday 13 Sep 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 08 Sep 25 — Tuesday 16 Sep 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 12 Sep 25 — Saturday 20 Sep 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 15 Sep 25 — Tuesday 23 Sep 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 19 Sep 25 — Saturday 27 Sep 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 22 Sep 25 — Tuesday 30 Sep 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 26 Sep 25 — Saturday 04 Oct 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 03 Oct 25 — Saturday 11 Oct 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 06 Oct 25 — Tuesday 14 Oct 25Starting at $3,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 10 Oct 25 — Saturday 18 Oct 25Starting at $4,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 13 Oct 25 — Tuesday 21 Oct 25Starting at $4,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 17 Oct 25 — Saturday 25 Oct 25Starting at $4,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 Oct 25 — Tuesday 28 Oct 25Starting at $4,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 27 Oct 25 — Tuesday 04 Nov 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 03 Nov 25 — Tuesday 11 Nov 25Starting at $3,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 07 Nov 25 — Saturday 15 Nov 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 17 Nov 25 — Tuesday 25 Nov 25Starting at $3,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 01 Dec 25 — Tuesday 09 Dec 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 08 Dec 25 — Tuesday 16 Dec 25Starting at $3,899Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 15 Dec 25 — Tuesday 23 Dec 25Starting at $3,649Check 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.
  • Due to “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 12 & 16 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 * Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” from August 19 to 25, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam. AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg
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Day 8
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)* Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. *Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departures August 12 & 16 will disembark in Rotterdam. 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.