River cruisers looking for a scenic journey that traverses some of the most beautiful ports of call in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands would do well to consider Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine voyage.
Spanning only a week, this voyage from Basel, Switzerland to the Dutch port of Amsterdam is an ideal river cruise getaway that departs weekly between April 14 and November 3, 2013. Ports alone aren’t the only reason to get in on this journey: Avalon Waterways is deploying its brand-new Avalon Artistry II on the run beginning April 21.
At 361 feet, Avalon Artistry II is a sister-ship to the line’s popular Avalon Visionary. She joins Avalon Affinity and Avalon Felicity in operating these Romantic Rhine voyages, which can also be taken in reverse from Amsterdam to Zurich.
The full itinerary:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Zurich / Basel | Arrive Zurich and transfer to Basel to board your ship. Welcome aboard dinner. |
| Day 2 | Strasbourg, France | Guided sightseeing; visit La Petite France district and Gothic cathedral. |
| Day 3 | Heidelberg, Germany | Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle; free time. |
| Day 4 | Mainz / Rudesheim | Visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz / Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim. |
| Day 5 | Rhine Gorge / Koblenz | Scenic cruising / Guided sightseeing in Koblenz. |
| Day 6 | Cologne, Germany | Guided walk through the capital of the Rhineland; free time. |
| Day 7 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Canal Cruise; free time exploring this vibrant city. |
| Day 8 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Disembark |
Aboard every Avalon ship, guests can look forward to crisp, clean, modern design filled with comfortable touches. French Balcony staterooms make up the majority of accommodations on each Avalon ship, providing guests with the ability to take in the passing sights from the comfort of their staterooms and suites.
Aboard the Avalon Affinity II, guests can also choose from spacious 200-square foot Panorama Suites that feature a wall of sliding glass windows that open completely to create what the line has dubbed an “Open Air Balcony.” She even features two 300-square foot Royal Suites that the line claims can seat six fully-grown adults along the width of their Open-Air balcony.
With that kind of space, it’s a shame this Romantic Rhine voyage isn’t twice the length.
More information on Avalon Waterways, its itineraries and ships can be found by viewing our complete Avalon Waterways profile here on River Cruise Advisor.
