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The Best Of Austria And Switzerland With Romantic Rhine

With romantic rhine extension
ViennaAmsterdam
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
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Earn from 13,048 Qantas Points pp~

Was $13,698 pp*
FROM
AUD
$11,557.32 pp*
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This amazing European holiday offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!

See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace—former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel first class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. 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. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic architecture, and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this fabulous land and river cruise adventure!

Map

Leisurely On the go

Countries
Meals
17breakfasts;
6lunches;
12dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
XZC5
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 02 July 2025 departure
CAT D
~Each person on the booking will earn 1 point per $1 spent on their portion of the booking.
Highlights
Day 1

WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 2

VIENNA

City of Dreams VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schonbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon. TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna's spectacular Schonbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 3

VIENNA-KREMS-MONDSEE-SALZBURG

The Blue Danube KREMS Take a delightful Danube River cruise. MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church. SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. (B) 193 mi / 310 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and watch the world go by during a leisurely cruise along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Wunderbar!

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 4

SALZBURG

The Birthplace of Mozart SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg's scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 5

SALZBURG-INNSBRUCK-ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

Heavenly Hills of Switzerland INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. (B,D) 236 mi / 380 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow-capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland's most stunning valleys.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 6

ST. MORITZ-CHUR-TASCH-ZERMATT

All Aboard in the Alps CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with dinner served on board. (B,D) 149 mi / 240 km LOCAL FAVOURITE EPIC RIDE Don't let the name fool you. While its speed won't take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. travelling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you'll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 7

ZERMATT

Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 8

ZERMATT-BERNE

Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Tasch. CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. (B) 155 mi / 250 km LOCAL FAVOURITE CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle's secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure!

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 9

BERNE-INTERLAKEN-LUCERNE

Coming up Roses in Berne BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. (B) 75 mi / 120 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the "City of Fountains" Berne - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 10

LUCERNE

Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVOURITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstattersee, the "lake of the four forested Cantons." This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 11

LUCERNE-BASEL (EMBARKATION)

Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 12

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, 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: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 13

KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city centre. EVENING CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 14

MAINZ-EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, 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," OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 15

RUDESHEIM-RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee. 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. KOBLENZ Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 16

COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne-with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 17

AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND

Canals of Colourful Amsterdam ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age." During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D) * Due to the "SAIL Amsterdam" from 19 to 25 August, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 18

AMSTERDAM* (DISEMBARKATION)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) *Due to increased harbour traffic expected for the 2025 "SAIL Amsterdam" event, departure 806 will disembark in Rotterdam.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (6)

Tour directors

With Avalon, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Dalos, Tunde

Many people have ancestors from Central Europe. Maybe you do as well! Come discover this unique part of the world. I love showing travelers the spirit of these countries through history, culture, and lifestyle. Born in Hungary, I know this region well, and am sure you'll enjoy each moment. You'll return home with the greatest memories and a little piece of my heart! Don't call it a dream, call it a plan!

This amazing European holiday offers the best of both worlds: a land tour of Austria and Switzerland—two of Europe's most scenic countries—and a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River with stops in France, Germany, and Holland!

See the true definitions of palaces and castles while visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace—former home to the long-reigning Habsburg dynasty. In Switzerland, enjoy a visit to romantic Chillon Castle, a well-preserved, medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Pass through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express train. Travel first class with panoramic windows to admire the thundering waterfalls, impressive peaks, glacial ice fields, and tiny villages on your way to Zermatt, Switzerland. Other scenic highlights include a Danube cruise along the prettiest part of the river on your way to Salzburg; a private boat cruise on the fjord-lake in Lucerne; a scenic drive into the Swiss Engadine, considered the most beautiful mountain area in the world; and more. Some sightseeing highlights include the Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee (of The Sound of Music fame), a walk through the Old Town in Innsbruck, and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship in Basel, Switzerland, to begin your Rhine River cruise! Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, and an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and visit the captivating Gutenberg Museum. 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. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, and explore Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, with its world-famous museums, wealth of eateries, iconic architecture, and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this fabulous land and river cruise adventure!

Map

Leisurely On the go

Countries
Meals
17breakfasts;
6lunches;
12dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
XZC5
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 02 July 2025 departure
CAT D
~Each person on the booking will earn 1 point per $1 spent on their portion of the booking.

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Highlights