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Join me on a river cruise: Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers
Black Friday Special
$1500 off per person
Good until Dec. 10, 2025
Based on double occupancy in entry level room
Discover
November 16–23, 2027 | Avalon Envision | Northbound
Why You’ll Love This Cruise
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Sip & Savor: Delight in local wines with exclusive tastings at vineyards along the Rhine. Learn the secrets of Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other regional favorites from passionate local vintners.
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Scenic Luxury: The Avalon Envision is designed for panoramic views, with spacious suites, wall-to-wall windows, and open-air balconies so you can soak in Europe’s most romantic river landscapes.
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Charming Ports: Explore historic towns like Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, and Amsterdam, each offering unique culinary and cultural experiences. Meander cobblestone streets, visit boutique wine shops, or enjoy a leisurely coffee along the waterfront.
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Expertly Curated Experiences: From guided vineyard tours to wine-themed excursions, this journey combines relaxation, discovery, and indulgence — perfect for both seasoned wine lovers and curious beginners.
About Avalon River Cruises
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Avalon Waterways redefines river cruising with spacious suites, wall-to-wall panoramic windows, and open-air balconies that bring Europe’s scenic rivers right to your room. Their thoughtfully designed itineraries combine luxury, comfort, and immersive experiences, from guided excursions and local tastings to insider access to charming towns and iconic landmarks. With attentive service, small-group excursions, and expert guides, Avalon ensures every moment of your journey is effortless, enriching, and unforgettable — the perfect way to explore the Rhine in style.
A Journey Along the Rhine
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Day 1: Embark in Amsterdam — a city of canals, cafés, and charming architecture.
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Days 2–7: Cruise north along the Romantic Rhine, with stops in iconic wine regions, castles perched on hillsides, and picturesque villages.
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Day 8: Arrive in Basel, Switzerland, with memories (and perhaps a few bottles) to savor.
Why Travel With Me
I’ll be there to ensure every moment is seamless, from private group tastings to shared dinners and excursions. Join a small, like-minded group of travelers who share your passion for wine, culture, and the beauty of the Rhine.
Spots Are Limited!
River cruises fill quickly, and this exclusive wine-focused itinerary aboard Avalon Envision is especially popular. Don’t miss this chance to experience Europe’s most romantic river in style.
Reserve your spot today and toast to the adventure of a lifetime!
$2807 per person for standard room
Deposit is $250 per person
(price as of Dec. 2, 2025 and subject to change based on availability. Space is limited. Promotion only valid through December 10, 2025. This room category has small windows with outdoor light, but no views. If you would like to upgrade to a cabin with full floor to ceiling windows with a French balcony, add $1899 per person. Deposit is non-refundable if cancelled, but if you want to change your dates up until 180 days prior to sailing, your deposit will be transferred. Applies to the same cruise, just different dates.)
Our Itinerary
A Journey Along the Rhine — Basel to Amsterdam (Nov 16–23, 2027)
Day 1 – Embarkation in Basel, Switzerland
Your journey begins in the historic city of Basel — arriving in either late morning or early afternoon, you’ll board Avalon Envision and settle into your suite. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner aboard as the ship readies to begin the cruise. Basel itself is a city of art, culture, and riverfront charm — a perfect starting point for a romantic river voyage.
Day 2 – Breisach, Germany (Gateway to the Black Forest / Kaiserstuhl Wine Country)
Wake up in tranquil Breisach — a charming German town on the Rhine and near the border of France. From here, you’ll have a choice of excursions: either wander into the legendary Black Forest (with its dense evergreen hills, fairytale villages, and traditional Black Forest ham and cakes), or visit the lovely village of Colmar (in nearby Alsace, France). For wine lovers, there’s the chance to tour a local chateau‑wine cellar and sample Alsatian wines — a delightful introduction to the wine heritage of the region.
Day 3 – Strasbourg, France
This day brings you to the picturesque city of Strasbourg. Stroll through the atmospheric district of La Petite France, with its timber‑framed houses, canals, and cobblestone alleys. Don’t miss the dramatic red‑sandstone Gothic cathedral with its ornate façade and the famous astronomical clock inside. The city’s blend of French charm and German‑influenced architecture is unforgettable — and the ideal backdrop for your first full day of European city exploration.
Day 4 – Mainz / Heidelberg (or Speyer) — German Wine & Castle Country
You’ll sail into the heart of Germany’s historic wine and castle country. Options await: visit Mainz for a guided walk and the fascinating Gutenberg Museum (celebrating the legacy of printing), or head toward Heidelberg, where the majestic ruins of Heidelberg Castle majestically overlook the old town — a vivid reminder of centuries past. For wine lovers, this region offers classic German wines and a taste of traditional culture and architecture.
Day 5 – Rüdesheim & the Upper Middle Rhine / Rhine Gorge – Castles, Vineyards & Scenic Cruising
This is a highlight day: arrive in charming Rüdesheim am Rhein — a town famous for its wines, winding lanes, and wine taverns. You might visit the whimsical Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or take a cellar tour with a wine tasting among historic vineyards. Then the cruise sails through the dramatic Rhine Gorge — one of the most scenic stretches of river in all of Europe, with steep hillsides crowned by ancient castles protruding from cliffs. Bring your camera: the ship sails amidst postcard‑perfect views around every bend. The combination of castles, vineyards, and river cliffs creates an unforgettable river‑cruise moment.
Day 6 – Koblenz & Sailing toward Cologne
Your ship docks in Koblenz — located at the scenic confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Explore Koblenz’s charming old town, stroll along the waterfront, or take in visits to historic fortresses nearby. Later, you’ll continue sailing toward Cologne. The changing landscapes as the river winds through valleys and hills make this part of the cruise beautifully varied — from quiet riverside towns to looming gothic spires in the distance.
Day 7 – Cologne, Germany — Final Port Before Amsterdam
Arrive in Cologne early in the morning. The city’s most iconic landmark, the towering twin‑spired Cologne Cathedral, dominates the river skyline and offers a dramatic introduction to one of Germany’s oldest cities. Wander the Old Town with its narrow lanes, charming taverns, and hearty regional cuisine (try the local Kölsch beer!). This final German port gives you one last chance to sample Rhine wines — or local brews — and soak up medieval‑meets‑modern Germany before heading to Holland.
Day 8 – Arrival in Amsterdam, Netherlands — Canal Cruise & Farewell
Your river‑cruise adventure ends in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Begin with a classic canal cruise along Amsterdam’s famed grachten (you’ll glide past elegant canal houses from the Dutch Golden Age, charming bridges, and leafy quays). Then explore at your leisure: art museums, cozy cafés, Dutch specialties, boutique shopping, and more. Toast to the voyage during the captain’s farewell dinner aboard, share memories of castles and vineyards, and plan your next adventure.