Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Jazz Lovers (Northbound)

ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

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ARLES A Brush with Genius

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.

Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.

This evening enjoy live entertainment with a Jazz Band.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

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AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.

Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

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VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.

ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE

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TOURNON A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:

CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.

DISCOVERY During your sailing to Vienne enjoy jazz entertainment onboard.

VIENNE

Jazz Festival

CLASSIC Join a guided walk through this charming French hill town, including the cathedral, Archaeological Gardens of Cybèle, and Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia.

This evening after dinner, enjoy free time to attend the well-known Vienne Jazz Festival. Bars and pubs in Vienne all feature music during this festival time.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNE

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LYON La Vie En Rose in Lyon

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.

Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

This evening, enjoy the strains of Gypsy Jazz, a style of jazz often said to have been started by guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt in the 1930s. Because its origins are largely in France, it is often called by the French name “Jazz Manouche.”

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS

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TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

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CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Drive to Beaune and transfer to Basel

CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine River cruise.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

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BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST The Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center 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 Vogtsbauernhof 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 center, 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

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KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose 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 center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ

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MAINZ, GERMANY. 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 including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

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RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, 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 Rüdesheimer 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

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COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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 Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

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AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

DISCOVERY Explore the 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.”

With a free day to explore before your cruise ends, take time to enjoy this charming city on your own or 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

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AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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The ship’s main venue is the Dining Room situated on the Sapphire deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening. 

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On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of our Sky Grill.

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The Panorama Lounge & Bistro, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for a stunning view, offers a casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a variety of regional and tapas-style dishes, hand-paired with local wines.

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Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

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FOR THE MOVER.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing by kayak, on two wheels, or on your own two feet, you’ll relish the energy of Avalon’s Active excursion collection. Biking, hiking, and boating tours pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same.

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FOR THE DOER.

An awakening for the senses, Avalon’s Discovery excursions present heartwarming, brain-tingling, hands-on adventure. Pull up a chair to hear a Viennese waltz, roll up your sleeves to paint like Van Gogh, or grab an apron to whip up a local delicacy.

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FOR THE DREAMER.

Nothing beats the classics! Avalon’s Classic excursions put you in the story with timeless tales on guided tours in iconic cities, capitals, and castles. Skip the lines while your heart skips a beat in the rooms where history happened. 

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Adventure Center with gear and guidance to explore your way. Avalon Adventure Host℠ to direct or accompany you on active pursuits. Also included? Freedom. The freedom to enjoy river cruising your way. You’re not like everyone else.

• Bikes
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Fitbits®
• Walking Sticks
• Binoculars
• Daypacks
• Yoga Mats
• Fitness bands

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The Panorama Lounge can be found on the Royal Deck.

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The Reception can be found on the Royal Deck.

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Enjoy a quiet moment in the Club Lounge whilst enjoying a cappuccino.

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Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon SuiteShip features a state-of-the-art fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation.

Yoga on board

Before you set out to discover the lives of kings, queens and conquerors, you can easily find your inner warrior, cobra or happy baby. Avalon Adventure Hosts kick-start each day with a combination of yoga poses, Pilates exercises and gentle stretches in the fresh morning air on the Sky Deck or with panoramic views in the Panorama Lounge. Downward dogs welcome.

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Visit the Hair Salon to pamper yourself with a new style by a professional hairdresser. Other treatments are available.

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Relax after a long day and play a game with your fellow guests at the Game area towards the rear of the deck.

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Room Features

• Comfort Collection Beds

• Luxurious mattress toppers
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Soft & firm pillows
• Extra blankets
• Choice of bed configuration
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Hairdryer
• L'Occitane bath products
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Alarm clock
• Direct-dial telephone
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Two windows
• Full shower with glass door
• Writing desk and chair
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• USB Ports

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Room Features

• Comfort Collection Beds

• Luxurious mattress toppers
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Soft & firm pillows
• Extra blankets
• Choice of bed configuration
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Hairdryer
• L'Occitane bath products
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Alarm clock
• Make-up mirror
• Direct-dial telephone
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
• 6-person sitting area
• Full shower with glass door
• Writing desk and chair
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Sofa
• Coffee table
• Double sinks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• USB Ports
• One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins

-

Room Features

• Comfort Collection Beds

• Luxurious mattress toppers
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Soft & firm pillows
• Extra blankets
• Choice of bed configuration
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Hairdryer
• L'Occitane bath products
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Alarm clock
• Make-up mirror
• Direct-dial telephone
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
• 6-person sitting area
• Full shower with glass door
• Writing desk and chair
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Sofa
• Coffee table
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• USB Ports