Avalon Impression, German Grandeur ex Basel to Nuremberg

See the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers. Your picturesque European river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach—with your choice of a visit to a local winery or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France for a guided tour and visit to the La Petite France district and Gothic cathedral, then on to the vineyards and wine village of Rüdesheim through the spectacular views of Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine River, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main river village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before concluding your cruise in Nuremberg. From Switzerland to Bavaria, your German river cruise will create grand memories indeed!

Day 1
Welcome to Switzerland. 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 as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
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:
DISCOVERY - 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE - Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a City Tour of Strasbourg's sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city centre.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 4
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR:
ACTIVE - Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:
DISCOVERY - Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD: A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)

Day 5
Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE - Enjoy an easy biking experience in Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt-one of Germany's oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika-dubbed "minor basilica" in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)

Day 6
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 7
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE - Explore Wurzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8
The City of Seven Hills
ACTIVE - Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host.,OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 9
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast. Flights shouldn't leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am. (B)

In addition to the Avalon Poetry II® and Avalon Illumination®, the striking Avalon Impression? graced the waters of Europe's Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers in 2014. Like its sister ship, the Avalon Expression®, the Impression features 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, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

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.