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Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers October 13-20, 2026

Oct 13 - 20, 2026

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Your Advisor

Lada Markman

LadaTravel LLC

markman@ladatravel.com

2155010348

Overview


Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers Southbound With Lucerne - Avalon Waterways Wine Cruise 2026 SEASON. This 8-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel offers a unique experience with a Certified Sommelier who will host lectures, tastings, and tips on food-and-wine pairing. The cruise includes stops in Germany, Holland, France, and Switzerland, with various excursions and activities planned at each destination.

Day 1 · Tue, Oct 13 · Amsterdam, Holland


Optional Add-On

Pre-Cruise Extra Night in Amsterdam 10/11/2026

Optional Add-On

Pre-Cruise Extra Night in Amsterdam 10/12/2026

About Your Ship - Avalon View

As the newest addition to our fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon View certainly lives up to its name!

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Overnight Docking in Amsterdam

Oct 13

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure. You might join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Overnight docking in Amsterdam allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city...

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Choose Your Cabin (Airfare Not Included)

Category Stateroom Double Occupancy - COUPLE - Single Payment (Airfare not included)

Perfect for Couples or Travel Companions

This option offers shared accommodations with ease of a single payment.

Category Stateroom Double Occupancy - FRIENDS SHARING - Separate Payments (Airfare not included)

Perfect for Friends Traveling Together

This option lets you share accommodations while keeping the convenience of separate payments for each traveler.

  • Category Stateroom Double Occupancy - COUPLE - Single Payment (Airfare not included)

    Oct 13, 2026

  • Category Stateroom Double Occupancy - FRIENDS SHARING - Separate Payments (Airfare not included)

    Oct 13, 2026

Day 2 · Wed, Oct 14 · Amsterdam, Holland


Canals of Colorful Amsterdam Guided Walking Tour OR Guided Canal Cruise

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. 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 explore the iconic waterw...

Guided Canal Cruise

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age.' This classic excursion allows you to experience the charm and beauty of the city from the water, providing a unique perspective on its ...

Join an onboard lecture hosted by your Certified Sommelier

Join an onboard lecture hosted by your Certified Sommelier. This exclusive experience allows you to learn about wines from certified experts in the field. Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience,...

About Your Cruise - Overnight Cruise to Cologne

Travel from Amsterdam to Cologne overnight. This overnight cruise allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Rhine River as you transition from the vibrant city of Amsterdam to the historic city of Cologne, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich cultural heritage. As you sail, take in the picturesque landscapes and charming villages that line the riverbanks, setting the stage for the adventures that await you in Cologne.

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Day 3 · Thu, Oct 15 · Cologne, Germany


Join an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier

Join an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier. This exclusive experience allows you to indulge in a selection of fine wines paired with artisanal cheeses, enhancing your appreciation for both. The sommelier will share ins...

Bike Ride with Adventure Host OR Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s Jewish Heritage Sites OR Guided City Walk of Cologne with Twin-steepled Gothic Cathedral

Cycle through Cologne like a local alongside your Adventure Host, or Take a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne, exploring its important Jewish heritage sites, or Guided City Walk of Cologne to explore its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend f...

About Your Cruise - Overnight Cruise to Rudesheim

Travel from Cologne to Rudesheim overnight. This overnight cruise allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Rhine River as you transition from the vibrant city of Cologne to the charming wine town of Rudesheim, known for its picturesque vineyards and rich wine culture.

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Day 4 · Fri, Oct 16 · Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim, Germany


Sail through the Rhine Gorge

Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This scenic journey offers a glimpse of the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where the mytholo...

Hike the Vineyards of Rüdesheim OR Guided Tour of Eberbach Monastery OR Guided Tour of Mechanical Music Museum

Embark on a scenic hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the beautiful vineyards of Rüdesheim, or join a Guided Tour to experience the beauty and simplicity of 13th-century Eberbach Monastery-a former abbey for Cistercian monks that today is k...

Guided Tour of Mechanical Music Museum

Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a wine tasting. This unique museum showcases a fascinating collection of mechanical musical instruments, providing insight into the histor...

Overnight Docking in Rudesheim

Oct 16

Dock overnight in Rudesheim. Enjoy the charming wine town and visit the unique Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This delightful stop allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and history, making it a perfect addition to you...

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Day 5 · Sat, Oct 17 · Speyer - Heidelberg, Germany


Guided City Tour of Speyer OR Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle

Enjoy a Guided City Tour of Speyer, including a visit to the Wine Museum to learn about the history of viticulture and wine production. This excursion offers a deep dive into the region's rich wine heritage, showcasing the significance of wine in loc...

Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle

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." This excursion offers a deep dive into the rich history and stunnin...

About Your Cruise - Evening/Overnight Cruise to Kehl

Travel from Speyer to Kehl overnight. This evening, enjoy a relaxing cruise as you transition along the scenic Rhine River, taking in the beautiful landscapes and charming towns that line the banks. The journey offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures before arriving in Kehl, Germany.

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Day 6 · Sun, Oct 18 · Kehl - Strasbourg, France


Discover Strasbourg by bike OR City Sightseeing Tour

Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host. This active excursion allows you to explore the charming city of Strasbourg on two wheels, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful destination. Enjoy the fresh air as you pedal through t...

City Sightseeing Tour of Strasbourg

Join a City Sightseeing Tour of Strasbourg, including Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. This tour offers a captivating exploration...

Alsace Wine Route Guided Tour

Join an enchanting Guided Tour along the famed Alsace Wine Route to discover the heart of France's wine country and sample several local wines.

Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier

Join an enchanting onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. This exclusive experience allows you to savor a carefully curated selection of wines paired with exquisite dishes, enhancing your culinary journey along the R...

About Your Cruise - Evening/Overnight Cruise to Breisach

Travel from Strasbourg to Breisach overnight. This evening, enjoy the scenic views as you cruise along the Rhine River, taking in the beautiful landscapes and charming towns that line the riverbanks. The journey will provide a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration in Strasbourg, where you marveled at the Gothic cathedral and strolled through the picturesque La Petite France district. As you sail towards Breisach, you can reflect on the rich culture and history you have experie...

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Day 7 · Mon, Oct 19 · Breisach - Black Forest, Germany


Guided Tour of Black Forest OR Guided Tour of Colmar OR Guided Tour of Freiburg

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. This excursion offers a deep dive into the enchanting landscap...

Guided Tour of Colmar

Embark on a full-day guided tour to the picturesque village of Colmar in the morning, known for its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings, and then enjoy a visit to a countryside chateau wine cellar.

Guided Tour of Freiburg

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. This charming city is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere, making it a delightf...

About Your Cruise - Evening/Overnight Cruise to Basel

Travel from Breisach to Basel overnight. This evening, you will embark on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, taking in the beautiful landscapes and charming towns as you make your way to Basel, Switzerland. Enjoy the onboard amenities and relax as you sail towards your next destination.

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Day 8 · Tue, Oct 20 · Basel, Switzerland


About Your Cruise - Disembarkation

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

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Optional Add-On

Post Cruise Extra Night in Zurich 10/20/2026

Optional Add-On

Post Cruise Extra Night in Zurich 10/21/2026