Cruise of the Day: 8-Day Avalon River Cruise from the Netherlands to Switzerland
Published: July 27, 2026
Sail Date
August 24, 2027
Departure
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arrival
Basel, Switzerland
Ship
Avalon View
Length
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Price
From $5,251* average per person, 2 person room
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing past fairy-tale castles, sipping local Riesling in centuries-old villages, and waking up to a new European destination every morning, today’s Cruise of the Day is for you.
Instead of spending your days at sea, you’ll glide through the heart of Europe on the legendary Rhine River aboard Avalon View, one of Avalon Waterways’ luxurious Suite Ships®. This intimate river cruise combines breathtaking scenery, immersive cultural experiences, and the comfort of a floating boutique hotel. The Romantic Rhine itinerary visits four countries in just eight days: the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
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Starting Cruise Prices
| Stateroom Category | Starting From* |
| Deluxe Stateroom | From $5,251 per person |
| Panorama Suite | From $7,350 per person |
| Royal Suite | From $9,150 per person |
Book This Cruise
Check out Avalon Waterways current promotion!
START NOW. GO LATER. SALES EVENT.
Choose Your Upgrade. The smartest way to cruise? Start early. Lock in your next Avalon river cruise with just $250 – then choose the offer that fits your travel style:
- FREE Air or
- $3,000 in savings per couple*
Secure your suite, your sailing, and the experience you want – while paying the rest closer to departure. Say yes for $250.
Book Through Monday, August 10, 2026
Itinerary
Day 1 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 2 | Amsterdam
Day 3 | Cologne, Germany
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim
Day 5 | Ludwigshafen – Excursion to Heidelberg
Day 6 | Kehl – Excursion to Strasbourg, France
Day 7 | Breishach, Germany – Excursion to Black Forest
Day 8 | Basel, Switzerland
Itinerary Highlights
🇳🇱 Amsterdam
Begin your vacation in one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Cruise the famous canals, explore world-class museums, or simply enjoy the cafés lining the waterways.
🌲 Black Forest
Visit Germany’s legendary Black Forest, renowned for cuckoo clocks, cherry cake, and picturesque villages.
🇩🇪 Cologne
Home to Germany’s iconic Gothic Cathedral, Cologne blends 2,000 years of history with vibrant shopping and riverside charm.
🏰 Rhine Gorge
One of Europe’s most spectacular river passages. You’ll cruise beneath more than 40 medieval castles perched high above the river while vineyards blanket the surrounding hillsides.
🍷 Rüdesheim
Sample local Riesling wines, stroll through charming cobblestone streets, and visit the fascinating Mechanical Music Museum.
🇫🇷 Strasbourg
Explore one of France’s most beautiful cities, famous for its half-timbered houses, canals, and magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Why I Love This Cruise
There are river cruises… and then there’s the Rhine.
What makes this itinerary so special is how effortless it feels. Instead of packing and unpacking at every destination, your hotel moves with you. Every morning brings a new historic city waiting just outside your Panorama Suite.
Avalon also stands out because of its Panorama Suites. Unlike traditional river cruise cabins, the entire wall of windows opens, transforming your room into an open-air balcony—perfect for watching castles, vineyards, and villages drift by.
This Cruise Is Perfect For
- Anniversary celebrations
- Couples
- Empty nesters
- First-time European travelers
- Foodies
- History enthusiasts
- Travelers who prefer smaller ship
- Wine lovers
Ship Spotlight: Avalon View
| Cruise Line | Avalon Waterways |
| Entered Service | 2020 |
| Guests | 166 |
| Crew | 47 |
| Length | 443 ft |
| Panorama Suites | 200 sq. ft. |
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Fine regional dining
- Fitness Center
- Included shore excursions
- Panorama Lounge
- Sky Deck
Avalon View Highlights
- Active hiking excursions
- Avalon Adventure Host®
- Complimentary bicycles
- Complimentary soft drinks throughout the day
- Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fresh regional menus
- Locally inspired cuisine
- Spacious public lounges
- Specialty coffees
- Wall-to-wall Panorama Windows
Included Experiences
Unlike many ocean cruises, Avalon includes numerous guided excursions.
Some favorites include:
- Canal cruise in Amsterdam
- Cologne Cathedral tour
- Wine tasting in Rüdesheim
- Guided walk through Strasbourg
- Black Forest excursion
- Heidelberg Castle visit
- Optional cycling adventures
Pros
- Excellent service
- Exceptional European cuisine
- Included excursions
- Incredible scenery every day
- Intimate 166-guest ship
- No sea days
- Spacious Panorama Suites
Cons
- Fewer entertainment venues than large cruise ships
- Limited onboard nightlife
- More expensive than many ocean cruises
- Walking excursions often involve cobblestone streets
Where to Stay Before Your Cruise
🇳🇱 Experience Amsterdam
I recommend arriving at least one day early and staying at Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam.
Located just minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, this boutique hotel places you within easy walking distance of the city’s famous canals, museums, restaurants, and shopping. It’s an ideal place to shake off jet lag before beginning your Rhine River adventure.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy transfers to your Avalon ship
- Excellent restaurants nearby
- Stylish boutique atmosphere
- Walk to canal cruises
Sam's Tip
Book a Panorama Suite if your budget allows.
Watching castles, vineyards, and charming riverside villages glide by through your wall-to-wall panoramic windows is one of the signature Avalon experiences—and one you won’t soon forget.
Protect Your Vacation
Unexpected weather, flight delays, illness, or lost luggage can disrupt even the best-planned vacation.
Travel insurance can help protect your investment and provide peace of mind before and during your cruise.
Protect your vacation with Faye Travel Insurance before departure.
Final Thoughts
Ocean cruises are incredible, but there’s something magical about river cruising.
Instead of spending hours sailing across open water, every mile of the Rhine reveals another postcard-worthy village, vineyard, castle, or cathedral. Avalon Waterways has perfected the art of blending luxury, relaxation, and authentic cultural immersion into one unforgettable vacation.
If Europe has been on your bucket list, this Romantic Rhine itinerary is one of the best introductions you could ask for.
Sam’s Rating: 10 /10
Helpful Travel Resources
Book Your Cruise → Avalon Waterways
Hotel → Kimpton DeWitt Amsterdam
Travel Insurance → Faye Travel Insurance
Have you ever been on a river cruise? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments.
