Avalon Waterways
Active & Discovery On The Rhine (Southbound)
Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise wit Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn.
Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to cave, castle and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.
Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:
•Paddle through the canals of Amsterdam on a kayak.
•Take an E-Bike tour surrounded by beautiful vineyards at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
•Follow the road less traveled on an exciting hike along Heidelberg’s Philosophers’ Way.
And Be Moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
•Discover your inner artist at an Amsterdam painting class inspired by the Dutch masters.
•Explore the lava caverns on a one-of-a-kind volcano encounter below the town of Mendig.
•Join a foodie tour through Strasbourg to discover the cuisine of France’s Alsace region.
Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.
Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhine.
| Day 1 |
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Apart from the canals, attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Nightlife abounds as well, with many visitors drawn to its vibrant network of nightclubs, theaters and festivals. Starting in 2014, the city has undergone an urban renewal effort, focused on expanding the city center and involving the construction of artificial islands. This is a one-of-a-kind city that begs to be explored by bicycle or boat tour! |
| Day 2 |
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Apart from the canals, attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Nightlife abounds as well, with many visitors drawn to its vibrant network of nightclubs, theaters and festivals. Starting in 2014, the city has undergone an urban renewal effort, focused on expanding the city center and involving the construction of artificial islands. This is a one-of-a-kind city that begs to be explored by bicycle or boat tour! |
| Day 3 |
The commercial and cultural center for the Ruhr region on the Rhine River, Duseldorff is also the site of the Felderhof Cave where Neanderthal man was found in 1856. |
| Day 4 |
This 2,000-year-old city, where the Teutonic Order founded one of its first commanderies in the 13th century, lies on the convergence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. Hop on a cable car, one of the city's most popular attractions, for stunning city-wide views, or cruise down the Rhine to spot some of Koblenz's magnificent fortresses and castles, including the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and Schloss Stolzenfels. Stroll the cobbled streets from the Deutsches Eck statue to the city center, and you'll likely pass by a variety of historic buildings and monuments. |
| Day 5 |
Speyer, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most notable landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world. This impressive structure, built in the 11th century, houses the tombs of eight German emperors and kings. Visitors can also explore the charming old town, with its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and vibrant market squares. The Altpörtel, one of the tallest and most important city gates in Germany, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. For those interested in more modern attractions, the Technik Museum Speyer is a must-visit. This museum features an extensive collection of aircraft, classic cars, locomotives, and even a German U9 submarine. It’s a great spot for families, as children can climb aboard many of the exhibits. Additionally, Speyer’s location along the Rhine River makes it an ideal starting point for scenic river cruises and wine tours in the nearby vineyards. The city’s rich Jewish heritage, including one of the most complete medieval mikvehs in Europe, adds another layer of historical intrigue for visitors to explore. Speyer is also known for its lively cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The annual Brezelfest, celebrating the city’s famous pretzels, is a highlight for both locals and tourists. With its blend of historical significance, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Speyer offers a unique and memorable experience for all who visit. |
| Day 6 |
This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. If you plan to travel here from the end of November through the end of December, do not miss out on the Christkindelsmärik, one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. Nothing will spark holiday cheer more than a warming cup of vin chaud while gazing upon the magnificient Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber! |
| Day 7 |
This quaint town on the Rhine is the gateway to the Black Forest and lies halfway between Freiburg and Colmar. As you walk the cobblestone streets, stop to sample local schnapps made from fermented pears or cherries and the distinctive smoky ham of this region. St. Stephan's Cathedral perches on a hillside and is the exquisite centerpiece of the town. |
| Day 8 |
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/24/25 - 05/31/25 |
Starting At $3,709 |
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|
06/07/25 - 06/14/25 |
Starting At $3,459 |
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|
07/05/25 - 07/12/25 |
Starting At $4,209 |
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|
10/11/25 - 10/18/25 |
Starting At $4,509 |
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“Starting at” or “From” price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.
