One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this mesmerizing river cruise along the Rhine River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to the Black Forest and to Heidelberg—Germany’s oldest university town. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with majestic castles. Visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam.

After disembarking your Avalon cruise ship in Amsterdam, we transfer you by high-speed train to Paris for your exciting Monograms extension. We’ve arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfasts, sightseeing with local experts, transfers to and from your hotels and train stations, and best of all—the services of friendly and knowledgeable Local Hosts®. Your Local Hosts are there to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. The moment you arrive in Paris, you’ll feel the magic. We know the very best place to photograph the iconic Eiffel Tower, and we’ll take you there to get your shots! We’ll also take you to Notre Dame Cathedral to admire its amazing stained-glass Rose Window, and the Louvre museum to see Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and other treasures. With three overnights, the “City of Light” is yours for discovering.

Next, bid “Au Revoir” as an included high-speed train transfer whisks you from Paris to London for three nights and plenty of time to investigate just what makes England so jolly. From your local expert, you’ll hear the inside stories of famous places like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. We’ll take you inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, the iconic cathedral where Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married. You’ll also be able to take photographs of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Shard—just to name a few iconic London landmarks. Enjoy a full day of exploring London on your own. Perhaps step back in time on a Classic Rock & Beatles tour, see the “Beefeaters” at the Tower of London, or take in a West End theater show. A perfect ending to wonderful Avalon European river cruise and Monograms land vacation!

For specific details on this special interest river cruise, please view the day-by-day itinerary.

City Highlights

Day 1 Zürich–Transfer to Basel (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a woodcarver’s workshop; Christmas marketDay 3 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas marketDay 4 Excursion to Heidelberg–Mainz: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; Christmas market; visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; Christmas marketDay 5 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and enjoy a special treat; Christmas market; cruise through the Rhine GorgeDay 6 Cologne: guided city walk; Christmas marketDay 7 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): transfer to ParisParis & London: 6 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast; Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed Thalys train (first class) from Amsterdam to Paris; high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class*) from Paris to London (porterage available for one suitcase on Paris– London stretch only); transfers to/from train stations *NOTE: Upgrade option available on Eurostar.

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.Special features and day of operation are subject to change. Christmas markets are open from the first weekend in December, depending on the location.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WZA1-T1-2018