German Grandeur

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enquire now 9 Days From NZD $4,522 pp twinshare
 Cruise
 Terms & Conditions apply

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 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!

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2023, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2023.

ITINERARY

  • DAY 1:   BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
    Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich 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 (D)
  • 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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
  • DAY 3:   STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France Visit the Adventure centre 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. You may 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 centre. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
  • DAY 4:   RUDESHEIM, 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 Rudesheim, OR: ACTIVE – Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR: DISCOVERY – Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat. 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 (B,L,D)
  • DAY 5:   FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
    Charm in Frankfurt ACTIVE – Enjoy an easy biking experience in 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 on board. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
  • 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 WURZBURG (B,L,D)
  • DAY 7:   WURZBURG
    A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road ACTIVE – Explore Wurzburg’s charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC – Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg 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 (B,L,D)
  • 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 (B,L,D)
  • DAY 9:   NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
    Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast. Flights shouldn’t leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am. (B)

INCLUSIONS

Meals
Breakfast: 8 Lunch: 7 Dinner: 8
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
HighLights
  • Strasbourg
  • Rudesheim
  • Frankfurt
  • Wurzburg
  • Munich

 

Images courtesy of Avalon Waterways and Globus Family of Brands 

AVW – WZN

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