The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

18 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a Globus 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-reignin...
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Austria
    • Guided sightseeing, see the Ringstrasse, Heldenplatz, and visit Schönbrunn Palace
    • Danube cruise and visit to The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee; guided walking tour in Salzburg
    • Day at leisure
    • Walk through the Old Town, see the Golden Roof in Innsbruck; travel to St. Moritz
    • Panoramic trip onboard of the Glacier Express train to Zermatt
    • Day at leisure
    • Visit Chillon Castle; travel to Berne
    • Guided walking tour in Berne, see the Bear Park and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden; travel to Lucerne
    • Morning walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge; private boat cruise and farewell dinner at a local restaurant

What's this trip about?

    This amazing European vacation offers the best of both worlds: a Globus 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!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityWELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Colmar
  • Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Innsbruck
  • Koblenz
  • Lucerne
  • Rudesheim
  • Salzburg
  • St. Moritz
  • Strasbourg
  • Vienna
  • Zermatt
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(Dinner)

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 Sit...

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 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and...

Day 4: SALZBURG

The Birthplace of Mozart SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL 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 arch...

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 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss...

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 km

LOCAL 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...

Day 7: ZERMATT

Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day.

ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

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 km

LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the st...

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 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “Ci...

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 ...

Day 11: LUCERNE–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. .

The Globus portion of your package ends this morning. Transfer from Lucerne to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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 Guid...

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 cl...

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 treas...

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 experi...

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...

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...

Day 18: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,678
Price per day$482
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Apr 2025
17 May 2025
$9,098
07 May 2025
24 May 2025
$8,678
14 May 2025
31 May 2025
$8,678
21 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$8,678
28 May 2025
14 Jun 2025
$8,678
04 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$8,698
11 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$8,698
18 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$9,208
25 Jun 2025
12 Jul 2025
$8,698
02 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$8,698

Port charges: $231 are included. Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Logistics

Accommodation

NH Belvedere

NH Belvedere hotel in Vienna embodies the combined historical and modern character of the city, offering guests quality service and a convenient location within easy walking distance of the old city.

Vienna

Austria

Rennweg 12 A

Hotel NH Salzburg City

Located in the heart of the city, near the Mirabell Gardens, this 140-room contemporary property has Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout, a restaurant serving a mix of Austrian and International dishes, a cocktail bar and a lovely outdoor terrace where drinks and snacks can be enjoyed in the summer.

Salzburg

Austria

Franz-Josef-Strasse 26

Laudinella

Traditional mountain architecture with lots of woodworks & local grisons style; in center of St Moritz-Bad; near spa & ski slopes.

St.Moritz

Switzerland

Via Tegiatscha 17

Seiler Schweizerhof

Situated in a central location in car-free Zermatt, hotel Schweizerhof is both alpine and urban. All 95 guest rooms, most with terrace or balcony and stunning view of the mountains, provide an inviting and homely atmosphere with all comforts. Enjoy Japanese-Peruvian seafood specialties, typical Swiss cheese-based dishes, or international cuisine at one of the restaurants available, or simply relax at the bar sipping a cocktail. The Spa by Schweizerhof is a wellness oasis with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, a fully equipped fitness center is also available. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property.

Zermatt

Switzerland

Bahnhofstrasse 5

Best Western Plus Hotel Bern

"Offering contemporary comfort, this hotel impresses with its excellent city center location right next to the historic ""Zytglogge"" Tower and close to the French Church. The impressive Art Nouveau facade conceals a modern interior with a timeless design, all 116 air-condoned guest rooms have a telephone, radio, television, Free Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machine, hairdryer and safe. Guests have complimentary access to a fitness center and The ""Volkshaus 1914"" restaurant is a popular culinary meeting place with a stylish interior, drinks can be enjoyed in the Attika-bar which offers breathtaking views over the old roofs of the city. "

Bern

Switzerland

Zeughausgasse 9,

Holiday Inn Bern Westside

Enjoy a Great Location at the Westside Shopping and Leisure Centre when you Book the Holiday Inn Bern-Westside Hotel. This chocolate-themed hotel is only 200 meters away from the Toblerone factory and is linked to Daniel Libeskind's Westside Centre, putting a wide range of shops and restaurants at your doorstep.

Berne

Switzerland

Riedbachstrasse 96

Astoria

Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.

Lucerne

Switzerland

Pilatusstrasse 29

Ameron Hotel Flora

A centrally located 161-room modern hotel of minimalist design with urban flair, just a short walk away from the lake promenade and Old Town. Traditional Italian food is served with a contemporary touch in the Brasserie and drinks can be enjoyed from morning until late evening at the Apéro bar.

Luzern

Switzerland

Seidenhofstrasse 5

Movenpick Amsterdam City

A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Piet Heinkade 11

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-XZC5

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