Avalon waterways with G4 Vacations

The Romantic Rhine (Northbound) river cruise by Avalon Waterways offers an enchanting journey from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, over eight days. Departing on October 14, 2025, this itinerary includes:

Day 1: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Basel, Switzerland

• Embarkation: Arrive in Basel and board your Avalon ship. Basel, located at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany, boasts a charming medieval old town and vibrant cultural scene.

Day 2: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Breisach, Germany

• Excursions: Dock in Breisach, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest region. Participate in guided tours exploring the Black Forest's enchanting landscapes, renowned for their dense forests and traditional cuckoo clocks.

Day 3: Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Strasbourg, France

• City Tour: Visit Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region. Experience its unique blend of French and German influences, highlighted by the stunning Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the picturesque La Petite France district.

Day 4: Friday, October 17, 2025 – Mainz and Heidelberg, Germany

• Morning: Arrive in Mainz, known for its half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral. Explore the city's rich history and perhaps visit the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press.
• Afternoon: Travel to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university. Tour the impressive Heidelberg Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Neckar River.

Day 5: Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Rüdesheim and Rhine Gorge, Germany

• Morning: Stop in Rüdesheim, a quaint wine-making town. Consider a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments.
• Afternoon: Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge, famed for its steep vineyards and medieval castles perched atop cliffs.

Day 6: Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Koblenz and Cologne, Germany

• Morning: Explore Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Wander through its historic old town and see the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) monument.
• Afternoon: Sail to Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities. Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and stroll through the charming Old Town with its narrow alleys and traditional breweries.

Day 7: Monday, October 20, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

• City Exploration: Arrive in Amsterdam, known for its elaborate canal system and artistic heritage. Enjoy a guided canal cruise, passing by historic merchant houses and vibrant houseboats. Explore world-class museums or cycle through the city's scenic streets.

Day 8: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Disembarkation: Conclude your journey with breakfast on board before disembarking.

This itinerary offers a blend of cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and scenic vistas along the Rhine River. Please note that specific excursions and timings are subject to change; it's advisable to consult Avalon Waterways directly for the most current information.