Romantic Rhine

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, then head for Breisach, Germany, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border. Here you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivalled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, and marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, or visit Schwetzingen Castle. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, then 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. Last stop in Germany is Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral. At the conclusion of your Rhine River cruise, you’ll spend time in colourful Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on an included canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Spend free time discovering world-famous museums, and an abundance of restaurants in the vibrant, modern capital of the Netherlands.

Tiptoe through the tulips, tread through famous battlegrounds, and sprint to the irresistible bonbons on this aromatic tour. Three nights in Amsterdam, two nights each in Luxembourg and Brussels, plus one night in the medieval town of Bruges is the perfect introduction to the sights and delights of the Benelux countries. Springtime departures include the exploding kaleidoscope of Holland’s famous bulb fields and the extraordinary Keukenhof Gardens, while summer and fall departures lead you to the bold tastes of barley and hops at the Heineken Experience where you’ll hear—and sample—the tradition of the world-famous beer. With intricate canals flowing as freely as the lager from lively Amsterdam to perfectly preserved Bruges, get ready to float up to some of Europe’s most impressive museums, markets, palaces, cathedrals—and confectionaries!

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,000 flight credit per person
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Basel with breakfast
• 7-night Romantic Rhine river cruise onboard Avalon View
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• 4 nights 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam with breakfast
• 8-night Holland, Luxembourg & Belgium guided tour with Globus, Amsterdam to Brussels
• Includes superior accommodation, 11 meals, sightseeing highlights, local guides plus more
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 July – 08 August 2027

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Flights into Basel must arrive by 4 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

Day 2: German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view

Classic Excursion: 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

Classic Excursion: 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.

Day 3: A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Active Excursion: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: 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 centre.

Day 4: Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

Active Excursion: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way

Classic Excursion: 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”

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.

This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.

Day 5: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Active Excursion: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee

Classic Excursion: 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

Discovery Excursion: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

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.

Day 6: Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active Excursion: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites

Classic Excursion: 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!

Day 7: Canals of Colourful Amsterdam

Active Excursion: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam

Classic Excursion: 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

Classic Excursion: 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. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 8: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Holland Days

This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam, the city built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. Board a boat for a canal cruise before visiting the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of this lively city.

Day 3: Dutch Treats

This morning, Globus Local Favorite visit the Heineken Experience, to discover the story behind the famous beer (departures May 22 - September 25). Continue to Delft for a guided visit of the Royal Delft Pottery Factory, where you can view the amazing collection of hand-painted pieces and see the skilled craftspeople at work. Later, reach The Hague for an orientation drive with a photo stop at the Dutch Parliament and the International Court of Justice, plus free time for lunch and to explore more. Return to Amsterdam.

Day 4: Heroic History

This morning, depart the Dutch capital and drive to Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and birthplace of the European Union and euro currency. During your orientation of the city, visit the Vrijthof Square, and see the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the Basilica of Our Lady and the Helpoort city gate. Take some leisure time to explore on your own. Continue to Bastogne in Belgium and enjoy free time to visit the war museum, which houses an interactive exhibition, and the Battle of the Bulge Memorial, formerly known as the Mardasson Memorial. Cross the border into Luxembourg for a two-night stay.

Day 5: Spend Your Day Your Way in Luxembourg

Enjoy a walking tour in Luxembourg City and see the Palais Grand Ducal and the Cathedral of our Lady. Explore more of Luxembourg with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.

A Journey Through History: Delve into Luxembourg's rich past with a guided visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art (MNAHA). Discover over a thousand years of history and heritage brought to life through remarkable historical treasures, artworks, and original artefacts, enriched by engaging stories and insights from your Local Guide. Admire a true masterpiece: a unique, exceptionally well-preserved large Gallo-Roman mosaic.

Sweet Stories: Delicious flavours and fascinating tales complete the recipe for creating your own hot chocolate with a Chocospoon plus your favourite milk and filling. Enjoy pralines and a traditional local pastry accompanied by stories of Luxembourg's finest treats. Wrap up your experience with sweet souvenirs on a lively Luxembourg shopping street.

Day 6: Battling Bonaparte

Depart Luxembourg for Belgium with a visit to Waterloo—the site of Napolean’s 1815 defeat and subsequent exile to St. Helena. Visit the memorial before continuing to Bruges, the “Venice of the North.” Late afternoon and evening are yours to explore the charming cobblestone streets of this UNESCO-listed city.

Day 7: Belgian Beauties

This morning Globus Local Favourite enjoy a canal cruise and Belgian chocolate bonbon tasting followed by guided walking tour of the city, including the Church of Our Lady and a traditional lace demonstration. After some free time for lunch, depart for Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk that features the magnificent Grand’Place and a photo stop at the mischievous Manneken Pis statues and fountain.

Day 8: A Farewell Feast

Spend a day at leisure to explore more on your own and get better acquainted with beautiful Brussels, or consider an optional excursion to Antwerp. This evening, savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 16-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.