17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Rome to Amsterdam 2027(XLR5)

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 ROME

When in Rome Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing of the Eternal City. Be transported back to Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of Gladiators and Emperors. Enter the Vatican City State for a visit of the extensive Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, and the spectacular St. Peter's Basilica. Free time late afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

Day 3 ROME–ORVIETO–ASSISI-PERUGIA

Historic Hilltops
Depart Rome and drive into Umbria, the “green heart of Italy.” Stop in the hill town of Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by a striking cathedral. Enjoy free time to explore Piazza del Duomo. Continue to the stunning town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, visit the Basilica named after him and browse the charming streets. Free time this afternoon and evening in the charming town of Perugia.
146mi / 235 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.

Day 4 PERUGIA–FLORENCE–PADUA

Legendary Landmarks
Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Later, drive across the Apennine Mountains and River Po to arrive in Padua. An orientation drive will familiarize you with the city while an Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Café Pedrocchi will give you a real taste of local life.
261 mi / 420 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Café Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!

Day 5 PADUA. EXCURSION TO VENICE

Spend your day your way in Venice A short drive to Venice, before taking a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. On disembarking walk to an historic vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created.
Explore more of Venice with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Palaces & Pontoons
Your Local Guide shares legendary stories on a Venice walking tour, featuring iconic St. Mark s Square, with views of its landmark columns, Basilica, and Clock Tower. Enjoy skip-the-line access and guided visit to magnificent Doge s Palace, with its lavish rooms and infamous Bridge of Sighs which offered a final glimpse of the outside world to prisoners crossing to prison.Location, Location, Location!
Once described by Napoleon as "the world's most beautiful drawing room," St. Mark's Square remains the beating heart of Venice. After a short stroll through some picturesque calli (alleyways), take a seat in a historic café for a taste of Venetian café culture. Enjoy a refreshment served with unrivaled views of Venetian landmarks!Enjoy a leisurely evening.
56 mi / 90 km

Day 6 PADUA–VERONA–MILAN

Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona
Arrive in the elegant city of Verona, rich in history, but made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Enjoy a stroll to admire the main squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with its pink marble Roman Arena. Continue to the bustling city of Milan for an orientation walk to see famous landmarks including La Scala Opera House, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Duomo. This evening free time to familiarize yourself with some local specialties for dinner.
155 mi / 250 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.

Day 7 MILAN. EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO

Life on the Lake
Discover why Lake Como has attracted visitors since the Roman times as you take [LF] a private boat ride across it to the delightful town of Bellagio, known locally as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Keep your eyes out for celebrities as you saunter along the lakefront promenade and charming alleyways. Back in Milan, join your travel companions for a dinner at a local restaurant.
106 mi /170 kmLOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of Lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como’s most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy’s most famous lake.

Day 8 MILAN–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to SwitzerlandFlight to Zurich and transfer to Lucerne to start the Avalon portion of your vacation and meet your Cruise Director. Start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River and discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center.

Day 9 LUCERNE

Lovely Lucerne

Day 10 LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.

Day 11 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 12 KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

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.

Day 13 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

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

Day 14 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

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.Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.

Day 15 COLOGNE

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Day 16 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 17 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.