Guests travel aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. The Panorama Suites are exceptionally spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that convert into open-air balconies. The bed faces the view, perfect for castle spotting, while the bathroom offers generous space and comfort, something I’ve come to value more and more while travelling.
Onboard amenities include a Sky Deck whirlpool, fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily afternoon tea, regionally inspired cuisine, and a relaxed but refined onboard atmosphere. Avalon calls it “Relaxed Luxury”, and they certainly deliver. Culinary standards are high, with dishes reflecting the regions sailed. My cruise began with escargot and ended with lobster, a fine summary of the gourmet journey.
Each day starts with a hearty breakfast with fresh-squeezed juices and sparkling wine, much appreciated by many in my group, followed by leisurely lunches and multi-course dinners crafted from seasonal, local ingredients. A highlight was Dinner at the Chef’s Table, a multi-course tasting experience with wine pairings served in an intimate setting.
Beverages are generous and inclusive, with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Best of all, I left the cruise without a drinks bill, an absolute first for me.
The itinerary begins in Basel and continues to Breisach, where I took an e-bike through the Black Forest to a local goat cheese farm. Strasbourg was a standout. I enjoyed a culinary tour followed by a self-guided cathedral and historic centre walk. It is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen in Europe, with warm, friendly locals.
In Mainz, excursions included Heidelberg, where I hiked up to the castle and sampled some excellent local beer. Later, a private tour and event at Rheinstein Castle hosted by a young modern Baron was an unexpected treat. The following morning, we cruised the Rhine Gorge for three spectacular hours, spotting more than 30 unique castles. It was easily one of the most memorable river cruise moments I’ve ever had.
In Koblenz, I joined another e-bike tour, this time through nearby vineyards. That evening, Avalon surprised us with a visit to a local village for a night of music and culture, performed by local musicians. Düsseldorf offered a cultural mix of guided tours, local beer and food tastings. Finally, Amsterdam provided a choice of kayaking the canals, a Dutch painting workshop or a classic walking tour before disembarkation
It is an ideal cruise for couples, solo travellers and active cruisers who value choice, flexibility and immersive local experiences. July proved to be an excellent time for this itinerary, offering warm days and long evenings for sightseeing and sailing.
