Romantic Rhine River Cruise with 2 Nights in Lucerne

April 15, 2026

– April 25, 2026

11 Days

You’ll start your European vacation with a 2-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility).

Your dramatic river cruise on the Rhine will commence in Basel, Switzerland, with stops in France, Germany, and Holland. Sail to Breisach, your starting point for an excursion to the Black Forest. Then venture on to Strasbourg, France, to see its Gothic cathedral with stunning murals and stained glass.

Sail to Mainz for an excursion to Heidelberg Castle or join your Avalon Adventure Host® for a hike up Philosophers’ Way. You can alternatively visit the Gutenberg Museum capturing the amazing history of the early pioneers of printing. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You’ll visit Koblenz and Cologne and arrive in Amsterdam for a guided canal cruise through the colorful city.

Daily Itinerary

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

Welcome to Switzerland

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

Hotel: Radisson Blu (or similar)

A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.

Hotel: Radisson Blu (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Embarkation Day – Avalon Vista

This morning, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum).

Evening Cruise to Breisach

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR 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 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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Evening cruise to Kehl

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

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. You may also choose to join 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 center.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Mainz

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers’ way, 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,” OR Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.,

Overnight Docking in Rudesheim

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

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; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. En route to Koblenz, 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.

Overnight Docking in Koblenz

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host OR Choose 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!

Afternoon/Overnight cruise to Amsterdam

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Start your day with an early morning walk OR 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 waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” OR take a Guided Excursion to Keukenhof gardens to see the more than 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs planted each year.

Overnight docking in Amsterdam

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before disembarking and transferring to the Amsterdam airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

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.

Tour Highlights

Premium Tour Experiences Include:

Evening live entertainment and entertainment onboard your ship
Explore the charm and beauty of Lucerne including the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, and the Water Tower
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

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

Two-nights hotel stay in Lucerne at the Radisson Blu Hotel (or similar) including breakfast
Deluxe 7-night Avalon River Cruise on the beautiful Avalon Vista
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
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
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
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 Zurich, Switzerland and returning from Amsterdam
Transfers between the airport, ship and hotel when purchasing our Air and Tour package

AVALON VISTA

The Avalon Vista’s suites feature two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. Enjoy seamless views from your Comfort Collection bed that faces the window. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the space to entertain in your private sitting area or just relax and enjoy the passing vistas. Onboard amenities include a Fitness Center, complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro. Sweeping views are yours to enjoy on the Avalon Vista!

Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Pricing

Deluxe Staterooms (Categories E-D)

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

Air + Cruising Pricing:

$7,477.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$5977.00

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.

Panorama Suite Category B

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

Air + Cruise Pricing:

$9,228.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$7,728.00

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.

Panorama Suite Category A

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

Air + Cruise Pricing:

$9,334.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$7,834.00

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.

Panorama Suite Category P

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

Air + Cruise Pricing:

$9,387.00

Cruise Only Pricing:

$7887.00

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.

Early Booking Discount

Early Booking Discount: Deposit by December 31, 2025, and receive $375.00 off per person.

Early Booking Discount not applicable on Single Supplement Waiver bookings. Discounts are subject to change at any time.

Flights from Chicago O'Hare

Departure Flight - April 15, 2026

United Airlines #3 departs Chicago (ORD) at 3:45PM and arrives in Zurich (ZRH) at 7:45AM (16APR26)

Return Flight - April 25, 2026

United Airlines #908 departs Amsterdam (AMS) at 12:00PM and arrives in Chicago (ORD) at 1:45PM

Important Information

Single Supplement: Call for pricing and availability

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

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.

Final Payment: No later than December 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 December 16, 2025: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Professional Fee

December 17, 2025 to February 9, 2026: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

February 10 to March 11, 2026: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

March 12, 2026 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

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 number of travelers is 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 professional, 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.