Romantic Rhine River cruise with impressive excursions
- Cruise
- 7 nights
- £ 3,698.00 ]
- based on 2 travellers
From castles to canals: embark on an epic Rhine fly-cruise, stopping in Amsterdam, Germany and more - includes full-board plus, transfers & excursions
Day 1: UK - Amsterdam, Netherlands
After touching down in Amsterdam, prepare to board your inviting cruise ship, which will be your new home on this enchanting Rhine River voyage. Your afternoon is free to explore Amsterdam at your leisure. Perhaps you'll opt to visit Zaanse Schans to see the historic windmills and Dutch houses. Later, settle into your cosy stateroom and enjoy a relaxing evening in port, ready for your first full day tomorrow.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Cologne, Germany
With a full day ahead to enjoy Amsterdam, you can choose one of two classic morning excursions: a guided walking tour through the city's cobblestone streets, or a canal cruise past the stately homes of the "Golden Age." The afternoon is free to explore Amsterdam’s colourful galleries, canal houses and shops at your leisure, or you may choose to join an optional excursion. In the late afternoon, your ship sets sail for a scenic overnight cruise to Cologne.
Day 3: Cologne - Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
Wake up in Cologne, Germany - Prost! Celebrate the Rhineland by choosing one of three exciting excursions: ride like a local on an active bike ride, discover the city’s Jewish heritage sites on a fascinating walking tour, or enjoy a guided city walk past the soaring Gothic cathedral. Spend your free time enjoying the local culture, perhaps with a glass of Kölsch pale lager. Later, local musicians will join you on board for live entertainment before the ship begins its overnight cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 4: Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
The morning begins with a scenic cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring ancient castles and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where the siren's songs once lured lost sailors. Upon arrival in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, choose your afternoon activity: a scenic hike through the vineyards, a classic guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum with coffee tasting, or a visit to Johannisberg Castle’s 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Enjoy live entertainment on board and settle in for the night.
Day 5: Rüdesheim am Rhein - Heidelberg/ Mainz - Kehl, Germany
Today features a memorable excursion to your chosen city. If you opt for Heidelberg, you can choose between two exceptional experiences: walk along the Philosophers' Way for spectacular panoramic views, or enjoy a tour of the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, where you can admire the towering ruins and the famed "World's Largest Wine Barrel." Alternatively, you can choose to travel to Mainz, where you will take a guided walk and visit the fascinating Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the history of printing. Finish the day as usual with a delicious onboard dinner as the ship navigates towards Kehl, where you will dock for the night.
Day 6: Kehl - Strasbourg, France - Breisach, Germany
Next up is Strasbourg: the jewel of France’s historic Alsace region. Choose from a variety of options today: join an invigorating bike tour, or take a classic sightseeing tour to admire the Gothic cathedral, its astronomical clock, and the magical La Petite France district. In the afternoon, optional excursions to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace’s wine country can be organised. Alternatively, use your free time to stroll the city centre or visit a museum before your comfortable ship makes its overnight journey to Breisach.
Day 7: Breisach - Basel, Switzerland
Today, enjoy a memorable excursion into the German winemaking region and the beautiful Black Forest. You have two main choices for exploration: a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, where you'll experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, an authentic water mill, and a traditional butter-making demonstration; or, a classic guided tour of Freiburg’s medieval city centre, nestled amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. Should you wish, an optional excursion to the charming village of Colmar, known for its half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings, is also available.
Day 8: Basel - UK
Your memorable Rhine River cruise concludes with a final delicious breakfast on board. You'll then head to Basel Airport for your return flight home.
Questions about your next amazing getaway? Contact the travel specialists at Blue Bay Travel for expert guidance via 01782 654 822 or sales@bluebaytravel.co.uk.
Included
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Seven nights in a Deluxe stateroom or Panorama suite aboard the Avalon Vista or Avalon Envision
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Full-board plus basis
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All dining experiences including four-course dinners, room service, afternoon tea, and snacks
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Wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner
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Complimentary happy hour every night (except the first) with wine, beer and specialty cocktails
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24-hour Club Lounge access with complimentary specialty teas and coffees
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Evening entertainment including trivia, dance parties and themed events
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Choice of immersive small-group explorations at each destination
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Included bike and e-bike hire
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Complimentary wellness and fitness classes
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Flights included from your selected airport to Amsterdam, Netherlands, returning from Basel, Switzerland
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Return shared transfers from airport to ship
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One piece of hand and hold luggage allowed per person
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This holiday is supplied by Blue Bay Travel and is ATOL protected (ATOL 6053)
Trip details
Day 1 - 7: Avalon Vista or Avalon Envision
Your Rhine River journey unfolds aboard an exquisite Suite Ship, either the elegant Avalon Vista or her stylish sister ship, the Avalon Envision. These floating hotels offer a true river retreat with a variety of beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, including signature Panorama Suites featu…
Read moreTravel details
Flights are included from your selected airport to Amsterdam, Netherlands, returning from Basel, Switzerland.
Please note that baggage weight and size restrictions may vary between airlines, please check airline terms and conditions.
From London Gatwick to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with EasyJet:
Outbound: departing at 06:10, arriving at 08:35 (direct)
Inbound: departing at 10:20, arriving at 10:55 (direct)
From Birmingham Airport to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Outbound: departing at 6:15, arriving at 8:35 (direct)
Inbound: departing at 14:20, arriving at 21:25 (one stop)
From Edinburgh to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Outbound: departing at 5:45, arriving at 8:15 (direct)
Inbound: departing at 10:15, arriving at 16:25 (one stop)
From Dublin to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with Air France:
Outbound: departing at 8:45, arriving at 14:50 (one stop)
Inbound: departing at 14:25, arriving at 22:40 (one stop)
From Manchester to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with Lufthansa:
Outbound: departing at 06:05, arriving at 14:00 (one stop)
Inbound: departing at 18:40, arriving at 22:30 (one stop)
From Bristol to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Outbound: departing at 6:00, arriving at 8:20 (direct)
Inbound: departing at 10:15, arriving at 17:00 (one stop)
From Newcastle to Amsterdam, returning from Basel with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Outbound: departing at 6:00, arriving at 8:20 (direct)
Inbound: departing at 14:20, arriving at 23:05 (one stop)
Questions about your next amazing getaway? Contact the travel specialists at Blue Bay Travel for expert guidance via 01782 654 822 or sales@bluebaytravel.co.uk.
Excluded
- Optional excursions (to be booked separately with the supplier, after booking with Secret Escapes.)
Additional Information
| Conditions | Your booking is a direct contract between you and our trusted partner for the provision of your booking. Our trusted partner is liable for the proper execution of the agreement. Section 2 (individual travel services) of The Secret Escapes Terms and Conditions (B) and The terms and conditions of our trusted partner apply to this booking. |
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| Passport, visa and health requirements | The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. For some countries (e.g. Singapore, Thailand), you may be required to complete a Digital Arrival Card or other immigration procedures prior to or upon arrival. We recommend that you complete any required digital forms as early as possible to save time upon arrival. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals. |
| Estimated flight times | If your deal includes flights, the flight times shown are estimated and therefore subject to change. Please note that your preferred departure time cannot be guaranteed in every case. |
| Cancellation and amendments | To make changes to your planned itinerary, to upgrade, or if you have any questions about your booking, please contact the supplier directly on 01782654822 or customerservicesupport@bluebaytravel.co.uk. To find out more about the policy for this offer, please visit the partner's website: https://bluebaytravel.co.uk/ |
| Flight confirmation disclaimer | Flight times and carriers will be confirmed by Blue Bay Travel after you have made your booking. Within 7 days of confirming your booking with us, you’ll receive an email from the supplier, Blue Bay Travel, with your final booking confirmation detailing the exact flight times confirmed for your specific reservation. The flight time will be within the time parameters and possible airlines detailed in this offer. |
| Pet policy | Pets are not allowed on this trip. |
| Optional services | To provide you with the best choice, we partner with a wide range of airlines. Please be aware that many carriers now charge extra for optional services like seat reservations and additional baggage. These airline-specific fees are not included in your holiday price unless stated. We recommend visiting your chosen airline's website directly to review their policies and understand any potential additional charges. |
| Travel documents | You will receive all documents relevant to your trip, 7 days prior to departure at the latest |
| Flight times | Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. Don't forget to check the actual flight times before departure on the website of the airline or the airport to avoid inconvenient surprises. |