Compare Rhine & Rhône Revealed with Aix-en-Provence & Nice - Southbound by Avalon Waterways vs Northern Capitals (2024, Classic Group) by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 19 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 6,690 | $ 5,250 |
| Price Per Day | $ 352 | $ 375 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | This mesmerizing journey sets off along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers before its conclusion along the stunning French Riviera. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam and guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg with its imposing castle. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. A motorcoach transfer takes you into France’s Burgundy region to fascinating Beaune for a Burgundy wine tasting or a visit of the Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your ship in quaint Chalon-sur-Saône and set sail for lovely Tournus, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, and Avignon. Before disembarking in Arles, sail into the peaceful Camargue area (daylight permitting), then arrive on the stunning Cote-d’Azur—the famed French Riviera—for your Monograms extension. We've arranged your transfer via high-speed train between Arles and Aix-en-Provence, hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the train stations, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the cities, so we've arranged the services of friendly and knowledgeable Local Hosts® to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. The next morning, after an included breakfast, we’ll pick you up for guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide. You’ll walk along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains and famous cafés, and you’ll visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior with its mishmash of architectural styles. This was Cézanne’s hometown, and in your free time, you may want to take a tour following in his footsteps. Perhaps take an excursion to Cassis with an included cruise, soak in Aix-en-Provence’s healing thermal baths, or shop for lavender and other local products. Finally, we’ll whisk you via high-speed TGV train to Nice. Here, guided sightseeing with a local expert includes a walk through the Old Town and the famed Promenade des Anglais boulevard. In your free time, you may want to take an excursion to Monaco, St. Tropez, or Cannes, known for its international film festival. Your Local Host can help you arrange activities and excursions, plus make suggestions for the best places to sample the local specialties. We go the extra mile to make sure you live your dream rather than dream your life! | Experience the city of Berlin from both sides of the now crumbling wall, as your Local Expert guides you through the history of this once divided city, and the stories behind Berlin icons like the Brandenburg Gate, the Tiergarten and the Reichstag. Across the North Sea in Denmark, explore the enchanting Tivoli Gardens and absorb the opulence contained within Christiansborg Palace—the historic seat of Danish power. Journeying onwards into Finland, the famed and fashionable Helsinki food market is home to an abundance of aromatic stalls, serving up local delicacies, like smoked reindeer and licorice. |
Day 1
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, and canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a vibrant atmosphere, and with over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. Perhaps you would like to take an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans with its traditional houses and Dutch craft workshops. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (D)NOTE:Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Day 2
Amsterdam. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” There’s free time in the city this afternoon. Later, bid tot ziens (farewell) to Holland and set sail for Germany. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Cologne, Germany. Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising before reaching Cologne in the afternoon. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B,L,D)
Day 4
Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Here, join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the city that reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river, with ancient castles standing sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town, visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT before returning to your ship for dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg. Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with “civilized” origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. Join your Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK through the Altstadt (Old Town) with its many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city’s annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and you’ll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. After lunch, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. With a LOCAL GUIDE, visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You’ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.” At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! (B,L,D)
Day 6
Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine country is available today. After dinner tonight, enjoy an onboard WOODCARVING demonstration. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents described them as black. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. You may opt for a visit to the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open-air Museum of Vogtsbauernhof to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)–Beaune, France–Chalon- sur-Saône (Embarkation)–Tournus. After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew of the Avalon Tranquility II, cross the border into France, and head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Although life here centers around wine, Beaune offers much more. You may choose to join the included GUIDED EXCURSION to the HÔTEL-DIEU charity hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy after the Hundred Years’ War left many of the town’s population destitute. Today it houses Van der Weyden’s painting of The Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights. Alternatively, enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saône, where you’ll board the Avalon Poetry II. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus. (B,D)
Day 9
Tournus. After breakfast, your LOCAL GUIDE shows you the highlights of this delightful town in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb abbey, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. There’s free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch, a choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, enjoy an onboard CHEESE TASTING. (B,L,D)
Day 10
Lyon. Enjoy some relaxing time on board before arriving in Lyon, France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, excellent museums, and renaissance architecture delight visitors. A LOCAL GUIDE joins you as you survey the city from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways and Place des Terreaux, a popular area with lively cafés, monuments, and the famous fountain often depicted on postcards. (B,L,D)
Day 11
Lyon. Enjoy a free day to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Perhaps wander through one of Lyon’s parks, discover some of the murals (there are over 100 of them), or select one of the available optional excursions. Be sure to taste the gastronomic delights and sample Beaujolais, the wine of the region; wine connoisseurs know the grapes must be hand picked. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 12
Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Arriving in Viviers in the late afternoon, an included GUIDED WALK shows you this charming town that developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
Day 13
Avignon. The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region—the most picturesque part of Provence with its intact ramparts encircling the entire city, cobblestone streets and squares, and private mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Your GUIDED TOUR includes a visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residency. A photo of the famous Pont Saint Bénezet (Saint Bénezet Bridge), of the popular song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, is a must. Optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available. (B,L,D)
Day 14
Arles. On arrival in Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue and the capital of the Provence region, your LOCAL GUIDE will show you highlights of the city and you’ll visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, it dates to the 1st century and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. This evening, sail toward the mouth of the Rhône for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting). (B,L,D)
Day 15
Arles (Disembarkation)–Aix-en-Provence. After breakfast, disembark your Avalon ship for your included transfer to Aix-en-Provence to join your Monograms vacation. (B)
Day 16
Aix-en-Provence. On your morning guided sightseeing, walk along 17th-century Cours Mirabeau boulevard, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. Admire the Mazarin Quarter, City Hall, the Jewish Quarter, and visit the CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY SAVIOUR, known for its interesting combination of architectural styles and The Burning Bush triptych art masterpiece by Nicolas Froment. Your Local Host can suggest some wonderful options for your afternoon at leisure in Cézanne’s hometown—like a visit to the artist’s studio; a French cooking lesson; where to sample Côte-de-Provence wine and boeuf-en-daube; and the best places to shop for faience pottery and colorful Provençal cloth. (B)
Day 17
Aix-en-Provence–Nice. Travel by HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN (first-class) to Nice. Your guided sightseeing features the PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS, originally built in the second half of the 18th century and the most famous boulevard in Nice. Walk through the OLD TOWN to admire fine examples of the Belle Époque. See Cours Saleya with the Kings of Sardinia Palace and flower market; and lovely Palace Square with Palais de Justice and PALAIS RUSCA. (B)
Day 18
Nice. Your Local Host has many recommendations for your full day at leisure on the beautiful Côte d’Azur, such as an excursion to picturesque Êze and Monaco, a round of golf in beautiful Cannes, a visit to the Marc Chagall Museum, or the best place to relax on the beach. (B)
Day 19
Nice. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Day 1: Welcome to Berlin
Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping center of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. In the evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for your Welcome Dinner with wine.
Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start
In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and Opera House. Stop a while on Museum Island before passing Brandenberg Gate, a symbol of the reunification. See Norman Foster’s glass dome which crowns the Reichstag building before embarking on a journey through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing at your hotel.
Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
Breakfast
Day 3: Across the Sea to Copenhagen
Depart Berlin and continue through northern Germany to Rostock for the sea crossing to Denmark. A peaceful journey through the Danish countryside brings you to the capital, Copenhagen. In the evening, delight in the enchanting atmosphere of the famous Tivoli Gardens.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast
Day 4: Wonderful Copenhagen
Explore Copenhagen with a Local Expert, taking in the sights of Denmark's capital, the Christiansborg Palace seat of the Danish Government, Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid gazing across the harbor. Stroll through the old town and admire the colored houses with pretty squares and Copenhagen's 18th century cathedral designed by Christian Frederik Hansen. This is where King Frederik X of Denmark married Queen Mary and known for its neoclassical architecture. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
Breakfast
Day 5: To Stockholm, City of Islands
Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet, during the short ferry crossing to Sweden. Your journey then continues through fertile farmlands, dotted with neat farmhouses and barns. Travel along the shores of peaceful Lake Vättern to Stockholm, beautifully situated on an island studded bay.
Clarion Hotel Amaranten
Breakfast
Day 6: Stockholm and a Baltic Cruise
With a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbor to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Finland. Enjoy dinner onboard and then take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
Serenade/Symphony—Tallink & Silja Line Ships.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Fashionable Helsinki Relaxed Start
Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki.
Breakfast
Day 8: Finnish Countryside
Venture into the lush Finnish countryside and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Bosgård Organic Farm. Learn about their sustainable practices and try some authentic produce from the farm. Later, visit the picturesque town of Porvoo, one of the most photographed places in Finland. Spend the evening at leisure back in Helsinki.
Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki.
Breakfast
Day 9: Surrender to the Magic of Tallinn
This morning cross the sea to Estonia. Choose between a stroll with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, a scene straight out of a fairy-tale and hear about Estonian arts and crafts. Or join your Local Expert to walk up Toompea Hill for panoramic views of the city and afterwards visit the market square with its old German weighing house, pharmacy and Town Hall. Enjoy free time this afternoon to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewelery.
Swissotel Tallinn.
Breakfast
Day 10: On to Riga Relaxed Start
Today you make your way to the Latvian capital of Riga. Explore Riga's Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls.
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Riga.
Breakfast
Day 11: Explore Vilnius
Cross into Lithuania and visit the Hill of Crosses before arriving in the capital city of Vilnius.Walk along the streets of bohemian Užupis, a Vilnius neighborhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 2002. A member of the government introduces you to its quirky history and artistic flair.Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Rejuvenated Warsaw
Pass lakeside Augustow during a scenic journey through Masuria, a region blessed with a plethora of lakes and forests. Your destination will be the Polish capital, faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War II.
The Westin Warsaw.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Exploring Warsaw Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert for an exploration of the city. Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, before walking to the Market Square in the Old Town. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a fine selection of local dishes, with wine.
The Westin Warsaw.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Depart Warsaw
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end.
Breakfast
