11 nights · Netherlands North Holland · River cruise · Departs Amsterdam (Netherlands) · Visiting Nijmegen, Arnhem, Cologne, Rudesheim am Rhein, Frankfurt am Main, Heidelberg, Kehl-Strasbourg, Breisach am Rhein, Basel · Aboard Avalon Waterways on the Avalon Tranquility II
Image courtesy of Avalon Waterways ©
This river cruise sails the Rhine, Main and Neckar, departing Amsterdam.
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways |
|---|---|
| Ship | Avalon Tranquility II |
| Duration | 11 nights |
| Port calls | 10 |
| Departures | 3 sailings |
| From fare | $6,572 per person |
| Year built | 2015 |
| Guests | 130 |
| Cabins | 65 |
| Crew | 37 |
| Length | 110 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 12.0 kn |
Amsterdam pairs world-class museums with the everyday pleasure of canal-side life. Its Golden Age houses, narrow waterways and lively markets make the city rewarding well beyond its famous sights. Visit the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters, then explore the canal belt on foot or by boat. Leave time for a neighbourhood café: in Amsterdam, the best discoveries often come between the landmarks.
Nijmegen is often called the Netherlands’ oldest city, with roots in a Roman settlement on the Waal. The river gives the historic centre an open feel, while cafés and independent shops keep it lively. Visit Valkhof Park for Roman remains and river views; nearby, the medieval Stevenskerk anchors the old town. Nijmegen’s bridges figured in Operation Market Garden in 1944, a defining episode of the Second World War. Come ashore to discover a compact city shaped by history and river.
Arnhem stands beside the Nederrijn, where river views meet a city shaped by trade and wartime history. The 1944 Battle of Arnhem became a pivotal episode of Operation Market Garden. At Airborne Museum Hartenstein in nearby Oosterbeek, exhibits tell the story of the battle. The Netherlands Open Air Museum brings Dutch history to life through historic buildings and demonstrations. Nearby, Kröller-Müller Museum pairs major Van Gogh holdings with a celebrated sculpture garden in Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.
Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.
Frankfurt am Main pairs a striking skyline with the River Main and a compact historic centre. Begin at Römerberg, where half-timbered façades frame the city’s medieval square. Then cross the river to the Städel Museum, one of Germany’s leading art museums. The city rewards a longer stay. Explore the Museumsufer and sample Apfelwein in Sachsenhausen. Here, Europe’s financial capital balances modern ambition with old-world character.
Few German cities make history feel as immediate as Heidelberg. Set beside the Neckar, its old town gathers around the market square and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Cross the Old Bridge for views of the red sandstone castle, rising above the rooftops. Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University gives the city an enduring scholarly spirit. Walk the Philosopher’s Way for a wider view, then linger over the cafés and lanes below.
Strasbourg rewards visitors with a rare blend of French elegance and German character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, threaded with canals and half-timbered houses. At its heart, Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the old streets, its pink sandstone façade a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Take time for a table of Alsatian cooking, where French technique meets hearty regional tradition. Then follow the riverfront lanes and discover a city shaped by centuries on Europe’s border.
Breisach rewards a short walk uphill: its old town gathers around St. Stephen’s Minster, above the Rhine. Inside, the minster’s carved altar and medieval murals offer a close encounter with Upper Rhine art. Across the river lies Alsace; inland, the Kaiserstuhl’s volcanic slopes are known for vineyards and distinctive wines. Allow time for the compact center and its river views; Breisach makes a rewarding pause between Freiburg and Colmar.
Basel sits where Switzerland meets France and Germany, with the Rhine running through its centre. A short walk from the river leads to the red-sandstone Rathaus and Münster, whose terraces open across the rooftops. The city rewards unhurried exploring, from medieval lanes in the Old Town to galleries and renowned art collections. Cross the river by ferry, or use Basel’s efficient trams to reach museums, cafés and the lively Marktplatz.
Published September 5, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
