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18 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam 2026(XZC5)
The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
Starting from $8,059Ship(s): Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista
River Cruise Description
This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland-two of Europe's most scenic countries-and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace-former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world's most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel first class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for 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 visit 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. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland's popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic 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 fabulous land and river cruise adventure!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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,829 | Call Us! |
| May 6, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,309 | Call Us! |
| May 13, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,359 | Call Us! |
| May 20, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,359 | Call Us! |
| May 27, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,359 | Call Us! |
| Jun 3, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,359 | Call Us! |
| Jun 10, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,159 | Call Us! |
| Jun 17, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,729 | Call Us! |
| Jun 24, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,059 | Call Us! |
| Jul 1, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,059 | Call Us! |
| Jul 8, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,059 | Call Us! |
| Jul 15, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,159 | Call Us! |
| Jul 22, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,829 | Call Us! |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,159 | Call Us! |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $9,029 | Call Us! |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,359 | Call Us! |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,709 | Call Us! |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,759 | Call Us! |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,959 | Call Us! |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Avalon Vista | $8,759 | Call Us! |
| Sep 16, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $8,609 | 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 WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.(D)
Day 2 VIENNA
City of Dreams VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon.TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna’s spectacular Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves 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.
193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and watch 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 HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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 kmTOUR 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 [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with lunch served on board.149 mi / 240 kmLOCAL 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,L)
Day 7 ZERMATT
Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE 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–BERNE
Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch.CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting.
155 mi / 250 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL 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 BERNE–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE
Coming up Roses in Berne BERNE 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains” Berne - 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. [LF] 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL
(B,L,D)
Day 13 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 the Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING CRUISE TO MAINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 14 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 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.
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
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 17 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 18 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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