THE RHINE and MOSELLE FROM AMSTERDAM TO BASEL (WARZ2013)

A 13-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $4,249

Thanks for voting !  (Not Yet Rated)   |   Write a review
Starting Price: $4,249 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 13 Days
Countries Visited: France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland
Get A Quote     Chat with a travel agent
 
  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 River Cruise
Tour Category: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WARZ-2013
Printer Friendly Page

Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
The Rhine & Moselle from Amsterdam to Basel

Vacation Overview
This exciting river cruise vacation has it all! Begin in Amsterdam with a cruise through the city’s enchanting canals. Then, head north to explore the unique harbor town of Volendam and Edam with its world-famous cheeses. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg; see the Roman ruins at Trier, Reichsburg Castle above charming Cochem, and the unique Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim. Also, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, sail past the legendary Lorelei rock and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, sample the area’s celebrated wines in Bernkastel, and enjoy excursions to majestic Heidelberg and to Germany’s legendary Black Forest.
 
Itinerary
 
 
Sightseeing
 
 

Meals
B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.

 
Day 1:
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. (D)

Day 2:
Amsterdam–Volendam–Excursion to Edam. There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” North of Amsterdam and situated on the IJsselmeer is the town of Volendam, a unique open harbor with a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Drive to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The Old Town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. Rejoin your ship, and this evening, cruise across the IJsselmeer, the former Zuider Zee. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Kinderdijk. This morning, stop in Kinderdijk, a quintessential Dutch scene with its 19 splendid windmills standing on reclaimed polder land between the Rivers Lek and Noord. A visit to one of these WINDMILLS will explain their function as pumps when the water was drained from the polders around 1740. Be sure to take photos, and after some free time, rejoin your ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising on your way to Cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Cologne, Germany. Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of the magnificent gothic cathedral dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. Try a Kölsch, the favorite local beer, and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Koblenz. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Bernkastel. In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKETPLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region’s varietals. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Grevenmacher, Luxembourg. Excursion to Trier, Germany. After breakfast, relax on the Sky Deck for a picturesque cruise to Grevenmacher, where you arrive at lunchtime. From here, a short ride takes you to the venerable Episcopal city of Trier, which you visit with a Certified Local Guide. Trier is Germany’s oldest city and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. Trier’s most famous son was socialist revolutionary Karl Marx. After some free time, rejoin your ship and continue sailing down the Moselle to your next stop, Cochem. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Cochem. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here, views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg. This morning your ship docks in Mainz, Germany’s largest and most important wine market. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. From here, a half-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are cuckoo clocks, Black Forest ham, and Black Forest cherry cake. Choose to visit the workshop of a local woodcarver and clock maker, and purchase some locally made souvenirs, or visit an OPEN-AIR MUSEUM to see just how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
5/17/2013 - 5/30/2013
$4,249
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/5/2013 - 7/18/2013
$4,299
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/13/2013 - 9/26/2013
$4,599
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights


Amsterdam:
Welcome reception; canal cruise

Volendam:
Excursion to Edam, guided sightseeing

Kinderdijk:
Visit a windmill

Cologne:
Guided walk

Koblenz:
Guided walk

Bernkastel:
Guided walk, local marketplace; visit a wine cellar

Trier:
Guided sightseeing

Cochem:
Visit Reichsburg Castle

Rhine Gorge:
Cruise through the gorge

Rüdesheim:
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat

Mainz:
Visit the Gutenberg Museum

Heidelberg:
Take pictures of the castle

Strasbourg:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

Breisach:
Excursion to the Black Forest or visit an open-air museum

Notes
NOTES:• 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.

 

Price Details US
Gateway for departure is Zürich, Switzerland.Port charges: $216 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:Departures May 6, 18, September 2-October 28: in single room $330, in twin room $200Departure June 24 & July 26: in single room $275, in twin room $165Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $175, in twin room $118Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $941A / Sapphire Deck / $1,027P / Royal Deck / $1,284Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $2,227

Related Tours
WZRA|Cruise from Zürich to Amsterdam

SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

 

With Avalon Waterway's Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. Our cruises give you sweeping views of awe-inspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations like a local. We want to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising. Where no matter how long you're aboard, you'll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly. Offer also valid for the cruise-only itineraries and full offer details below.

 

 

Cruise Number of Days Departures Map  
Tulip Time 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam April 6 & April 7, 2013  
Taste of the Danube 4 days from Vienna to Budapest April 25 & July 26, 2013  
Taste of the Danube 5 days from Budapest to Vienna April 21 & August 12, 2013  
Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Paris to Côte d'Azur March 30, April 13, July 6, August 17 & October 12, 2013  
Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Côte d'Azur to Paris April 7, July 14 & August 11, 2013  
Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches 8 days from Paris to Paris April 22, July 1, July 15, August 5, August 19 & October 14, 2013  
Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest August 5, 2013  
Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Bucharest to Vienna July 3, 2013  
The Legendary Danube 11 days from Prague to Budapest April 9, August 10 & October 30, 2013  
The Blue Danube Discovery 13 days from Budapest to Prague July 7, October 24 & Ocober 30, 2013  
Balkin Discovery 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest April 17 & July 31, 2013  
Balkin Discovery 11 days from Bucharest to Budapest October 25, 2013  
Magnificent Europe 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam April 26, August 1 & October 26, 2013  
Romantic Rhine 8 days from Zürich to Amsterdam April 13, April 21, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, October 26 & November 2, 2013  
Romantic Rhine 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel April 6, April 14, August 10 & October 26, 2013  
The Upper Rhine-City of Music 12 days from Zürich to Vienna July 17, 2013  
European Splendor 13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna July 26, 2013  
European Splendor 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam July 14 & August 18, 2013  
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 10 days from Amsterdam to Paris August 10, 2013  
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam October 24, 2013  

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a select 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available onselect dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and June 26, 2012 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

 

Have you ever taken a cruise that brought you sweeping views every moment of every day? Or delivered you right to the heart of the cities, towns and small quiet villages to experience the sights and sounds, the people and the cultures there. Have you ever taken a cruise where on shore excursions, and on-board amenities are all included? Have you ever had a vacation that satisfied your mind, body and soul? Here in the sanctuary of our world-class ships, we gracefully deliver the world to you, and you to it. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. And be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other, upon the ships of Avalon.

 

There's never been a better time for you to take the cruise of a lifetime with an all-inclusive Avalon river cruise. We'll pamper you with large suites, luxurious amenities, exquisite cuisine, and ever changing views every moment of every day. And we'll take you right to the heart of charming cities, and towns where you can spend your days seeing the sights like a local, not like a tourist.

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions:  Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 

SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

 

 

A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.

 

Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil

Ecuador & the GalápagosThis exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands. Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel, where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal species found only in the Galápagos.

 

Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo

Highlights of EgyptSail through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.

 

Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai

Magical China & the Yangtze RiverDiscover China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class, lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 
 

Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE CRUISE ONLY FROM VIENNA TO BUDAPEST (WVB02013)

4 Days starting from $999

TitleA Taste of the Danube - Cruise Only from Vienna to BudapestVacation Ov.. (click for more)

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE FROM VIENNA TO BUDAPEST (WVB2012)

4 Days starting from $949

TitleA Taste of the Danube from Vienna to BudapestVacation OverviewDiscover.. (click for more)

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE CRUISE ONLY FROM BUDAPEST TO VIENNA (WBV02013)

5 Days starting from $1,349

TitleA Taste of the Danube - Cruise Only from Budapest to ViennaVacation Ov.. (click for more)

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE FROM BUDAPEST TO VIENNA (WBV2012)

5 Days starting from $1,279

TitleA Taste of the Danube from Budapest to ViennaVacation OverviewFall in .. (click for more)

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.