11 nights · Italy · River cruise · Departs Como (Italy) · Visiting Basel, Breisach am Rhein, Kehl-Strasbourg, Mainz, Heidelberg, Rudesheim am Rhein, Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam · Aboard Avalon Waterways on the Avalon Vista
Image courtesy of Avalon Waterways ©
This river cruise sails the Lake Como and Rhine, departing Como.
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways |
|---|---|
| Ship | Avalon Vista |
| Duration | 11 nights |
| Port calls | 11 |
| Departures | 12 sailings |
| From fare | $6,429 per person |
| Year built | 2012 |
| Guests | 166 |
| Cabins | 84 |
| Crew | 47 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 12.0 kn |
Como is the southern gateway to Lake Como, where grand villas and Alpine slopes frame the water. From Piazza Cavour, ferries reach villages such as Bellagio and Tremezzo, while the lakeside promenade invites an unhurried start. The old town’s cathedral blends Gothic and Renaissance detail. Nearby, the funicular climbs to Brunate for expansive lake views. Come for the water, then step ashore to discover a compact city with a distinct identity of its own.
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.
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.
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.
Mainz is best explored on foot, where Roman foundations meet the Rhine. Begin at the cathedral, whose red sandstone towers have watched over the old town for more than a millennium. Nearby, the Gutenberg Museum celebrates the Mainz-born inventor whose printing press transformed Europe. Browse market stalls, pause in a wine tavern, or follow lanes lined with timbered houses and shops. With history close at hand and Riesling on the menu, Mainz makes a rewarding day ashore.
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.
Mainz is best explored on foot, where Roman foundations meet the Rhine. Begin at the cathedral, whose red sandstone towers have watched over the old town for more than a millennium. Nearby, the Gutenberg Museum celebrates the Mainz-born inventor whose printing press transformed Europe. Browse market stalls, pause in a wine tavern, or follow lanes lined with timbered houses and shops. With history close at hand and Riesling on the menu, Mainz makes a rewarding day ashore.
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.
Between Bingen and Koblenz, the Rhine cuts through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the deck, steep vineyard slopes, medieval castles and slate-roofed villages unfold around each bend. Watch for the Lorelei rock, tied to Rhine legend, and Marksburg, one of the region’s best-preserved castles. Roman routes, trading towns and wine still shape this river landscape.
Koblenz stands where the Rhine and Moselle meet, beneath the watchful gaze of the Deutsches Eck. From here, river valleys, vineyard slopes and hilltop castles make an easy day’s exploration. Ride the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, whose ramparts command sweeping views. The compact old town is readily explored on foot, with cafés and riverside promenades within easy reach.
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.
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.
Published August 22, 2026
Last updated October 28, 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.
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