Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise holiday along the Rhône and Rhine Rivers. Begin with two overnights on the French Riviera, and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Take photos of the spectacular views that capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your river cruise in France, Germany and Holland with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Your French river cruise holiday begins in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world—and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards, where you’ll take a guided walk in this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In Lyon, take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines.

Transfer from Chalon-sur-Saône to embark on your Rhine River cruise from Basel, Switzerland. In Breisach, enjoy an excursion to Germany’s Black Forest or take an excursion to the charming village of Colmar, followed by a visit to a chateau wine cellar. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle or stop in Speyer for a guided walk and a visit to the Wine Museum. Sail to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, with a visit to the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to Eberbach monastery and its wine cellar. 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. Your last stop in Germany is Cologne, where a guided walk shows you the highlights of this 2,000-year-old city. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to conclude this sensational European river cruise. And the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age."

About Masters of Wine
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from a master! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a Master of Wine (MW) who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. With only 450 Masters of Wine in the world, Avalon Waterways is honoured to welcome a Master of Wine on board our Wine-Lovers cruises to share their rigorous training and prestigious expertise recognized globally across the wine industry. A truly exclusive experience for wine lovers!