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

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Overview
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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Welcome to Italy!
The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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...
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...
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...
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; ...
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...
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 ...
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)
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
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.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings
Other Avalon Waterways Reviews
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...
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...
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
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
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