Itinerary
- Day 1
Lucerne
This morning you'll have the day to explore Lucerne at your own pace. Walk through the various squares and churches scattered throughout town along the Reuss River, or spend time shopping in the city center. There's no structured activities, so you can organize your schedule however works best for you.
Optional Activities
- Explore the many squares and churches in Lucerne
- Shopping in the city center
Landmarks Lucerne - Day 2
Lucerne
A guided walking tour takes you through Lucerne's historic center. You'll see the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and wander through the Old Town with its Water Tower. The tour also includes the Jesuit Church. Having a guide means you'll get historical context and details you might miss on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided Walking Tour including Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and Jesuit Church
Landmarks Lion Monument Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church - Day 3
Lucerne to Breisach
This morning you head out for a special excursion to either Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn depending on what the season allows. Both offer great views over central Switzerland. If weather turns bad, you'll visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead. Later this evening you board your suite ship and begin cruising toward Breisach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn for views over central Switzerland
- Alternative: Swiss Transport Museum visit (in case of bad weather)
Landmarks Mount Pilatus Mount Stanserhorn Swiss Transport Museum - Day 4
Breisach to Kehl
Several options are available for today. You can take a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine, walk through the Black Forest with its open-air museum and water mill, or head to Freiburg to see its medieval center surrounded by vineyards. There's also the chance to visit Colmar in the morning if you prefer. By evening the ship sails to Kehl.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Bike ride along the Rhine with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Full-day Guided Tour to Black Forest including Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, authentic water mill, and traditional butter-making demonstration
- Choice of: Guided Tour of Freiburg's medieval city center
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Colmar village with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings
Landmarks Black Forest Vogtsbauernhof Freiburg Colmar - Day 5
Kehl to Mainz
Explore Strasbourg either by bike or on a guided city tour. You'll see the Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, plus La Petite France district. Other options include the Maginot Line fortifications or Alsace wine country. If you'd rather have free time, you can visit a museum or walk through the city center. The ship cruises to Mainz this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Strasbourg by bike with Adventure Host
- Choice of: City Sightseeing Tour including Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and astronomical clock, and La Petite France District
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to historic Maginot Line pre-WWII fortifications
- Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace's wine country
- Free time to visit museum or stroll city center
Landmarks Strasbourg Cathedral La Petite France Maginot Line - Day 6
Mainz to Rüdesheim
Pick between a walk on the Philosophers' Way or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle where you'll see the Great Vat, known as the World's Largest Wine Barrel. Alternatively, take a guided city walk in Mainz to see the Gutenberg Museum. This evening you'll enjoy live entertainment on your ship as it sails to Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Guided walk on Philosophers' Way in Heidelberg with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle with Great Vat wine barrel
- Choice of: Guided City Walk in Mainz including Gutenberg Museum
- Live entertainment on board
Landmarks Philosophers' Way Heidelberg Castle Gutenberg Museum - Day 7
Rüdesheim to Koblenz
Choose between a hike through vineyards, a tour of the Mechanical Music Museum with Rüdesheimer coffee tasting, or visiting Johannisberg Castle for wine tasting. As you sail toward Koblenz, you'll see spectacular Rhine Gorge views with castles on cliffs and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. You'll have free time in Koblenz before dinner and entertainment tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Hike through vineyards with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Tour of Mechanical Music Museum with Rüdesheimer coffee tasting
- Choice of: Guided Visit to Johannisberg Castle with wine tasting
- Rhine Gorge sailing with castle and Rock of the Lorelei views
- Live entertainment on board
Optional Activities
- Free time in Koblenz
Landmarks Johannisberg Castle Rhine Gorge Rock of the Lorelei - Day 8
Koblenz to Amsterdam
Several activities await in Cologne. Bike through the city like locals do, take a guided walking tour of Jewish heritage sites, or join a guided city walk to see the soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Spend free time enjoying Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years. The ship cruises to Amsterdam this afternoon and evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Bike ride in Cologne with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's Jewish heritage sites
- Choice of: Guided City Walk of Cologne with Gothic cathedral
Optional Activities
- Free time to enjoy Kölsch pale lager locally brewed beer
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 9
Amsterdam
Start with an early morning walk with your Adventure Host exploring off-the-beaten-path cobblestone streets, or choose a guided canal cruise past Golden Age homes. During tulip season you can visit Keukenhof gardens with millions of tulips. Outside that season, check out historic windmills at Zaanse Schans or take a countryside biking tour. You'll have free time to explore colorful streets, canal houses, and shops.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Early morning walk in Amsterdam with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through cobblestone streets
- Choice of: Guided Canal Cruise past Golden Age homes
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens during tulip season with seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths
- Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and Dutch houses outside of tulip season
- Optional Biking Tour through countryside
- Free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops
Landmarks Keukenhof Zaanse Schans - Day 10
Amsterdam to Vernon
You'll board a high-speed train heading to Paris this morning. Once there you board your Avalon Suite Ship and settle in for dinner onboard. After that the ship cruises to Vernon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11
Vernon to Les Andelys to Caudebec
Visit the Adventure Center to pick today's activities. Options include exploring Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles on foot, a guided tour of Giverny where Claude Monet lived with his residence and gardens, or visiting Bizy Castle. While sailing you'll have a traditional French crêpes lunch followed by a pastry demonstration. This afternoon the ship moves to Les Andelys where you can hike to Château Gaillard ruins or walk through town. By evening you'll cruise to Caudebec.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional French crêpes luncheon), Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Walking tour of Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Tour of Giverny with Monet's residence and flower and water gardens
- Choice of: Guided Visit to Bizy Castle (Normandy's Versailles)
- Traditional French crêpes luncheon onboard
- Pastry Demonstration
- Choice of: Guided Hike to Château Gaillard castle ruins
- Choice of: Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys
Landmarks Chateau des Tourelles Giverny Bizy Castle Château Gaillard - Day 12
Caudebec
You can either bike along the river with your Adventure Host or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route. That route follows over 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustinian abbeys and churches built along the Seine. Later you have the option to visit Honfleur, an old seaside town. This evening there's an onboard lecture about D-Day and Normandy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Relaxing bike ride along the river with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Trip along Normandy Abbeys Route with over 100 medieval abbeys and churches
- Onboard Lecture about D-Day and Normandy landing
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to old seaside town of Honfleur
Landmarks Normandy Abbeys Honfleur - Day 13
Caudebec to Rouen
Choose between a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches focusing on U.S. sites like Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, a tour of British and Canadian sites including Juno Beach Center, or a tour exploring authentic Normandy traditions with brandy tasting in Calvados. Later you'll enjoy live entertainment on board. The ship sails to Rouen this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Guided Tour of Normandy WWII landing beaches with U.S. sites, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc monument, and American Cemetery
- Choice of: Guided Tour of British and Canadian commemorative sites with British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, Arromanches, Juno Beach Center, and Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
- Choice of: Guided Tour of Normandy traditions with brandy tasting in Calvados
- Live entertainment on board
Landmarks Omaha Beach Pointe du Hoc American Cemetery Juno Beach Center Arromanches - Day 14
Rouen to Conflans
Take a guided bike tour exploring Rouen's famous monuments and hidden gems, or choose a guided walking tour visiting the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom, the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. By evening the ship sails to Conflans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Guided Bike Tour of Rouen's monuments and hidden gems
- Choice of: Guided Walking Tour of Rouen including Saint Joan of Arc site, medieval quarter with 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral
Landmarks Rouen Notre-Dame Cathedral - Day 15
Conflans to Paris
Options include a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise where Vincent van Gogh lived and was buried, or a tour of Château de Malmaison, the opulent home of Napoleon and Josephine. You can also optionally visit the Palace of Versailles. This evening you'll have live entertainment as the ship cruises to Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Relaxing bike ride along the Seine with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise (home of Vincent van Gogh)
- Choice of: Guided tour of Château de Malmaison
- Live entertainment on board
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Palace of Versailles
Landmarks Auvers-sur-Oise Château de Malmaison Palace of Versailles - Day 16
Paris
Experience Paris by foot with your Adventure Host, or join a guided walk through ancient Paris including the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, Île de la Cité, Left Bank and Latin Quarter. Another option is a guided city tour showing the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and Champs-Élysées. Stroll at your own pace or relax over wine at a literary café.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Seine experience by foot with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided Walk featuring Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, Île de la Cité sites, Left Bank, and Latin Quarter
- Choice of: Guided City Tour showcasing Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and Champs-Élysées
Optional Activities
- Free time to stroll Paris independently or enjoy wine in a Left Bank literary café
Landmarks Palais-Royal Louvre Museum Arc de Triomphe Eiffel Tower Opéra Garnier Champs-Élysées - Day 17
Paris to Bordeaux
You'll travel to Bordeaux this morning and board your Suite Ship to start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 18
Bordeaux to Pauillac
An onboard wine presentation features Bordeaux wines. You can choose between a guided tour of Château de la Brède with its impressive moat, or visit a local wine estate for wine tasting focusing on Sauternes. This evening there's live entertainment on your Suite Ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Onboard presentation on Bordeaux wines by world-class sommelier
- Choice of: Guided tour of Château de la Brède (birthplace of Montesquieu)
- Choice of: Guided visit with wine tasting at local wine estate (Sauternes)
Optional Activities
- Live entertainment on board
Landmarks Château de la Brède - Day 19
Pauillac to Blaye
This morning you'll have leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc. Visit the Adventure Center to choose your activities. Options include an E-bike tour through Bordeaux's wine region vineyards, a guided tour of Margaux château with wine tasting, or a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country with tasting featuring Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The ship sails to Blaye this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: E-bike guided tour through vineyards in Bordeaux wine region
- Choice of: Guided tour of Margaux château with wine tasting
- Choice of: Scenic drive through Médoc wine country with wine tasting
Landmarks Médoc wine region Margaux - Day 20
Blaye to Bourg
Pick between a power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, a guided tour including a local art gallery with wine tasting, or a panoramic drive along the Route de la Corniche with a guided visit to the Citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage site). This afternoon the ship moves to Bourg on the Dordogne River. You'll walk through the Citadel of Bourg and visit the carriage museum. There's an optional guided excursion to see how Cognac is made with Rémy Martin tasting. Later comes live entertainment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Power walk through Citadel of Blaye with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided tour of Blaye with local art gallery and wine tasting
- Choice of: Panoramic drive along Route de la Corniche with Citadel of Blaye guided visit
- Walking tour in Citadel of Bourg
- Visit to carriage museum
- Live entertainment on board
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Cognac production with Rémy Martin tasting
Landmarks Citadel of Blaye Route de la Corniche Citadel of Bourg - Day 21
Bourg to Libourne
Choose between a guided visit to Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux's main wine-growing towns with wine tasting, a guided tour of this medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage site, or an orientation walking tour of Libourne's 12th-century fortified town. This evening there's an onboard lecture about WWII from a history expert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Guided visit to Saint-Émilion with wine tasting
- Choice of: Guided tour of medieval village of Saint-Émilion
- Choice of: Orientation walking tour of Libourne
- Onboard WWII lecture by history expert
Landmarks Saint-Émilion - Day 22
Libourne to Bordeaux
While sailing to Bordeaux there's a pastry demonstration. You can bike along Bordeaux's river views at Les Quais with your Adventure Host, or take a guided walking tour through the heart of Bordeaux discovering its squares, avenues, and cathedral sights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Pastry demonstration onboard
- Choice of: Bike ride along Bordeaux Les Quais with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided walking tour of Bordeaux's heart with squares, avenues, and cathedrals
- Day 23
Bordeaux
Bike along Bordeaux's river views at Les Quais with your Adventure Host, tour La Cité du Vin (Bordeaux's iconic wine museum and cultural center), or take a full-day guided tour to Arcachon on the Atlantic coast with its 19th-century architecture and local oyster and wine tasting. You can optionally visit Les Bassins des Lumières for an immersive art and music experience in a submarine base.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of: Bike ride along Bordeaux Les Quais with Adventure Host
- Choice of: Guided tour of La Cité du Vin (Bordeaux's wine museum and cultural center)
- Choice of: Full-day guided tour of Arcachon seaside resort with architecture, oyster and wine tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières submarine base art and music experience
Landmarks La Cité du Vin Arcachon Les Bassins des Lumières - Day 24
Bordeaux
Your vacation ends this morning after breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
