Avalon Vista, Active & Discovery On The Rhine (graham Mctavish) ex Basel to Amsterdam

Set sail on a cruise that paints a thousand words with celebrity host and storyteller Graham McTavish! This 8-day, Active & Discovery itinerary – part of our special Storyteller Series of cruises – will transport you through craggy cliffs and under storied medieval castles, along quaint, cobblestone villages and through the lofty landscapes of Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland on the Rhine River, where every hour is story time!

On this Active & Discovery on the Rhine river cruise, you’re invited to cruise your way. Choose included classic sightseeing, Active excursions, or Discovery activities in culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, you’ll find the Avalon Choice inclusions that speak to you! Join a guided culinary walk in Düsseldorf and take a cable-car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for magnificent views of the surrounding area in Koblenz. Aboard your Avalon Suite Ship, you’ll pass through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breath-taking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei and enjoy specialty dishes while cruising. Your Rhine River cruise ends in Amsterdam for a day full of activities. See the colourful streets and row house doors of Amsterdam your way—from a relaxing canal cruise to a kayak tour—all at your pace! Choose a painting class to recreate the masterpieces of Dutch artists. Join us for a Rhine River cruise like no other, with more freedom to cruise your way.

Day 1
How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship and the opportunity to spend your week sailing with Storyteller host, Graham McTavish.
Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
ACTIVE - Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, 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 a local winery and its vineyards to learn about German winemaking; a wine tasting will be the perfect end of this tour.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Ask about today's energising or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE - Take a Guided Hike along the river and the Marne-Rhine canal, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg'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 one of the Optional Excursions available.
Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 4
The World's Biggest Wine Barrel and Famous Vineyards
ACTIVE - Follow the road less travelled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers' Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join an exclusive Beer Tour. An expert Beer Sommelier will introduce you to the art of brewing, while strolling through the Heidelberg Castle garden 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.' While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BINGEN (B,L,D)

Day 5
Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet
En route to Koblenz, 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.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE - Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR:
DISCOVERY - For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the 'Lava City' of Mendig for a Volcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DUSSELDORF (B,L,D)

Day 6
Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers
ACTIVE - Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
DISCOVERY - Experience Dusseldorf's Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of Dusseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.
This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Dusseldorf's microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.
Later enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

Day 7
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
ACTIVE - Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
DISCOVERY - Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters' techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
This afternoon consider an Optional Culinary Walk in one of Amsterdam's famous districts.
Spend free time strolling at leisure through the galleries and cafes of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Having set sail in 2012, the Avalon Vista adds to our unique offering of Suite Ships. The Vista's two full decks of suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. 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 expanded fitness center, Internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful 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.