Embark on an exciting journey on your Rhine River cruise to discover Jewish culture and heritage, across Germany, with visits to Holland, France, and Switzerland. This magnificent European river cruise begins in Amsterdam, Holland. Take a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes of the city’s “Golden Age”—cruising to the Jewish quarter, where you can visit the marvelous Portuguese Synagogue. During your stay in Amsterdam you will have the possibility to join a guided tour to the Anne Frank house.

Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns and take a Jewish history tour. En route to Rüdesheim, pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water.

Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk, visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum and learn more about the Jewish past of this city. An excursion takes you to Heidelberg, or you may wish to visit Worms with its incredible Jewish Heritage. In Strasbourg, France, see the red-sandstone gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, and the old streets of the Jewish quarter. Stroll through the lovely shops, bistros, and waterfront promenade of the La Petite France district. Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest, and bid farewell to your Avalon ship in Basel, Switzerland, for a Monograms vacation package beginning with a special excursion to Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour of lovely Lucerne.

Transfer by high-speed train to Como, where an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the gothic Town Hall, and the imposing Duomo. The next day enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio. Spend free time traveling to fashionable Milan, Italy; or take the funicular to the village of Brunate—your Local Host® can help you enjoy the Italy vacation just perfect for you!

City Highlights

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Anne Frank House; welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise, visit the Portoguese Synagogue; Anne Frank houseDay 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: guided sightseeing in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or visit WormsDay 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district, the gothic cathedral and Jewish quarterDay 7 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in ColmarDay 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Mount Pilatus-Lucerne: excursion to Mount Pilatus, guided walking tour in LucerneDay 9 Lucerne-Lake Como: transfer to Lake Como; guided walking tour Day 10 Lake Como: boat ride on Lake Como to BellagioDay 11 Lake Como: full day at leisureDay 12 Lake Como: your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

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 becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAZ1-T2-2019