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18 Day The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
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This European vacation blends a scenic tour of Austria and Switzerland with a Rhine River cruise
Experience the grandeur of Europe with a scenic land and river cruise adventure. Begin in Vienna with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former home of the Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, explore Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva and ride the world-famous Glacier Express through the stunning Alps to Zermatt.
Highlights include a Danube cruise to Salzburg, a private boat tour on Lucerne’s fjord-like lake, a drive through the breathtaking Swiss Engadine, and stops at key sights like the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee, Innsbruck’s Old Town, and Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
Then board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel for a Rhine River cruise. Explore Germany’s Black Forest in Breisach, Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and charming La Petite France in France, the castle ruins in Heidelberg, and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, visit Rüdesheim’s musical instrument museum, and cap off your journey with a canal cruise in Amsterdam, admiring its Golden Age architecture. A perfect blend of land, culture, and river cruising!
*14 nights in the same stateroom: + $100pp (double occupancy)
*14 nights in the same stateroom: +$200pp (single occupancy)
*There are only a limited amount of staterooms available on each sailing where moving is not going to be necessary.
Your Cruise
- 18 Day Austria & Switzerland Land Tour & Rhine River Cruise
- Taxes
CruisePlus Booking Bonus
- Travel Credit - Ask Us!
Avalon Waterways Booking Bonus
- Avalon Sale! $299 Airfare* OR $1500 per person Savings!
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
- Sparkling wine with breakfast and wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included
- Expert Cruise Director & friendly, English-speaking staff
- Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
- Included and optional Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions and sightseeing with local guides
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- 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
*Select Canadian Gateways
Priority Access
» Priority check-in
» Priority access to specialty restaurant reservations
» Priority line at the Guest Services desk
» Priority line at the Shore Excursions desk
» Priority access to tenders ashore in select ports
» Priority disembarkation
Premium Dining
» Expanded 24-hour room service breakfast menu
» Pinnacle Class ships: Private dining venue for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
» All other ships: Priority seating in the Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
Exclusive Amenities
» Complimentary stateroom upgrade
» Dedicated concierge service
» Welcome glass of sparkling wine on embarkation day
» Premium bathrobes
» Club Orange keycard
» Exclusive Club Orange tote bag (one per stateroom)
More information
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is a magnificent palatial complex that pays tribute to the power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the main winter palace for the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for hundreds of years.
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Chapel Bridge
Chapel Bridge is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. It is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire.
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Canals of Amsterdam
Take a stroll or a boat cruise down one of the iconic symbols of Amsterdam past windmills and 17th century mansions to parts of the downtown core.
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Day 1: Welcome to Vienna, Austria
At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)
Day 2: Vienna
City of Dreams
Vienna: Guided sightseeing includes Schonbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: Vienna's spectacular Schonbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site perseves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace,. (B)
Day 3: Vienna - Krems - Mondsee - Salzburg
The Blue Danube
KREMS: Take a delightful Danube River cruise.
MONDSEE: Visit the Parish Church
SALZBURG: Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Sit back and relax and wathc the world go by during a leisurely cruise along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Wunderbar! (B)
Day 4: Salzburg
The Birthplace of Mozart
SALZBURG: Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg's scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. (B)
Day 5: Salzburg - Innsbruck - St. Moritz, Switzerland
Heavenly Hills of Switzerland
INNSBRUCK: Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz.
236 mi / 380 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow - capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland's most stunning valleys. (B/D)
Day 6: St. Moritz - Chur - Täsch - Zermatt
All Aboard in the Alps
CHUR: Take the Glacier Express train to Zermatt with dinner served on board. 149 mi / 240 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Don't let the name fool you. While its speed won't take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you'll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level. (B/D)
Day 7: Zermatt
Peak Perfection
ZERMATT: Enjoy a free day.
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Spend the day leisurely strolling around car - free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss. (B/D)
Day 8: Zermatt - Bern
Poetry in Motion
ZERMATT: Mountain train ride to Täsch.
CHILLON: Take a guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. 155 mi / 250 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURAL GEMS: Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle's secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure! (B)
Day 9: Bern - Interlaken - Lucerne
Coming up Roses in Bern
BERN: Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town.
INTERLAKEN: Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. 75 mi / 120 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Explore the “City of Fountains” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park. (B)
Day 10: Lucerne
Lion Hearts in Lucerne
LUCERNE: Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions. (B/D)
Day 11: Lucerne - Basel (Embarkation)
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B/D)
Day 12: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
German winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: 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:
- Classic: 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 (B/L/D)
Day 13: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg: A Grand Cathedral And La Petite France
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.
- Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the 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 CRUISE TO MAINZ (B/L/D)
Day 14: Mainz. Excursion To Heidelberg
Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
- Classic: 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:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B/L/D)
Day 15: Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.
- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
- Discovery: 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.
KOBLENZ: Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B/L/D)
Day 16: Cologne: Prost! Celebrate In The Rhineland
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
- Classic: 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 (B/L/D)
Day 17: Amsterdam*, Holland: Canals Of Colorful Amsterdam
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.
- Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
- Discovery: 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:
- Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age.”
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Day 18: Amsterdam* (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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