Lucerne, Breisach & Amsterdam — A Grand Passage by Sea

Zurich

Upon arrival to Zurich Airport, an English-speaking representative will be waiting for you near the luggage pick-up area, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver who will transfer you to your hotel.. A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.. With some time at leisure, embark on a self-guided stroll through Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. Boasting a mix of world-class shopping, mouthwatering food, and medieval delights, many come to find Zurich as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition showcasing our suggestions for a self-guided stroll in Zurich, as selected by Memori Tours Destination Experts.. As with any unfamiliar city, choosing where to dine can often pose a challenge. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Zurich, as selected by Memori Tours Destination Experts.

Accommodation: Widder Hotel (B) (Design Queen Room), Zurich

Zurich, Lucerne

Explore the city center of Zurich on a relaxing walking tour through Switzerland’s largest city and one of the world’s most important financial centers. With your private guide, wander along the streets and take in a good overview of Zurich’s many sides. Stroll through the business district, lined with ample shopping opportunities, through the Old Town, and along the lake to recharge amongst the greenery of the city’s recreational areas on the outskirts. Visit Fraumünster to see Chagall’s stained-glass church windows and stop at the lake for a wonderful panoramic view of the city. * Please note, as this is an orientation tour, admissions (if desired) are payable on the spot.. Your private driver meets you in Zurich for the transfer to Lucerne.

Accommodation: Art Deco Hotel Montana (B) (Deluxe Room Lake Side), Zurich

Lucerne

Step into the pages of a storybook as you embark on a private guided walking tour through the enchanting city of Lucerne, led by your knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Situated on the picturesque banks of Lake Lucerne, this charming city boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture waiting to be explored. Begin your journey by crossing the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge, a symbol of Lucerne's medieval heritage. As you traverse the Mill Bridge, marvel at the macabre Dance of Death paintings adorning its wooden panels, offering a glimpse into the city's artistic past. Pass by the imposing Musegg Wall, once part of the old city ramparts, and admire the stately Town Hall, where suits of armor harken back to the Middle Ages. Your exploration continues to the revered Lion Monument, a poignant tribute to the Swiss Guards who valiantly defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution.. Chocolate is often synonymous with Switzerland – a must taste experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. Enter a chocolate lover’s paradise at the Max Chocolatier Design Studio for a private tour of the chocolate-making facilities with a tasting to follow. The chocolate experts will take you on a journey into the world of cocoa and impart knowledge about the quality and ingredients of their chocolate gems. Learn the history of chocolate, sample some of their offerings, and then take the unique opportunity to try your hand at the traditional craft yourself. Learn their handcrafting skills and put it to practice as you make your very own chocolate delicacy and soon discover whether you too are a secret chocolatier. Please note that your tour will be conducted by a member of Max Chocolatier, and transportation to and from the venue is included.

Accommodation: Art Deco Hotel Montana (B) (Deluxe Room Lake Side), Lucerne

Lucerne, Basel, Rhine River Cruise

This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or simply unwind at your hotel and recharge for what is next.. Meet your private English-speaking driver for a transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Approximate travel time is 1.5 hours.. Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.. Your extraordinary Avalon Waterways river cruise is packed with world-class inclusions and thoughtful amenities designed to make your journey as seamless as it is unforgettable. Enjoy all-inclusive dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine, paired with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Choose from a variety of immersive shore excursions, whether you prefer guided sightseeing, active adventures, or hands-on cultural experiences. Stay connected with complimentary wifi and unwind in an inviting, elegantly designed onboard setting. Wellness-focused travelers can take advantage of a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga classes, and an open-air Sky Deck with whirlpool access, all while enjoying healthy menu options crafted with fresh ingredients. Avalon Waterways’ exceptional onboard amenities further enhance your voyage. Savor handcrafted cocktails and locally inspired dishes in sophisticated lounges and restaurants. Bask in panoramic river views from the spacious Sky Deck or indulge in relaxation with a soothing onboard massage. In the evenings, enjoy regionally themed entertainment, live music, and special performances that bring your destinations to life. For explorers, complimentary bicycles and Active Discovery excursions offer unique ways to experience each port of call. With Avalon, every detail is designed for a personalized and enriching river cruise experience.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B)), Lucerne

Breisach, Rhine River Cruise

Today, enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host. Or, you'll have the option to join a full-day shared 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. Alternatively, 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.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B), Breisach

Kehl, Rhine River Cruise

Today, discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host. Alternatively, join a shared 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. This afternoon, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B), Kehl

Mainz, Rhine River Cruise

Today, join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way. Or, join a shared 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." Alternatively, enjoy a shared City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B)), Mainz

Rudesheim, Rhine River Cruise

Today, enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim. Alternatively, join a shared tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, and then enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Or, 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. This evening, enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. *This excursion will not be operated on departure June 23, 2026, and will be replaced by a Guided Tour to Eberbach Monastery with a wine tasting.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B)), Rudesheim

Cologne, Rhine River Cruise

This morning, enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host. Or, choose to join shared Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites. Alternatively, 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!

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B), Cologne

Rhine River Cruise, Amsterdam

This morning, start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam. Or, 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*. Alternatively, 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. * This excursion will not be operated on departure April 21, 2027, and will be replaced by a Bike Tour through the Dutch countryside.

Accommodation: Avalon Panorama (BLD) (Panorama Suite (B), Rhine River Cruise

Amsterdam

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.. Meet your private English-speaking assistant who will be waiting for you upon disembarkation, holding a sign with your name on it. They will direct you to your awaiting private transfer, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.. A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.. With a private guide, depart from your hotel on foot for a half-day walking tour to visit Amsterdam's famous Van Gogh Museum. Located at Museum Square, the Van Gogh Museum has the world's largest collection and display of works by renowned Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. As you walk, learn about the city sights you pass along the way, while gaining a more in-depth background on this miraculously unique, misunderstood and tortured soul, ranging from his mental health to the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death. Arriving to the museum, spend the next few hours discovering the impressive works on display, reveling in the post-impressionistic prowess of paintings like The Potato Eaters (1885), Sunflowers (1889), and Self-Portrait (1888). Take a return walk back to your hotel or bid farewell to your guide and continue to explore the museum at your leisure.. With an array of options across the city, deciding which restaurants to try during your stay in Amsterdam may prove challenging. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Amsterdam, as selected by Memori Tours Destination Experts.

Accommodation: Hotel Estherea (B) (Classic Room), Amsterdam

Amsterdam

With a private guide and driver, embark on a tour to Delft, one of the highlights of South Holland. Nearly an hour southwest of Amsterdam, Delft is celebrated as the birthplace of famous painter Johannes Vermeer, while over time having also become synonymous with pottery. Head to the historical city center for a tour on foot, seeing the late 15th century New Church, with its massive 357-foot tower looming over all of the nearby two and three story buildings. See the canals, admire the medieval Eastern Gate with its dual spires, and spot the 17th century City Hall building boasting traditional red shutters and Renaissance style. Learn about the city's iconic Delft Blue pottery on a visit of Royal Delft, the only remaining earthenware factory that was established in Delft in the 17th century. A chance to explore your artistic side, you'll be treated to a hands-on private pottery workshop where you'll be led by a professional in an effort to make your very own Delft Blue tile creation. The tile will need to be left in order to bake and properly cure, though if you're keen on the souvenir you can arrange to have it shipped home when ready. Conclude with a return transfer to Amsterdam.

Accommodation: Hotel Estherea (B) (Classic Room), Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Venture into the Dutch countryside on a privately guided half-day tour to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Begin at Zaanse Schans, famed for its historic windmills and scenic charm. Stroll along the riverside and visit the working paint mill, De Kat—the only one of its kind still in operation today. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, known for its colorful harbor, traditional houses, and maritime heritage. While locals no longer wear traditional clothing day-to-day, visitors can step into the past with a photo opportunity in costume at one of the village’s specialty shops. After soaking in the atmosphere and exploring at your pace, return to Amsterdam with your guide and driver.

Accommodation: Hotel Estherea (B) (Classic Room), Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.