Avalon Imagery II, The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles ex Amsterdam to Remich

This magnificent European river cruise holiday begins in Holland’s colourful, modern capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Then, embark on your picturesque cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. On a guided city walk, see the famous twin-spired cathedral and explore the cobblestone streets of the Old City. You’ll sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Along the Moselle River, you’ll stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. In Bernkastel, enjoy a guided walk and taste some of the region’s best-loved wines. Go on an excursion to historical Luxembourg City, offering unique and dramatic views as it is set on two levels—high above on straddling hills and dropping into two river valleys.

Day 1
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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)

Day 2
Canals of Colorful 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 the city's "Golden Age."
This afternoon choose among the guided optional excursions available.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)

Day 3
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
ACTIVE - Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join 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! Enjoy live entertainment onboard your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 4
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rudesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei-where the mythological siren,s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
ACTIVE - Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR;
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Koblenz this evening while having dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

Day 5
The Charm of the Moselle Valley
You may want to start your day with an Optional Excursion bike ride from Treis Karden to Cochem, enriched by a lunch tasting. Alternatively, relax on the Sky Deck of your ship while sailing through the Moselle Valley, famous for the beautiful growing villages and their vineyards.
ACTIVE - See Cochem from atop, hike up to an excellent viewpoint with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY - Take part to a Guided Visit to one of the oldest mustard mills, dating back to 1810. Under the guidance of the head mustard "miller", you'll watch mustard being made using traditional skills, more than 200 years of savoir-faire and a recipe that has been passed down several generations, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walk of Cochem through its half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird's-eye-view of the Moselle Valley.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL (B,L,D)

Day 6
Castle Vines and German Wines
Ask about today,s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities. This morning, select a Guided Optional Excursion to Traben-Trarbach for an underground visit or a panoramic drive through the Moselle region.
ACTIVE - Head out into the fresh air and hike up to Landshut Castle 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.
DISCOVERY - Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REMICH (B,L,D)

Day 7
Old-World Charm, and World-Class Wine
This morning, you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Roman Trier-the oldest city in Germany, or learn more about the famous Battle of the Bulge.
ACTIVE - Bike in two countries along the Mosel with your Adventure Host, OR;
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a Wine Walk in Luxembourg's Moselle Region. Discover the way of life and the daily work in the vineyards while enjoying the unique panorama at the Scheuerberg, OR;
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City-with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Luxembourg City airport before 8 am. (B)

The Avalon Imagery II is a true haven on the river - two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony®. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities and services include free Wi-Fi access, Internet corner, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.