One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting Rhine River cruise to explore Jewish culture and heritage, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland!

This magnificent European river cruise begins in Amsterdam, Holland. Take a canal cruise along the elegant grachten to the Jewish quarter, where you can visit the marvelous Portuguese Synagogue. You’ll also have the chance to join a guided tour to the Anne Frank house. Cruise to Cologne, Germany—with its famous twin-spired cathedral and the many shops, cafés, and taverns of Old Town, and take a Jewish history tour. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water on your way to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum and learn more about the city’s Jewish history. An excursion takes you to Heidelberg’s red-walled castle, or visit Worms with its incredible Jewish Heritage. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals, fascinating astronomical clock and the old streets of the Jewish quarter. Stroll through the quaint shops, delightful bistros, and waterfront promenade of the La Petite France district.

Stop in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s beautiful Black Forest—known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. You’ll sail to Basel, Switzerland, to disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and continue your European vacation tour with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a walking tour in Lucerne. With services provided by Monograms®, you’ll have a Local Host® to assist you during your 2-night stay in Lucerne. Your European river cruise on the romantic Rhine River, and Switzerland vacation package are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

City Highlights

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Anne Frank House; welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise, visit the Portoguese Synagogue; Anne Frank houseDay 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: guided sightseeing in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or visit WormsDay 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district, the gothic cathedral and Jewish quarterDay 7 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in ColmarDay 8 Basel (Disembarkation)–Mount Pilatus–Lucerne: excursion to Mount Pilatus; guided walking tour in LucerneDay 9 Lucerne: full day at leisureDay 10 Lucerne: your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.Christmas markets are open from the first weekend in December, depending on the location.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAZ2-T2-2019