Cologne

Avalon : 8D7N Romantic Rhine (WAZ/WZA)

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten, lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and 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. Cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Before the end of your European river cruise holiday, stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Here, find unrivalled natural beauty in the area best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

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Avalon : 16D15N Magnificient Rivers of Europe (WBA)

From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise holiday. You’ll begin by visiting three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria). A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s baroque Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white baroque Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Volkach, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral. This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.

14D11N German Highlights (ZD)

Bratwurst and beer, castles and cathedrals, and centuries of history and skilled craftspeople. The time has come to pack your lederhosen for the wonderful lagers, landscapes, and lore of Germany. From world-class cities to half-timbered towns and romantic river valleys to fairy-tale forests, we’ve compiled the country’s highlights for the ultimate Germany holiday. This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts.

Avalon : 8D7N Active & Discovery on The Rhine (WAW/WWA)

Explore the Rhine River from a unique perspective on an Avalon Active & Discovery river cruise. With Avalon Choice® inclusions you decide how to explore each destination on your Rhine River cruise. From classic sightseeing, to active pursuits, to discovery activities and excursions, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of included Avalon Choice® excursions to match your interests and pace. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, you’ll find a wide selection of inclusions that speak to you! Your Rhine River cruise begins in Amsterdam for a day full of activities. See the colourful corners of Amsterdam your way—from a canal cruise to a leisurely biking tour—all at an easy pace! You might choose an included painting class, instead, to recreate the masterpieces of Dutch artists. Visit the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, take a guided “bites and highlights” tour in Düsseldorf, and taste regional wines in Eltville. In Koblenz, take a cable-car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for magnificent views of the surrounding area. Onboard, you’ll pass through the magnificent Rhine Gorge and enjoy specialty dishes while cruising. Join us for a Rhine River cruise like no other, with more included selections for every preference, passion, and pace. Active & Discovery river cruises include hand-selected Active, Discovery, and Classic inclusions to see each destination your way!

Avalon : 11D10N The Rhine & Moselle (WHZ/WZH)

Happiness flows with Avalon Waterways. Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalize with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions. Cruise Critic named Avalon’s staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we’re blushing a bit. But it’s only because...

Avalon : 15D14N Magnificient Europe (WAB)

From Amsterdam to Budapest, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is Holland’s lively capital—both historical and modern. This popular city is set amongst sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany where there’s a guided city walk in Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. There’s guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and you’ll sail the Main Danube Canal connecting the Main and Danube Rivers. First stop in Austria is Melk for a visit of its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. And in the last days of your vacation, local experts will introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as “The City of Music” for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a river cruise to remember!