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Italian Vista with Romantic Rhine and 2 Nights in Lucerne

River/Barge Cruise

17 days from Rome to Amsterdam
Kick off your getaway with a guided tour through Italy’s iconic cities and hidden gems. Wander cobblestone lanes, savor local cuisine, and soak in Italy’s vibrant colors and flavors. See Rome’s Colosseum, Venice’s gondoliers, Assisi’s quiet alleys, Milan’s storefronts, Lake Como’s vistas, and Padua’s Aperol, each stop offering a unique delight. And in Venice, enjoy your choice of included excursions so you can plan your day your way.

Next, soak up the storybook charm of Lucerne with a 2-night stay in Switzerland’s lakeside gem. Stroll through the Old Town, cross the iconic Chapel Bridge, and marvel at the Water Tower and Jesuit Church. Top it all off with a breathtaking visit to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn—an alpine adventure you’ll never forget.

Then set sail on the legendary Rhine. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel for a 7-night river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam, with stops in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Cruise your way with Avalon Choice® excursions—choose from Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences to tailor your journey to you. Visit Breisach for a taste of the Black Forest, explore Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral, and tour the storied halls of Heidelberg Castle. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, then cap off your journey with a guided canal tour through the colorful city of Amsterdam. Savor free time exploring the city’s renowned museums, local delicacies, and scenic canals—an unforgettable finale to your trip.

Notes:
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
  • For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

From price

$16,592
Price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Avalon Waterways
Number Of Days
17
Start Location
Rome, Italy
End Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Age Range
Avg. 40+
Group Size
20 to 90
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
River/Small ship/Barge
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
16 May 2027 01 Jun 2027 Available $18,547
30 May 2027 15 Jun 2027 Available $16,862
13 Jun 2027 29 Jun 2027 Available $17,672
27 Jun 2027 13 Jul 2027 Available $16,862
08 Aug 2027 24 Aug 2027 Available $16,592
22 Aug 2027 07 Sep 2027 Available $18,092
05 Sep 2027 21 Sep 2027 Available $17,357
03 Oct 2027 19 Oct 2027 Available $20,196

Itinerary details

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome!


At 5 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(D)

Day 2 - ROME
When in Rome


Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing of the Eternal City. Be transported back to Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of Gladiators and Emperors. Enter the Vatican City State for a visit of the extensive Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, and the spectacular St. Peter's Basilica. Free time late afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.*

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

(B)

Day 3 - ROME–ORVIETO–ASSISI-PERUGIA
Historic Hilltops


Depart Rome and drive into Umbria, the “green heart of Italy.” Stop in the hill town of Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by a striking cathedral. Enjoy free time to explore Piazza del Duomo. Continue to the stunning town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, visit the Basilica named after him and browse the charming streets. Free time this afternoon and evening in the charming town of Perugia.
146mi / 235 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescs by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.

(B)

Day 4 - PERUGIA–FLORENCE–PADUA
Legendary Landmarks

Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Later, drive across the Apennine Mountains and River Po to arrive in Padua. An orientation drive will familiarize you with the city while an Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Café Pedrocchi will give you a real taste of local life.
261 mi / 420 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Café Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!

(B)

Day 5 - PADUA. EXCURSION TO VENICE
Spend your day your way in Venice


A short drive to Venice, before taking a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. On disembarking walk to an historic vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created.
Explore more of Venice with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

Palaces & Pontoons
Your Local Guide shares legendary stories on a Venice walking tour, featuring iconic St. Mark s Square, with views of its landmark columns, Basilica, and Clock Tower. Enjoy skip-the-line access and guided visit to magnificent Doge s Palace, with its lavish rooms and infamous Bridge of Sighs which offered a final glimpse of the outside world to prisoners crossing to prison.

Location, Location, Location!
Once described by Napoleon as "the world's most beautiful drawing room," St. Mark's Square remains the beating heart of Venice. After a short stroll through some picturesque calli (alleyways), take a seat in a historic café for a taste of Venetian café culture. Enjoy a refreshment served with unrivaled views of Venetian landmarks!

Enjoy a leisurely evening.
56 mi / 90 km

(B)

Day 6 - PADUA–VERONA–MILAN
Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona

Arrive in the elegant city of Verona, rich in history, but made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Enjoy a stroll to admire the main squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with its pink marble Roman Arena. Continue to the bustling city of Milan for an orientation walk to see famous landmarks including La Scala Opera House, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Duomo. This evening free time to familiarize yourself with some local specialties for dinner.
155 mi / 250 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.

(B)

Day 7 - MILAN. EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO
Life on the Lake

Discover why Lake Como has attracted visitors since the Roman times as you take [LF] a private boat ride across it to the delightful town of Bellagio, known locally as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Keep your eyes out for celebrities as you saunter along the lakefront promenade and charming alleyways. Back in Milan, join your travel companions for a dinner at a local restaurant.
106 mi /170 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of Lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como’s most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy’s most famous lake.

(B,D)

Day 8 - MILAN–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland


Flight to Zurich and transfer to Lucerne to start the Avalon portion of your vacation and meet your Cruise Director. Start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River and discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center.

(B)

Day 9 - LUCERNE
Lovely Lucerne


CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church.

(B)

Day 10 - LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

CLASSIC En route to Basel, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).

Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

(B,D)

Day 11 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:

CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL

(B,L,D)

Day 12 - KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

(B,L,D)

Day 13 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.

This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)

Day 14 - RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.



Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.


OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

(B,L,D)

Day 15 - COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

Day 16 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

Day 17 - AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Frequently Asked Questions

This premium 17-day journey offers a unique blend of land and river travel, taking you from the iconic cities of Italy through the Swiss Alps and ending with a luxurious 7-night river cruise on the Rhine. You'll enjoy the flexibility of Avalon Choice excursions, allowing you to tailor your experiences with Classic, Active, or Discovery options, and stay in award-winning Suite Ships featuring one-of-a-kind Open Air Balconies and Panorama Suites.
This tour is designed for travelers who appreciate a premium experience and a variety of activities. It is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of guided cultural sightseeing, scenic landscapes, and the luxury of river cruising, as well as travelers who value the ability to customize their daily excursions based on their own interests and energy levels.
Pros include a comprehensive itinerary covering multiple countries, high-end accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, and flexible excursion choices. Potential cons may include the fact that some schedules, particularly in Rome, are subject to change for operational reasons, and certain itinerary segments may be altered to motorcoach travel in the event of technical or water level issues on the river.
The tour is a great option for couples and solo travelers looking for a premium, guided experience through Europe. While the text does not specifically mention family-oriented amenities, the variety of excursion types (Active, Classic, and Discovery) provides a diverse range of activities that could appeal to different age groups.
This tour is excellent for both first-time and experienced travelers. First-timers will love the guided visits to legendary landmarks like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, while experienced travelers will appreciate the 'off-the-beaten-path' tours in Amsterdam and the specialized excursions in the Black Forest and Rhine Gorge.
The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. While many activities involve walking, some accessibility is provided; for example, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, although the entrance and route differ from the standard guided visit.
This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It focuses heavily on sightseeing and culture through visits to historic cathedrals, museums, and ancient ruins, while offering adventure through e-bike tours in the Black Forest, hiking in Rüdesheim, and alpine visits to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn.
The pace is moderate. The first half of the trip involves several city transitions across Italy and Switzerland, while the second half transitions into a more relaxed river cruise experience where the ship serves as a floating hotel.
The itinerary offers a mix of both; the land portion is active with daily discoveries in various cities, but the cruise portion and the inclusion of free time in cities like Venice, Milan, and Amsterdam ensure there are moments to relax and explore at your own pace.
Yes, the tour includes many world-famous highlights, such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome, St. Mark's Square in Venice, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, the Gothic cathedral in Strasbourg, Heidelberg Castle, and a guided canal tour in Amsterdam.
Yes, the tour includes a Globus Tour Director and Local Guides in various cities (such as Florence and Venice) to lead the sightseeing and provide expert insight, ensuring that travelers can navigate the different countries and cultures comfortably.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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