Rhine & Rhone Revealed for Wine Lovers (Southbound)

Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your European river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.Spectacular views begin in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Sail to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral—for a fascinating guided walk. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Speyer for a guided walk and visit to the Wine Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. You’ll find that Strasbourg, France—located on the French-German border— perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Inn Breisach, enjoy an excursion to Black Forest or take an excursion to the charming village of Colmar, followed by a visit to a chateau wine cellar.

Cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Continue to Lyon— a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture— to explore a maze of medieval alleyways in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour of the famous wine region of Beaujolais. Continue to the city of Tournon beautifully nestled among vineyards. Here, enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. This remarkable river cruise will take you to Arles, the capital of the Provence region and famous for its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. Your European river cruise on three beautiful rivers—the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers—will carry on in your favorite travel memories for a long time to come.

About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!