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

Explore the waterways, wine regions, and historic hills from Luxembourg to Holland in company of a Master of Wine who will host lectures, tastings, and tips on food-and-wine-pairing. You’ll board your Avalon Suite Ship in Remich on the beautiful Moselle River. Take an excursion to historical Luxembourg City, offering unique and dramatic views, as the town is set on two levels—high above on straddling hills and dropping into two river valleys or enjoy a wine walk in Luxembourg’s Moselle region. Join a guided walk in the charming wine village of Bernkastel and taste some of the region’s best loved wines. Continue on the Moselle River to the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Experience the wonder and beauty of the Moselle Vineyards and visit one of their local wineries for some sparkling wine tasting. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. Sail into the Rhine River to the quintessential Rhine valley town of Rüdesheim. Here visit the amazing Mechanical Musical Instruments Museum, and enjoy a stroll through the town’s famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Your last stop in Germany is Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. On a guided walk, see the famous twin-spired cathedral and explore the cobblestone streets of the Old City. This extraordinary European river cruise concludes with a visit to Holland’s colourful capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Experience spectacular scenery and discover legendary cultures on your Moselle and Rhine river cruise holiday.

Day 1
Welcome to Luxembourg! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Luxembourg City must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to explore Remich-the Pearl of the Moselle-with panoramic views of surrounding forests and vineyards. Enjoy dinner on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH (D)

Day 2
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL (B,L,D)

Day 3
Castle Vines and German Wines
Ask about today's energising or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE - Head out into the fresh air and hike up to Landshut Castle, 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.
Enjoy free time this afternoon, take a bike ride through the village to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts.
DISCOVERY - Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COCHEM (B,L,D)

Day 4
The Charm of the Moselle Valley
ACTIVE - See Cochem from atop, hike up to an excellent viewpoint, 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:
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a wine excursion and tasting at one of Moselle's wineries, 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. Relax on board on the Sky Deck while sailing through the Moselle Valley, famous for the beautiful wine growing villages and vineyards.
DISCOVERY - Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 5
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; 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; enjoy a local special treat.
En route to Engers, 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS (B,L,D)

Day 6
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
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!
DISCOVERY - While sailing towards Amsterdam, join a cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 7
Canals of Colourful Amsterdam
CLASSIC - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of the city's "Golden Age."
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.
You may choose to spend some free time this afternoon by visiting one of Amsterdam's many fascinating museums or galleries. Tonight, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam on your own.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (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.