Romantic Rhine River Cruise
October 1, 2021 to
October 9, 2021
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dati
ng back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns.
Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine river cruise 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, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Before the end of your European river cruise vacation, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Itinerary
Your journey begins at Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.
Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where you will be transferred to the Vista.
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital. This delightful city has elegant and classic architecture, many cafés, and restaurants and has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, canals, and bike paths throughout the city make for a vibrant atmosphere, and with over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world.
Avalon offers an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans with its traditional houses and Dutch craft workshops. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception and dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Join a guided optional excursion. You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam’s many fascinating museums or galleries.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Today, enjoy one of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! Later local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO RUDESHIEM
Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the dramatic RHINE GORGE. It is the most beautiful stretch of river where ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom.
Arrive in Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town, and visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT before returning to your ship for dinner.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with “civilized” origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and you will visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. After lunch, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. With a LOCAL GUIDE, visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You will also see the famed GREAT VAT, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.” At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! OR If you would like a more active afternoon join your Avalon Adventure Host for an afternoon Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. 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—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting, OR: 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 Bavarian butter-making demonstration.
Follow your visit to Badische Winzerkeller with a free afternoon in Breisach.
EVENING CRUISE TO BASEL
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning and then a transfer to the Zurich Airport and your flight home to Chicago.
Inclusions
Transportation
- Round-trip flights from Chicago O’Hare to Amsterdam, returning from Basel, Switzerland including current air taxes and fees when purchasing air inclusive trip
- Optional Motorcoach to/from Chicago O’Hare from Northeast Wisconsin: $45.00 per person, each direction (from select cities)
- Motorcoach transfers between the airport, and hotel when purchasing the air inclusive trip
Cruise Details
- Deluxe seven-night Avalon river cruise in a river view stateroom on the Avalon Vista from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland
- Complimentary shipboard gratuities to ship staff
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite for complimentary movie and entertainment options
Dining & Beverages
- Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
- All meals onboard the ship with Chef-inspired regional recipes
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily
Sightseeing and Services Highlights
- Sightseeing with certified local guides, guided optional excursions and tours, and ample free time to explore on your own. Explore classic sights, embark on active excursions, and make a new discovery through the hands-on cultural and artistic experiences shared by local residents and experts.
- Experienced Fox World Travel Tour Manager to accompany the group*
- Remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and on-board cruise director
- Customized informative travel documents containing all trip details and helpful packing and planning information
Not Included: Airline flights on land-only packages, air-imposed baggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package); optional excursions that may be offered, and any items of a personal nature. Travel insurance protection is not included. Ask your travel consultant about our reasonable options.
*Minimum group required for the Fox World Travel tour manager to participate. In the unlikely event the minimum number is not reached, the tour will still include a professional local guide in the destination.
Pricing
Cruise Only
All current air taxes and fees of $521.03 per person are included and subject to change.
Single pricing available upon request. Single Supplement Waiver may be available. Early Booking Discounts do not apply when a Single Waiver is applied to the reservation.
Group Flights
Roundtrip flights from Chicago O’Hare are currently pending.
Flight schedules are subject to change and FWT has no control over flight changes, seat assignments, delays or cancellations. Tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Checked baggage fees may apply.
Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request.
Notes
Optional Insurance:
Cancellation and travel protection is strongly recommended. Fox World Travel offers several plans with Travel Guard Insurance. Details and rates can be obtained from your travel consultant.
Cancellation Penalties:
- Date of deposit to June 28, 2021: Deposit amount $400 per person
- June 29, 2021 – July 30, 2021: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- July 31, 2021 – August 31, 2021: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- September 1, 2021 to date of departure: No refund
Airline tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.
Note: Daily Itinerary is subject to change. Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.
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