Amsterdam and Romantic Rhine River Cruise

September 25, 2025

– October 4, 2025

10 Days

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River. Travel across Holland and into Germany, France, and Switzerland!

Begin your vacation your way with a one-night stay in Amsterdam. Join us for an off-the-beaten-path guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets before embarking on your Avalon Suite Ship®. Continue to explore this 700-year-old city on a canal cruise along the elegant grayhen lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Visit Cologne, Germany, a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge with a spectacular view of ancient castles standing on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest. Find unrivaled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. This is one of the loveliest river cruises in all of Europe!

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins at Chicago O’Hare with an overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Welcome to Amsterdam!

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon on your own.

Hotel: Movenpick Amsterdam City Hotel (or similar)

This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast. Later today you’ll be transferred to your ship for embarkation.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore the Colorful Canals Amsterdam

Join your Adventure Host on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend the afternoon exploring or take a Guided Excursion.

Afternoon/Overnight cruise to Cologne

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Choose from the following options: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host. Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites or 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! Later local musicians will join on board for live entertainment.

Overnight cruise to Rüdesheim

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, 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. Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim or take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

Overnight docking in Rüdesheim

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Printing Halls, Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

Choose from the following options: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below or enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing or 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.”

Evening/Overnight cruise to Strausbourg

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Choose from the following options today for a relaxed or active journey! Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host or 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.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Breisach

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Choose from the following options: 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 a Guided tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and the gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Basel

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before disembarking in Basel and transferring to the Zurich airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

Evening live entertainment and entertainment onboard your ship
Explore the iconic canals of Amsterdam on a Guided Cruise past stately homes of the city’s “Golden Age”
A guided walking tour in Cologne to see important Jewish heritage sites or a guided walking tour of the city
Sail through the Rhine Gorge to take in the sights that will surround you while passing by the legendary and mythical rock of the Lorelei
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience
Venture 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”
Join a City Sightseeing Tour in Strasbourg with its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral, celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock as well as the magical La Petite France District
Explore the Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum or learn about German winemaking in the vineyards of the Upper Rhine Valley

Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will guide the group, offering peace of mind as you travel!

We’ll also have remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and on-board cruise director

Accommodations

One-night hotel stay in Amsterdam at the Movenpick Amsterdam City Hotel (or similar) including breakfast
Deluxe 7-night Avalon River Cruise on the beautiful Avalon Panorama
Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite for complimentary movie and entertainment options
Luggage handling for one bag per person at the hotel and on the ship

Dining

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily onboard your ship
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh^® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh^® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh^® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu for a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere
Avalon FlexDining^® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Transportation

Round-trip air from Chicago O’Hare to Amsterdam, Holland and returning from Zurich, Switzerland when purchasing Air Inclusive package.
Transfers between the airport, ship and hotel when purchasing our Air Inclusive package.

Pricing

Avalon Expression

Category E-D Deluxe Staterooms

172 square feet
Small windows
One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins

Air + Cruise Pricing:

$6,820.00 – $7,032.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$5,320.00 – $5,532.00

Air + cruise prices include airfare from Chicago O’Hare, guided tour and inclusions and transfers in destination. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

Avalon Expression

Category A -B-P Panorama Suites

200 square feet
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins

Air + Cruise Pricing:

$8,359.00 – $8,518.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$6,859.00 – $7,018.00

Air + cruise prices include airfare from Chicago O’Hare, guided tour and inclusions and transfers in destination. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

Flights from Chicago O'Hare

Departure Flight - September 25, 2025

American Airlines #1743 Depart Chicago O'Hare at 11:51am and arrive in Philadelphia at 2:52pm

American Airlines #204 Depart Philadelphia at 7:00pm and arrive in Amsterdam at 8:40am (26SEP)

Return Flight - October 4, 2025

American Airlines #93 Depart Zurich at 11:45pm and arrive in Philadelphia at 2:20pm

American Airlines #490 Depart Philadelphia at 6:40pm and arrive in Chicago O'Hare at 8:13pm

Important Information

Single Supplement: Call for pricing and availability – Single Supplement Waiver may be available.

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: $50.00 per reservation will be charged at time of deposit, non-refundable

Final Payment: No later than June 16, 2025

Requirements: A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Cancellation Penalties:

From date of deposit to June 16, 2025: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Professional Fee
June 17 to July 21, 2025: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
July 22 to August 21, 2025: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
August 22, 2025 through day of travel: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Not Included: ETIAS Visa (when implemented), Airline flights on land-only packages, airline luggage fees when applicable, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

*Terms: Minimum of 20 travelers required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a processional, local guide in destination. Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Air is non-refundable after ticketing. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier`s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.