Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine with Swiss Alps, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne

19 days
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River Cruise
Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. You’ll start your European vacation with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with ...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to Italy
    • Guided walking tour and boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio
    • Day at leisure
    • Transfer to Lucerne guided walking tour in Lucerne, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge
    • Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); transfer to Basel to join your ship; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing of Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
    • Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz
    • Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

What's this trip about?

    Immerse yourself in German and France culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. You’ll start your European vacation with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Como, an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic Town Hall, the impressive Duomo, and a boat ride on the lake. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to Swiss Alps. Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high-speed train to start your Seine River cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityLAKE COMO, ITALY
End CityPARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Heidelberg
  • Koblenz
  • Lake Como
  • Lucerne
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Itinerary

Day 1: LAKE COMO, ITALY

Welcome to Italy!

The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.

Day 2: LAKE COMO

Historic Center and Gothic Style

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. Embark on a Boat Ride on Lake Como which includes a stop in beautiful Bellagio. (Breakfast)

Day 3: LAKE COMO

Breathtaking Views

Enjoy the day at leisure to relax, recharge or explore the lakeshores. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your free time in Lake Como! Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or some shopping. And be sure to taste the authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!

(Breakfast)

Day 4: LAKE COMO–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion

Travel to Lucerne.

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.

(Breakfast)

Day 5: LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

CLASSIC This morning, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: 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...

Day 7: 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 Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as we...

Day 8: 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 to...

Day 9: 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; ...

Day 10: COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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 si...

Day 11: 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 12: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

On to Paris

This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 13: VERNON

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, ho...

Day 14: CAUDEBEC

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built alon...

Day 15: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC Take a...

Day 16: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joa...

Day 17: CONFLANS

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided tou...

Day 18: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Wal...

Day 19: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,797
Price per day$516
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
08 May 2026
26 May 2026
$10,797
22 May 2026
09 Jun 2026
$10,797
19 Jun 2026
07 Jul 2026
$10,797
03 Jul 2026
21 Jul 2026
$10,697
17 Jul 2026
04 Aug 2026
$10,697
31 Jul 2026
18 Aug 2026
$10,697
28 Aug 2026
15 Sep 2026
$11,297
25 Sep 2026
13 Oct 2026
$11,097
09 Oct 2026
27 Oct 2026
$10,697
23 Oct 2026
10 Nov 2026
$10,397

Gateway city for arrivals is Milan. Port charges: $462 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.

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...

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Como

Located just 10 minutes walk from the historic center, the hotel has 79 spacious, air-conditioned rooms, all fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi access, minibar, desk, safe and a private bathroom, equipped with hairdryer and free toiletries. The seasonal panoramic swimming pool is located on the terrace and has a bar service with hot and cold dishes, drinks, snacks and cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere with background music. The breakfast buffet provides a wide range of choice between sweet and savory, hot and cold delicious products.

Como

Italy

Via Mentana 28

Barchetta Excelsior

Overlooking Piazza Cavour, this modern 84-room hotel is just steps away from the shores of Lake Como with free Wi-Fi access available throughout. Italian and international cuisine is served in the Bistro restaurant on the ground floor where drinks and light meals can also be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace during the summer season. The American lobby bar offers the perfect place to unwind and relax with a drink.

Como

Italy

Piazza Cavour 1

Sheraton Lake Como Hotel

Set in a leafy park with magnolia and cedar trees, this 137-room hotel is tucked away in a peaceful location just a few minutes' walk from the shores of Lake Como. The property features an outdoor seasonal heated swimming pool, a free gym, and a wellness area. The town of Cernobbio and the city center of Como are easy to reach by frequent public bus rides that stop in front of the hotel (with tickets available at the Reception desk). The spacious air-conditioned guestrooms are elegantly furnished with parquet flooring and feature a minibar, a 48" LED TV with satellite channels, and a marble bathroom. The modern public areas are decorated in a range of natural materials in a neutral palette with handcrafted Italian furniture, and free Wi-Fi Internet is available throughout. The hotel boasts three in-house restaurants with a choice of both gourmet and traditional dishes including pizza and grilled meats. There is also a large breakfast room and two bars for drinks and cocktails.

Como

Italy

Via Per Cernobbio,S/N

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

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.

Paris

France

18,Avenue De Suffren

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WZP1

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