Avalon Waterways - October 2026

Join me on a European river cruise in 2026!

German Grandeur | October 31, 2026 | Avalon Imagery II

9 Days from Basel to Nuremberg with an Optional 2 Days in Munich

Join me for an unforgettable 8-night river cruise on the Avalon Imagery II from Basel, Switzerland, to Nuremberg, Germany, with an optional two days in Munich, Germany! We will sail two rivers (the Rhine and the Main) and visit three countries (Switzerland, France, and Germany). The majority of our stops will be in Germany. If you’re a beer enthusiast, then you’re in luck, as our cruise will have a beer expert accompanying us.

Our picturesque Rhine River cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel. A knowledgeable beer expert will be on board to host lectures, beer tasting, and food-and-beer-pairings for an authentic German and French river cruise experience.

First, we’ll sail to Breisach, with a choice of a visit to Freiburg or an excursion to the Black Forest. Then, we’ll sail to the city of Strasbourg, France. Next stop is Rüdesheim, where we will sail through the spectacular Rhine River Gorge, with amazing views and countless castles on both sides of the river. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is next on our route, as we now will be sailing on the Main River. We will visit an authentic Main River village on our way to Würzburg. Afterwards, we will visit Bamberg, where you can take a guided tour or enjoy a hop garden tour while tasting also a local beer. Our final port is Nuremberg, where we’ll disembark. 

You can add an optional two nights in Munich after your cruise, which will include a guided tour of the famous King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle.

Our grand scenic cruise through Switzerland, France, and Germany brings the beauty and charm of its cities and villages to life. Your river cruise vacation will be a beautiful memory for years to come!

Itinerary Overview | Ship Amenities & Cruise Inclusions | Why cruise with Avalon? | Why cruise with me? | Pricing & Policies | What’s Not Included & Vacation Advisements |Ready to book or need more information?

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 (October 31) - Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation) - Welcome to Switzerland! Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach. (Included Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 (November 1) - Breisach, Germany (Charming Villages and the Beautiful Black Forest) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Active Excursion - Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

  • Discovery Excursion - 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.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a guided optional excursion (additional cost) to visit the charming village of Colmar, France, in the morning.

Later in the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 (November 2) - Strausbourg, France (A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Active Excursion - Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its 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 (additional cost) 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.

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 (November 3) - Boppard - Rüdesheim, Germany - Rhine River Gorge (Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Active Excursion - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

  • Classic Excursion- Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.

BOPPARD - A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge - Enjoy some free time to relax or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 (November 4) - Frankfurt, Germany (Charm in Frankfurt) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Active Excursion- Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:

  • Discovery Excursion - Venture beyond the traditional pilsner on this exciting guided brewery tour featuring an introduction to some of Frankfurt’s most delicious craft beers, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - Join a guided sightseeing tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.

In the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 (November 5) - Wertheim, Germany (Beauty on the Main River) - Included excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Wertheim, located right on the border with Bavaria. This evening enjoy an onboard food and beer pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 (November 6) - Würzburg, Germany (A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Active Excursion - Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - Take a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion (additional cost) to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 (November 7) - Bamberg, Germany (The City of Seven Hills) - Your choice of included excursions:

  • Discovery Excursion - While sailing, enjoy an onboard beer and cheese tasting hosted by your Beer Expert.

  • Active Excursion - Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

  • Discovery Excursion - Discover a very special family run hop garden where you will also taste a local beer, OR:

  • Classic Excursion - Take a guided walking tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).

(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 (November 8) - Nuremberg, Germany (Disembarkation) - Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast. (Included Meals: Breakfast)

OPTIONAL TWO DAYS IN MUNICH, GERMANY - You may add an additional two days to your itinerary with a two-night stay in Munich. If you choose this option, then upon disembarkation in Nuremberg, you will have a guided tour of the city with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle. Then, you will be transferred to Munich, where you can enjoy its nightlife and elegant cuisine.

Day 10 (November 9) - Munich, Germany - Take a full-day guided tour to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig. (Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11 (November 10) - Munich, Germany - Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast. (Included Meals: Breakfast)

Ship Amenities & Cruise Inclusions

On the Avalon Imagery II, you can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only open-air balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, the Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet. Learn more about the ship and take a virtual tour here.

The ship features the following amenities:

  • Elegant, contemporary design

  • Wall-to-wall panoramic windows

  • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area

  • Outside viewing deck

  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room

  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor

  • Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games

  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes/e-bikes, Nordic walking sticks, & maps

  • Fitness center

  • Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior

  • Elevator

  • English-speaking crew, staff & cruise director

  • Virtual DJ Music System playing hits from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today.

  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options

  • Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve, and further personalize your cruise

Suites and deluxe staterooms feature the following amenities:

  • Open–air balconies and wall-to-wall panoramic windows in all Panorama Suites

  • Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness

  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

  • Bathrobes & slippers

  • Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer

  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

  • Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV

  • Individual climate control and in-room safe

  • Full-size closet and mirror

  • Additional under-bed storage

Here is everything that is included with your cruise fare:

  • Starlink Wi-Fi access throughout the ship

  • Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way

  • Headsets to hear every word of excursion commentary from your local guide

  • Onshore & onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers

  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites

  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients

  • Daily buffet breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh options and daily a la carte specials

  • Room service for continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Daily lunch buffet with regional and classic dishes, Avalon Fresh® options, and chef specialties, including carving & pasta stations

  • Al fresco lunch on the Sky Deck (schedule and weather permitting) or light luncheon fare in the Panorama Lounge

  • Afternoon tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats

  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese

  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere

  • Wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal

  • FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options

  • Options at every meal to accommodate dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, plus dishes may be prepared upon request to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies

  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés

  • Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day

  • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Why cruise with Avalon?

When you cruise with Avalon, you’re cruising elevated. That’s because Avalon’s staff—from captain to crew to housekeeping to chefs—know the meaning of VIP when it comes to world-class service. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy personalized treatment delivered with a relaxed luxury that’s never stuffy.  

  • Home Suite Home: In addition to Deluxe Staterooms, the ship includes a generous selection of 200-square-foot Panorama Suites or 300-square-foot Royal Suite—both featuring the widest views in river cruising. Avalon's innovative suite designs elevate river cruising as the only river cruise ships with beds that actually face the view—not the wall. Avalon guests actually cruise with the world at their feet beyond sumptuous Comfort Collection beds and the panorama of river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony®. 

  • Cruise Your Way: Avalon cruises present an exciting menu of included Avalon Choice Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions that put cruisers in the pursuit of history, mystery, culture, and cuisine with an unparalleled variety in elevated ways. With Avalon, cruisers can be choosers with smaller group sizes for up-close and personal experiences.  

  • Avalon After Dark: Avalon has partnered with award-winning mixologist Martin Hudák to raise the bar—literally. From a selection of complimentary drinks during happy hour to next-level nightcaps, and themed nightly specials, you’re invited to sip your way through a lineup of premium and zero-proof cocktails for a night to remember. When the sun goes down, the Panorama Lounge heats up. We're talking live music, karaoke, trivia nights and impromptu dance parties that’ll have you swaying, singing and savoring the moment. Awaken your inner night owl and dust off your dancing shoes to celebrate in style.

  • Farm-to-Fork Fare: Pull up a chair or pull up the covers with your choice of dining experiences - from dinner in the dining room, to delicacies on the Sky Deck, to breakfast in bed. Avalon's Flex Dining gives you a choice of when and where you dine on board. Mix it up with a variety of menus and venues without the strict schedules that cut into your fun. Dine in style in your ship's spacious and elegant glass-walled Panorama Dining Room or mix it up with bite-sized delights in the cozy Panorama Bistro. Al fresco dining more your style? Grab a complimentary picnic basket for a tasty takeaway on shore, pull up a chair for an al fresco lunch on the observation deck, or savor sizzling selections atop the Sky Deck with specialties served hot off the Sky Grill. Need an afternoon nosh? Indulge in an elegant tea service each afternoon in the Panorama Bistro to satisfy your sweet tooth. Are you more of a health nut? From juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.

  • To Your Health: Saying hello to adventure doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your healthy habits and restorative rituals. From heart-healthy menu options and heart-pumping activities to mindful yoga moves and bikes to explore on shore, Avalon makes it easy to remain healthy.

Why cruise with me?

I’ve locked in excellent discounted rates for this cruise and can offer prepaid gratuities if you book two people in a stateroom. Of course, I’m here to assist and guide you with hassle-free vacation planning before your cruise. I can help with booking pre- and/or post-cruise hotels and experiences.

I also will be your onboard host while on the ship. No, we don’t have to do dinner every night or go on excursions together! I’ll just be on board as a resource ready to answer your questions and assist with your journey.

Rest assured, I know Avalon Waterways. I toured and dined on several of their ships while in Vienna, Austria, in March 2025, as an attendee of ASTA’s annual River Cruise Expo. (The expo is an annual gathering of travel advisors and all the major river cruise ship lines in Europe.) I have developed insider relationships at Avalon and can answer any questions you may have.

Pricing & Policies

I have secured special group pricing for this amazing itinerary! Pricing for the cruise portion of this itinerary starts at $4,399 per person for a Deluxe Stateroom, which is the lowest category on the ship. Please contact me to get specific pricing based on the number of people in your travel party, stateroom type, and pre-/post-cruise hotels and tours.

If you book two people in a stateroom, Avalon will include prepaid gratuities.

A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is due to book. Final payment of the balance is due by August 2, 2026.

Cancellation fees:**

  • At least 30 days prior to sailing: $250 deposit

  • Final Payment Date – 30 days: 50% of total price

  • 29 – 1 days: 80% of total price

  • Day of departure or later: 100% of total price

Modification policy: Modifications prior to the final payment date may be subject to a $30 revision fee. Any change to a participant’s name, trip date, or itinerary after the final payment date is treated as a full cancellation and new reservation. All cancellation fees apply in these instances.

**I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your vacation investment and provide emergency medical coverage while on your vacation. I can provide travel insurance options to you.

What Is Not Included & Vacation Advisements

Here is what is not included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Optional cruise shore excursions noted in the itinerary above

  • Alcoholic beverages (unless noted in the cruise inclusions above)

  • Gratuities (unless you book two people in a cabin - then, Avalon will include prepaid gratuities as part of my special group promotion)

  • Pre- & post-cruise transfers

  • Pre- & post-cruise hotel stays (unless you book the optional two-night post-cruise extension in Munich)

Please be aware of the following vacation advisements:

  • Children must be at least 8 years old to travel. There are no child or senior discounts available.

  • Confirmation of hotels will be available approximately 30 days prior to departure. In the event of additional departures on the same date, or other events that may result in the unavailability of hotels as listed in the tour descriptions, the accommodations substituted will be equivalent in standard.

  • In the event of water level problems or maintenance on the locks on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.

  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered by Avalon.

Ready to book or need more information?

I am here to answer all of your questions and to help you book this amazing itinerary! If these dates or itinerary do not work for you, contact me for other potential river cruise itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, other parts of Europe, or the rest of the world.

Want to learn even more about river cruising? When you contact me, I’ll send you a complimentary River Cruising 101 Guide.