Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise holiday along the Rhône, Saône, and Rhine Rivers. Begin with two overnights in captivating Nice on the French Riviera, and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your river cruise in France with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. Embark in Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and the site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. 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. Take a guided walk in Tournon, a medieval treasure beautifully nestled among vineyards. In Lyon, take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines.
Disembark and travel to Beaune, and visit the Hôtel Dieu charity hospital before proceeding to Basel, Switzerland, to board your second Suite Ship on the Rhine River. Your first stop is Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to end this sensational European river cruise. 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 recognised globally across the wine industry. A truly exclusive experience for wine lovers!
