Romantic Rhine River Charms – Southbound

Pricing is based on departure date: 9 November 2027

Selected departure dates available in November 2026 to November 2027.

Cruise the legendary Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, discovering the charm of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals and Cologne’s Gothic cathedral, then sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where ancient castles overlook the river.

Discover the wine town of Rüdesheim, explore Heidelberg Castle or Schwetzingen Palace, and admire Strasbourg’s cathedral and picturesque La Petite France district. In Breisach, uncover the natural beauty and traditions of Germany’s enchanting Black Forest.

From fresh spring blooms to sunlit summer days and golden autumn vineyards, each season brings its own romance to this unforgettable Rhine journey.

Your Avalon Cruise Includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner with flexible dining options
• Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Evening Happy Hour, except embarkation night
• 24-hour speciality tea, coffee and Club Lounge snacks
• Choice of included shore excursions as per itinerary
• Wellness activities, fitness centre and use of bikes and e-bikes
• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment
• River-view accommodation with premium bedding and L’Occitane toiletries
• Onboard live music and evening entertainment

Itinerary Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Amsterdam, Holland

Welcome to Amsterdam! Board your Avalon Suite Ship and settle into your stateroom, with time to explore the city independently before your cruise begins. During tulip season, an optional guided excursion to Keukenhof Gardens offers the chance to admire spectacular displays of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam with your choice of included sightseeing. Join a guided walking tour through cobbled streets to uncover the city’s lesser-known corners, or explore its iconic waterways on a guided canal cruise past elegant merchant houses dating from the Dutch Golden Age.

Enjoy free time to browse galleries and shops, wander beside the canals or join an optional excursion at additional cost. Later, relax on board as your ship begins its journey towards Cologne.

Cologne, Germany

Explore Cologne with a choice of included excursions. Join your Adventure Host for a bicycle ride, discover the city’s important Jewish heritage sites on a guided walking tour, or take a guided city walk featuring Cologne’s magnificent twin-spired Gothic cathedral.

During your free time, perhaps sample a glass of locally brewed Kölsch beer and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. Back on board, local musicians provide live entertainment as your ship cruises overnight towards Rüdesheim.

Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim, Germany

Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, where ancient castles crown steep cliffs above the river. Along the way, pass the legendary Lorelei Rock and admire some of the Rhine’s most memorable scenery.

In Rüdesheim, choose from three included experiences. Hike through picturesque vineyards with your Adventure Host, followed by a tasting of traditional Rüdesheimer coffee; visit the Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy the same local coffee speciality; or explore the historic wooden-barrel cellar at Johannisberg Castle, followed by a wine tasting.

Continue cruising overnight towards Ludwigshafen.

Ludwigshafen, Germany – Heidelberg Excursion

Today offers a choice of included excursions into the region’s history and scenery. Join your Adventure Host for a walk along Heidelberg’s scenic Philosophers’ Way, or visit Schwetzingen Palace to discover its elegant palace, gardens and historic square.

Alternatively, take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, where impressive Renaissance ruins overlook the city. See its famous Great Vat, an enormous wine barrel housed within the castle.

Return to your ship for an afternoon and overnight cruise towards Kehl.

Kehl, Germany – Strasbourg, France Excursion

Discover Strasbourg, where French and German influences meet in a charming setting of canals and half-timbered houses. Choose a bicycle ride with your Adventure Host or a guided sightseeing tour featuring the Gothic cathedral, its stained-glass windows and astronomical clock, along with the picturesque La Petite France district.

Spend your free time exploring the city centre or visiting a museum. Optional excursions, available at additional cost, offer the chance to discover the historic Maginot Line fortifications or venture into Alsace’s wine country.

Cruise towards Breisach this evening.

Breisach, Germany – Black Forest Excursion

Explore the region with your choice of included excursions. Set out on a guided e-bike tour through the Black Forest, or enjoy a full-day guided excursion featuring the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, an authentic watermill and a traditional butter-making demonstration.

Alternatively, join a guided tour of Freiburg’s medieval city centre, set amid the vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

An optional excursion to Colmar, available at additional cost, reveals charming streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. This evening, sail towards Basel.

Basel, Switzerland – Disembarkation

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Basel, where your Rhine River cruise concludes.

Your Ship: Avalon Envision

Experience Europe’s rivers in comfort aboard Avalon Envision, where contemporary interiors and panoramic views create a relaxed setting for your journey.

Panorama Suites
Enjoy 200-square-foot Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony®. Window-facing beds let you admire the passing scenery from the comfort of your suite.

Flexible Dining
Savour freshly prepared cuisine and Avalon Fresh® menu options, with dining venues including the elegant glass-walled Dining Room, casual Panorama Bistro and al fresco Sky Grill.

Sky Deck
Watch castles, vineyards and riverside towns drift past from the spacious Sky Deck, complete with a whirlpool, comfortable loungers, shaded seating and deck games.

Inviting Lounges
Take in the views from the Observation Lounge or unwind in the Club Lounge with a book, cards or board games.

Active Experiences
Keep moving in the onboard fitness centre, or make use of the Adventure Centre’s bicycles and active gear. An Avalon Adventure Host is on hand to assist with activities and active excursions.

Stay Connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi makes it easy to keep in touch and share memorable moments throughout your cruise.

Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Kehl (Strasbourg), Breisach (Black Forest), Basel.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.