Trip Length
11 Days
Trip Starts
Amsterdam
Trip Finishes
Basel
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
WHZ
Overview
Read 8 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 11 Day The Rhine & Moselle. Your European river cruise holiday starts in marvellous Amsterdam where there is much to see! Discover the treasures of this colourful, historic city on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age". Explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which spans both sides of the Rhine River, then visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Explore the charming wine village...read more of Bernkastel with its half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages still standing!
Take a guided walk through the delightful marketplace, see the renaissance-era Town Hall, and taste famed Moselle wines! Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, then visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s Castle, towering magnificently over the city.
Continue your stunning European river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s legendary Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Disembark your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland. Beauty, new discoveries, and delightful surprises are plentiful on your European river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers!
Take a guided walk through the delightful marketplace, see the renaissance-era Town Hall, and taste famed Moselle wines! Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, then visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s Castle, towering magnificently over the city.
Continue your stunning European river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s legendary Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Disembark your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland. Beauty, new discoveries, and delightful surprises are plentiful on your European river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers!
Itinerary
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.
During tulip season, don't miss a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens - with more than seven million flowering bulbs. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
Alternatively spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B/L/D)
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 - with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager - locally brewed for over 100 years! Local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO COCHEM (B/L/D)
The Charm of the Moselle Valley
This morning, select a Guided Optional Excursion to Eltz Castle.
- Active: Bike along the Mosel river with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Visit the former bunker of Germany's Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) and immerse yourself in the underground vault where millions of German Mark were kept during the Cold War, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walk of Cochem to see the charming town's half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit Cochem's hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird's-eye - view of the Moselle Valley and river bend.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REMICH (B/L/D)
Ancient Worlds and Old World Charm
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Wander and Discover Trier. Follow your Adventure Host for a Walk in and around this city, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing tour of Trier - Germany's oldest city with ancient remnants dating from 144 - 152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra, walk through the city centre, OR:
- Classic: Join a history - focused Roman Trier Guided Tour to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in this Moselle River city, and visit the ruins of a 20,000 - seat amphitheatre, and imperial baths.
This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL (B/L/D)
Hillside Vines and German Wines
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for an hike in this beautiful area, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel - with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber - framed houses.
This afternoon, select a Guided Optional Excursion to a local winery for a wine tasting.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ (B/L/D)
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls
- Active: Explore Koblenz's Mosel side by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk amid ancient fortresses walls, towers, squares and monuments, OR:
- Classic: Visit the Sayn Manor House on a Guided Tour.
Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rudesheim.
RUDESHEIM: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Enjoy free time this evening to explore this picturesque village.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN (B/L/D)
Philosophers' Views and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
- Classic: Discover Schwetzingen Palace - the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel."
This afternoon a short sailing will bring you to Speyer, where you will have free time to explore at your own pace.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B/L/D)
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
- Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a City Sightseeing Tour, including the city's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city centre.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (B/L/D)
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
- Discovery: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
- Discovery: Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Avalon Suite Ships
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (8) View All Most Recent 'The Rhine & Moselle' Reviews
4.5
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Avalon Waterways Amsterdam to Basel Cruise 5
Harold & Wendy Koch, QLD, Australia, Oct 2017
Our first river cruise was with APT in 2016, so we can only use that very good experience as a comparison to the Avalon cruise. The upgrade to deck 2 was a real bonus. Another bonus was the optional excursions offered by Avalon. As with APT, most of the included excursions are half day, leaving a fair bit of time on the cruise spent on the ship or on ...read more 'own time' in the town where the ship is moored.
APT didn't offer any optional trips, so Avalon has the advantage in that respect. The only negative issue was that the buffet breakfast dishes were consistently lukewarm to cold. Similar dishes at lunch were fine. Overall, we'd be happy to travel with Avalon again. After four trips to Europe, which centered mainly on the culture (churches, cathedrals, palaces and castles), we'll be looking for something that offers a different theme next time. Maybe food, wine etc.
APT didn't offer any optional trips, so Avalon has the advantage in that respect. The only negative issue was that the buffet breakfast dishes were consistently lukewarm to cold. Similar dishes at lunch were fine. Overall, we'd be happy to travel with Avalon again. After four trips to Europe, which centered mainly on the culture (churches, cathedrals, palaces and castles), we'll be looking for something that offers a different theme next time. Maybe food, wine etc.
Beautiful scenery 5
Debbie & Warwick, NSW, Australia, Oct 2017
Very lucky with the weather for the time of year - lots of sunny days. Our 2nd trip with Avalon and overall very happy. There appeared to be less staff in bar and restaurant than previous trip - maybe cost cutting? Some staff didn't appear to be very happy (maybe the end of season is near?). Captain, Cruise Director, room staff & food were very good. ...read more Included and optional excursions were great. The availability of bikes on board now is an added plus.
Our stateroom (213) was located in the centre of the ship and a good size. Housekeeping staff did a great job of maintaining the room. The scenery along the Moselle was stunning and would highly recommend a cruise along this river - Avalon go further than many of the other cruise lines. The Rhine was beautiful - always something to see! The evening entertainment was mainly the on board keyboard player, they did bring on various musicians along the way. But as dinner didn't usually finish till 9.00pm most people went straight to their cabins as the days were busy when on the excursions. The age of fellow travellers was a lot older for this cruise with more people taking the gentle walkers group than previous tour. Would recommend Avalon for good value. Very happy with all dealings with Global Journeys - you all do an excellent job and we very much appreciate it!
Our stateroom (213) was located in the centre of the ship and a good size. Housekeeping staff did a great job of maintaining the room. The scenery along the Moselle was stunning and would highly recommend a cruise along this river - Avalon go further than many of the other cruise lines. The Rhine was beautiful - always something to see! The evening entertainment was mainly the on board keyboard player, they did bring on various musicians along the way. But as dinner didn't usually finish till 9.00pm most people went straight to their cabins as the days were busy when on the excursions. The age of fellow travellers was a lot older for this cruise with more people taking the gentle walkers group than previous tour. Would recommend Avalon for good value. Very happy with all dealings with Global Journeys - you all do an excellent job and we very much appreciate it!
Avalon Cruise on the Rhine & Moselle 3
Gerry & Theresa, WA, Australia, Jun 2017
Many thanks to Georgie at Global Journeys for your help with organising our European River Cruise. We enjoyed the experience a great deal and much of this was due to you. I do have some comments about Avalon specifically which I will itemise :
1. The cruise itinerary was great especially to places where we had not cruise before ie the Moselle River. ...read more I would recommend this to anyone
2. The content was varied and generally the operation went smoothly. We were supplied with plenty of information en route. In my critique to Avalon I did say the cruise director talked was too much during her daily 'port briefs' , however in her defense I know many on the cruise thought she was entertaining.
3. Personally I thought the meals were too fussy but as I had the choice of eating in the lounge at midday I did miss the evening meals on several occasions. Again I know others felt it was all fine and I will admit to being a 'non-foodie'
4. The cruise passengers were generally seniors from the USA, Canada, Australia, and NZ. We all got along well and we established some friendships
5. I was miffed with Avalon charging me $600 for the amendments to my flight details when I felt the mistake was not my doing. I have he email detailing my requirements which they did not seem to follow however as I did not notice this until much later in the booking process I did not feel justified in making a big issue of the matter.
6. Would I recommend this cruise to anyone - yes, but I would hesitate going with Avalon (this was my third and last trip with them). There did seem to be a big difference in what we Australians pay to that paid in the UK and the USA.
1. The cruise itinerary was great especially to places where we had not cruise before ie the Moselle River. ...read more I would recommend this to anyone
2. The content was varied and generally the operation went smoothly. We were supplied with plenty of information en route. In my critique to Avalon I did say the cruise director talked was too much during her daily 'port briefs' , however in her defense I know many on the cruise thought she was entertaining.
3. Personally I thought the meals were too fussy but as I had the choice of eating in the lounge at midday I did miss the evening meals on several occasions. Again I know others felt it was all fine and I will admit to being a 'non-foodie'
4. The cruise passengers were generally seniors from the USA, Canada, Australia, and NZ. We all got along well and we established some friendships
5. I was miffed with Avalon charging me $600 for the amendments to my flight details when I felt the mistake was not my doing. I have he email detailing my requirements which they did not seem to follow however as I did not notice this until much later in the booking process I did not feel justified in making a big issue of the matter.
6. Would I recommend this cruise to anyone - yes, but I would hesitate going with Avalon (this was my third and last trip with them). There did seem to be a big difference in what we Australians pay to that paid in the UK and the USA.
We had an amazing trip along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. 2
Lynette & Lorenzo Galletti, Australia, Apr 2016
The hole experience was amazing. The staff were very friendly and the other passengers on board were all friendly as well, which really added to the enjoyment of the cruise. All of the included excursions were extremely good as well, with the guides all being very knowledgeable and friendly. We travelled in May and the weather was a bit hit and miss. ...read more Some days were cold and wet and others were quite pleasant. I don't think we would choose to travel at that time of year again. Avalon Waterways lived up to all of our expectations and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others. Finally we wish to thank Global Journeys for their efficient service and friendly staff. Michelle White was our contact there and she was always very helpful and friendly. We have booked through Global Journeys before and intend to book our next trip through them again.
We had an amazing time 1
Leonie Arnold, Australia, Jul 2013
We had an amazing time, thank you for all your help, the trip was excellent so glad we went through the Moselle River it was absolutely gorgeous. Avalon Affinity was excellent, the food was fantastic and the service impeccable. We enjoyed our cabin it was again excellent. We can't speak highly enough of Avalon and Global Journeys. Thank you for all ...read more your help and look forward to returning to Europe in the next couple of years.
Constant rain affected our trip 1
Graeme Ashworth, Australia, May 2013
Internet and TV was a problem during the cruise - we expected more local regional foods and wines, but found the wines were imported and food was generalized, except for one German lunch, which was great. There was no aparent extra value for being in a Suite (other than a slightly larger room), so to us, the extra cost couldn't be justified. Staff were ...read more great and the Cruise Director helpful and informative. We thought there would be more local information sessions at night, so those who were interested could learn about local history, customs and culture. Our journey was restricted because of the cold and constant rain, leading to flooded rivers and restricted access.
Deck Plans
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
Category E
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
Category D
Panorama Suite
Category B
Category B
Panorama Suite
Category A
Category A
Panorama Suite
Category P
Category P
Royal Suite
Cabins
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)
- Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
- Twin Windows
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Royal Suite
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 75 cruises on 12 rivers (plus the Galápagos!) featuring 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover tradition and timeless beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Saône—to name a few. Discover how generations of graceful traditions live on while sailing the Mekong in Southeast Asia...more or unlock the secrets of the Sphinx on the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Welcome aboard! Where shall we sail next?
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category E (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category D (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category B | $ 2,713 - $ 2,856 |
| Category A | $ 2,856 - $ 2,999 |
| Category P | $ 2,928 - $ 3,070 |
| Category S | $ 5,142 - $ 5,285 |
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
