Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound)

The Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound) is a 9-night Europe cruise aboard Avalon Expression, operated by Avalon Waterways. Departing Amsterdam on August 30, 2027, the voyage visits 10 ports. Fares start from $6,173 per person.

Length: 9 nights
Departs: Aug 30, 2027
Returns: Sep 8, 2027
Ports of call: 10
Days at sea: 1

from $6,173

$685 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $6,173 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 30, 2027 Amsterdam Departs 17:00 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 1 Aug 30, 2027 Amsterdam Departs 17:00 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

Day 3 Sep 1, 2027 Nijmegen The fortress city of Nijmegen is located near the German border and is considered the oldest city in Holland. The historic buildings in the city center as well as the many small squares and parks, some of which go back to Roman times, are worth seeing. The "Lange Hezelstraat", the oldest shopping street in Holland, is also interesting. If you feel like visiting a museum, a visit to Het Valkhof or Afrika Museum is recommended. Nijmegen port guide Search cruises visiting Nijmegen

Nijmegen photo — Day 3 Sep 1, 2027 Nijmegen The fortress city of Nijmegen is located near the German border and is considered the oldest city in Holland. The historic buildings in the city center as well as the many small squares and parks, some of which go back to Roman times, are worth seeing. The "Lange Hezelstraat", the oldest shopping street in Holland, is also interesting. If you feel like visiting a museum, a visit to Het Valkhof or Afrika Museum is recommended. Nijmegen port guide Search cruises visiting Nijmegen

Day 3 Sep 1, 2027 Arnhem Arnhem is a city and municipality situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of Gelderland and located on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, which was the source of the city's development. Arnhem port guide Search cruises visiting Arnhem

Arnhem photo — Day 3 Sep 1, 2027 Arnhem Arnhem is a city and municipality situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of Gelderland and located on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, which was the source of the city's development. Arnhem port guide Search cruises visiting Arnhem

Day 4 Sep 2, 2027 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 4 Sep 2, 2027 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 5 Sep 3, 2027 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 Sep 3, 2027 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 7 Sep 5, 2027 Speyer The 2000 year old Speyer is like a single open-air museum: Salic history at every turn. The cathedral city on the Rhine is proud of its convenient location in the heart of Europe. The towering silhouette of the mighty red sandstone cathedral towers over the city. Anyone visiting the cathedral should also go down the steps to the Imperial Crypt. For at least two hours, visitors are kept in suspense by the most important sights of the old imperial city - they are almost all in the city center. Those who are tired of hiking: The city delights with countless restaurants and cafés. Speyer port guide Search cruises visiting Speyer

Speyer photo — Day 7 Sep 5, 2027 Speyer The 2000 year old Speyer is like a single open-air museum: Salic history at every turn. The cathedral city on the Rhine is proud of its convenient location in the heart of Europe. The towering silhouette of the mighty red sandstone cathedral towers over the city. Anyone visiting the cathedral should also go down the steps to the Imperial Crypt. For at least two hours, visitors are kept in suspense by the most important sights of the old imperial city - they are almost all in the city center. Those who are tired of hiking: The city delights with countless restaurants and cafés. Speyer port guide Search cruises visiting Speyer

Day 8 Sep 6, 2027 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 8 Sep 6, 2027 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 9 Sep 7, 2027 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 9 Sep 7, 2027 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 10 Sep 8, 2027 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 10 Sep 8, 2027 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

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 76-day span: $6,173 · range $6,173–$6,173

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $6,173

$685 / night

Fare rows

Deluxe Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,173

$685 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $8,872

$985 / night

Fare rows

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,872

$985 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,001

$1,000 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,258

$1,028 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Royal Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,186

$1,242 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 24, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Avalon Waterways and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

14 days

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

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $6,173 D Deluxe Stateroom E Deluxe Stateroom $6,173

Suite

Lowest Suite $8,872 A Panorama Suite $9,001 B Panorama Suite $8,872 P Panorama Suite $9,258 S Royal Suite $11,186

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

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