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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Zürich to Amsterdam 2026(XZH5)
Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
Starting from $7,399Ship(s): Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
River Cruise Description
This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along with a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland.Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country's beautiful mountains and lakes-with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you'll find the gateway to Germany's Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic 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's castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. 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. Holland's popular, modern capital of Amsterdam offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city's "Golden Age." A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe!Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,399 | Call Us! |
| May 8, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $7,529 | Call Us! |
| May 15, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,529 | Call Us! |
| May 22, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,279 | Call Us! |
| May 29, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,699 | Call Us! |
| Jun 5, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $7,699 | Call Us! |
| Jun 12, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,449 | Call Us! |
| Jun 19, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,219 | Call Us! |
| Jun 26, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,449 | Call Us! |
| Jul 3, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,179 | Call Us! |
| Jul 10, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,449 | Call Us! |
| Jul 17, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $7,449 | Call Us! |
| Jul 24, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,449 | Call Us! |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,109 | Call Us! |
| Aug 7, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,579 | Call Us! |
| Aug 14, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $7,579 | Call Us! |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $7,929 | Call Us! |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,099 | Call Us! |
| Sep 4, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,349 | Call Us! |
| Sep 11, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $7,999 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.(D)
Day 2 ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA
Swiss Strolls in Geneva ZURICH An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumünsterkirche.BIEL/BIENNE Enjoy free time in the historical district.
NEUCHÂTEL Free time for lunch en route to Geneva.
174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
(B)
Day 3 GENEVA
Grandeur in Geneva GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & TRADITION Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in the city of the Reformation. Discover fascinating stories along the small cobblestone streets and small squares, as well as secret passages. See the Parc des Bastions where giant statues of the leading figures of the Reformation are carved into the great wall – engraved with Geneva's motto, 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Light After Darkness).(B)
Day 4 GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–GRUYÈRES, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA
How Sweet it Is ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS Enjoy free time to browse.GRUYÈRES Globus Local Favorite Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème.
BROC [LF] Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting.
87 mi / 140 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Meringue a la crème and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can’t resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyères with the double sweetness of crème and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler’s decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD
Spectacular Switzerland GSTAAD Orientation walk and free time to browse.INTERLAKEN Free time to explore.
GRINDELWALD Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.
87 mi / 140 kmENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and unspoilt nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland’s largest ski resort.
(B)
Day 6 GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU
The Top of Europe GRINDELWALD Join an excursion to the Globus Local Favorite Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore.TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy 360° cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don’t miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.(B,D)
Day 7 GRINDELWALD–BERNE–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch.LUCERNE Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening.
112 mi / 180 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
(B)
Day 8 LUCERNE
Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.(B,D)
Day 9 LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (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 10 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL
(B,L,D)
Day 11 KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, 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 Strasbourg’s s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 12 MAINZ, GERMANY. 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 13 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.
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 14 COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 15 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
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.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 16 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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