Romantic Rhine (northbound)

The Romantic Rhine (northbound) is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard Avalon Expression, operated by Avalon Waterways. Departing Basel on December 8, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Dec 8, 2026
Returns: Dec 15, 2026
Ports of call: 7

Call for price

per person, incl. taxes & fees

Book with CruiseDirect Book direct with Avalon Waterways

We may earn a commission

Call for price

via CruiseDirect

Book

Book direct with Avalon Waterways we may earn a commission

Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 8, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Basel photo — Day 1 Dec 8, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Day 2 Dec 9, 2026 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Breisach photo — Day 2 Dec 9, 2026 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Day 3 Dec 10, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Strasbourg photo — Day 3 Dec 10, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Day 4 Dec 11, 2026 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Mainz photo — Day 4 Dec 11, 2026 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Day 5 Dec 12, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Rudesheim photo — Day 5 Dec 12, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Day 6 Dec 13, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Cologne photo — Day 6 Dec 13, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Day 7 Dec 14, 2026 Amsterdam Few can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste. Amsterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Amsterdam

Amsterdam photo — Day 7 Dec 14, 2026 Amsterdam Few can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste. Amsterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Amsterdam

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 52-day span: $4,280 · range $4,280–$6,479

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

Price history

All

○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed).

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview D Deluxe Stateroom E Deluxe Stateroom

Suite

Lowest Suite P Panorama Suite

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 lines at once.

Show all 11 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Deluxe Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	DS	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Panorama Suite	A	Suite
Panorama Suite	B	Suite
Corner Suite	CS	Suite
Owner’s Suite	OS	Suite
Panorama Suite	P	Suite
Royal Suite	RS	Suite
Royal Suite	S	Suite
Upper Suite	US	Suite

Ship

Your ship Avalon Expression 5★ **2,775** GT **166** guests Built **2013** Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression! Avalon Expression ship guide Search cruises on Avalon Expression

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

View	From pp	Departs
	from $6,229 $889 / night	Jun 27, 2026Voyage WZA
	from $4,430 $632 / night	Jun 30, 2026Voyage WZA
	from $6,229 $889 / night	Jul 4, 2026Voyage WZA
	from $6,229 $889 / night	Jul 7, 2026Voyage WZA
	from $4,430 $632 / night	Jul 11, 2026Voyage WZA

See all 12 sailing dates in search

Compare similar cruises

Romantic Rhine (southbound)

Avalon Expression · Europe · 7 nights

from $6,229

$889 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 30, 2026

Romantic Rhine (northbound)

Avalon Expression · Europe · 7 nights

from $6,229

$889 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 27, 2026

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps from Basel

AmaVenita · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,949

$564 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 30, 2026

Enchanting Rhine - Basel to Amsterdam

AmaSiena · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,949

$564 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Rhine Getaway - Amsterdam to Basel

Viking Gersemi · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,299

$471 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Rhine Getaway - Basel to Amsterdam

Viking Hervor · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,299

$471 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Browse all cruises in search →

Call for price

via CruiseDirect

Book

Book direct with Avalon Waterways we may earn a commission