The Rhine & Moselle

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$5,655
Balcony
$8,340
Suite
$10,745
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
11 Day The Rhine & Moselle Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Holland
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WZH

Overview

Your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers begins in Basel, Switzerland, to explore extraordinary cities in Germany and France, as well as Holland’s capital of Amsterdam. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Continue your river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and its fascinating astronomical clock. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city, then sail for the charming Rhine Valley wine town...read more of Rüdesheim.

Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge for the the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before coming to the charming wine village of Bernkastel! Here, you’ll go on a guided walk and taste some of the famed Moselle wines! Visit a medieval castle, then sail back into the Rhine and explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which spans both sides of the Rhine River. Your river cruise holiday ends in marvellous Amsterdam. Take in the sights on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Itinerary

Welcome to Basel. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure centre 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 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:
  • Classic: Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.

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 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 LUDWIGSHAFEN (B/L/D)

Philosophers' Views and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel

  • Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike up Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
  • Classic: Take an entertaining Guided Tour to the famous Frankenstein castle, nestled in the hills of the Western Odenwald area, and enjoy a breathtaking view on the Rhine Valley, 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."

Enjoy sailing a leisurely afternoon sailing to Rudesheim.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RUDESHEIM (B/L/D)

Breathtaking Views

This morning leave Rudesheim after breakfast and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz.

KOBLENZ: 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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL (B/L/D)

Hillside Vines and German Wines

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. This morning enjoy a leisurely sailing.

  • Active: Bike along the Mosel river with your Adventure Host, 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 REMICH (B/L/D)

Enjoy a free morning to discover Remich on your own. Alternatively choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. During lunch time enjoy a short sailing to Trier.

TRIER, GERMANY: Ancient Worlds, and Old World Charm

  • Active: Explore Trier on foot, hike around the city with your Adventure Host, 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 amphitheater, and imperial baths.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM (B/L/D)

The Charm of the Moselle Valley

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

  • 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 the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird's-eye - view of the Moselle Valley and river bend,

Enjoy a short cruise to Alken, where you have free time to explore at your own pace, Alternatively, select a Guided Optional Excursion to Eltz Castle.

EVENING CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B/L/D)

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland's Capital City

  • 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!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT SAILING TO AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

  • Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
  • Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens - with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Alternatively, choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

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.
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
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
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
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
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'The Rhine & Moselle' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Avalon will still be my first choice for any river cruising 3 , Australia, Oct 2014
I felt the overall standard of this cruise was a little bit lower than the Avalon river cruise I did in 2012. Although my points of disappointment are very minor I was not the only passenger to have similar views. 1. Previous cruise. Cake/pastry selection for afternoon tea had several choices. This cruise. Only one choice. 2. Previous ship looked immaculate. ...read more This ship had rust showing through in a number of places. 3. I thought housekeeping standards, although very good, had dropped a little. 4. Noise in the restaurant at meal times was abominable. This comment was made by others in the Tour Operator survey. Avalon definitely need to consider sound absorbent ceiling tiles. 5. The tour guides for the shore excursions, although excellent at what they do, tend to load you up with so much information that your brain hurts when you are getting this every day. This is not limited to Avalon but common across all the cruise operators. The longer the cruise went the more people opted out of guided tours in favour of 'doing their own thing'. Despite the above negatives Avalon will still be my first choice for any future river cruising.
The best holiday we have ever had 2 , Australia, Oct 2013
This European river cruise was the best holiday we have ever had. Every detail had been expertly planned by Global Journeys. Avalon Waterways cruise ship 'Affinity' was staffed by exceptional friendly, helpful and professional crew. The food and drinks provided were abundant, varied and delicious. Included sightseeing was thoroughly enjoyable. I ...read more would recommend this cruise to anyone considering a river cruise holiday and have plans to book another one in the future.

Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2024-25) 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?

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Deal
Tuesday 27 May 2025
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,567
$7,437
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,595
$10,122
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,619
$12,527
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 06 Jul 2025
Wednesday 16 Jul 2025
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $3,049
$5,655
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,077
$8,340
View Cabins
Suite
Save $3,101
$10,745
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 26 Jul 2025
Tuesday 05 Aug 2025
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $3,049
$5,655
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,077
$8,340
View Cabins
Suite
Save $3,101
$10,745
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
Sunday 24 Aug 2025
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $2,356
$6,348
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,384
$9,033
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,408
$11,438
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 03 Sep 2025
Saturday 13 Sep 2025
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,567
$7,437
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,595
$10,122
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,619
$12,527
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Friday 31 Oct 2025
Monday 10 Nov 2025
Ship Avalon Tranquility II
River View
Save $1,957
$6,447
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,985
$9,132
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,009
$11,537
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Friday 05 Jun 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,570
$7,797
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,599
$10,624
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,623
$13,029
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 14 Jun 2026
Wednesday 24 Jun 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,966
$7,401
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,995
$10,228
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,019
$12,633
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Friday 17 Jul 2026
Monday 27 Jul 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $2,359
$6,708
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,388
$9,535
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,412
$11,940
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026
Saturday 29 Aug 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $2,359
$6,708
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,388
$9,535
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,412
$11,940
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Tuesday 22 Sep 2026
Friday 02 Oct 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,570
$7,797
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,599
$10,624
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,623
$13,029
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 11 Oct 2026
Wednesday 21 Oct 2026
Ship Avalon Imagery II
River View
Save $1,962
$6,955
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,991
$9,782
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,015
$12,187
View Cabins
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.

Similar River Cruises

12 Day The Blue Danube Discovery with Budapest and Prague (Avalon)

12 Days Budapest Prague

Operated By: Avalon

From 6,761
Save 1,562
12 Day Burgundy & Provence with French Riviera & Paris (Avalon)

12 Days Nice Paris

Operated By: Avalon

From 6,607
Save 2,375
12 Day The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest and Transylvania (Avalon)

12 Days Bucharest Budapest

Operated By: Avalon

From 6,983
Save 1,968
12 Day Balkan Discovery with Budapest, Bucharest and Transylvania (Avalon)

12 Days Budapest Bucharest

Operated By: Avalon

From 6,988
Save 1,966