Telescopes, Tulips & Treasures - Amsterdam to Basel

HOST: Fred Watson

DATES: 15 - 24 May 2025

STYLE: Cruise, Science, and Activity

Minimum/maximum numbers: 16/20 guests

BOOKINGS: Open 6 August 2024 / Close 7 March 2025

This cruise program is proceeded by 8 days travel in Poland - Polish Luminaries - Nicholas Copernicus, Johannes Hevelius and Marie Curie. Join both tours and receive a $500 per person discount. 

Amsterdam Pre-Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam (15 May)

Arrive in Amsterdam, transfer and settle into the Movennpick Amsterdam -  a perfect base for exploring the city's unique charm. In the evening, enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at **De Kas, a stunning greenhouse restaurant renowned for its seasonal, farm-to-table dishes. The setting and cuisine offer a wonderful introduction to Amsterdam's vibrant food scene. Spend the rest of your evening exploring Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, lively squares, and artistic neighbourhoods at your own pace. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam & The Hague

Begin your day travelling to the Hague where Hans Lipperhey first demonstrated the invention of the telescope in the early 1600s. Explore the history and significance of his groundbreaking invention in a beautifully curated setting. Then, venture to the **Louwman Museum, an impressive collection of historicla telescopes and classic and antique cars housed in a stunning building. The museum’s elegant displays provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of automobile design. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam and take some time to wander through the city’s charming streets or relax in one of its many cozy cafes. (B,D)

Day 3: Tulip Tour & Embarkation

Indulge in the vibrant colours of the tulip season with a guided tour to **Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips are in full bloom against a backdrop of beautifully landscaped gardens. Alternatively, explore nearby towns like Haarlem and Hillegom, known for their picturesque fields of tulips and local charm. Return to Amsterdam in time to board your Avalon Suite Ship, ready for an unforgettable cruise experience. (B)

Cruise Itinerary

Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Welcome aboard your Avalon Waterways Ship! Arrive early to take an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, a charming village showcasing historic windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and artisanal crafts. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring Amsterdam's vibrant cafes, unique galleries, and scenic canals. Overnight docking in Amsterdam. (D)

Day 4: Amsterdam

Today offers a variety of experiences. Embark on a guided kayak tour to glide through Amsterdam’s enchanting canals, join a painting class to capture the city’s beauty on canvas, or take a classic canal cruise to soak in the iconic waterways. In the afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck and enjoy the views as you set sail towards Düsseldorf. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Düsseldorf, Germany

Discover Düsseldorf with options such as a city biking tour revealing the city's innovative architecture and vibrant culture, an exploration of the Old Town with its diverse culinary scene, or a classic tour highlighting Düsseldorf's spectacular subway system. We'd like to offer you an optional tour to the historic city of Wuppertal, known for its unique suspended monorail and charming student haunts. It's also home to one of Fred's earliest travel experiences when he travelled to Germany to stay with a host family! We'll see the site of the historic Dusseldorf Observatory en route too. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Koblenz-Rhine Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely walk through ancient Koblenzan or join a guided e-bike tour through the scenic vineyards around Koblenz, explore the "Lava City" of Mendig with its volcanic caverns and basalt corridors, followed by a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for stunning panoramic views. As you sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at the majestic castles perched on cliffs and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Experience an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle. Overnight docking in Bingen. (B,L.D)

Day 7: Speyer & Heidelberg

Choose between a visit to the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, a guided hike along the Philosophers' Way for inspiring views, or a tour of four local breweries in Heidelberg, renowned for its stunning architecture and the world’s largest wine barrel. Enjoy a taste of local specialties during your visit. Return to the ship for evening entertainment as you cruise to Strasbourg. (B,D)

Day 8: Strasbourg, France

Today we've organised an optional excursion to Strasbourg Observatory for a glimpse into this historic scientific building.  This observatory is actually Strasbourg's third observatory: the first was built in 1673 on one of the city's surrounding towers (the astronomer Julius Reichelt notably played a role in its establishment), and the second in 1828 on the roof of the buildings of the Academy. Or explore the Alsace countryside and vineyards. Explore Strasbourg with options including a walking tour of the picturesque European District around the Marne-Rhine Canal, a culinary walk discovering Alsatian cuisine, or a classic city sightseeing tour featuring the Gothic cathedral and the enchanting La Petite France District. Evening cruise to Breisach. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Breisach, Germany & Black Forest Excursion

Experience the beauty of the Black Forest with options such as a guided e-bike tour through the lush landscapes, a full-day tour of the region including the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum and traditional demonstrations, or a visit to Freiburg’s medieval city center amidst the scenic Upper Rhine Valley. Enjoy a wine tasting experience in Breisach or a guided tour through the area's historical sites. Evening cruise to Basel. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Basel (Disembarkation)

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. Ensure your flight departs from Zurich after 10:00 am or from Basel after 8:00 am. (B)

View the cruise program here

Cabins

The Avalon Vista's two full decks of suites feature 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. Enjoy seamless views from your Comfort Collection bed that faces the window. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the space to entertain in your private sitting area or just relax and enjoy the passing vistas. Onboard amenities include a Fitness Center, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro. Sweeping views are yours to enjoy on the Avalon Vista!  Cabin Information

PARTICIPATION FEE

*** EARLY BIRD PRICES *** Book before 6 September 2024

Category B         $8,550.00 per person based on twin share accommodation (4 cabins) 

Category A         $8,750.00 per person based on twin share accommodation (1 cabin)

Category P         $8,800.00 per person based on twin share accommodation (5 cabins)

Single supplement        $4,400

Do both tours:

Participate in this tour and Polish Luminaries

Cost per person based on Cabin B - $12,195

Inclusions:

· Tour Host – Fred Watson

· Tour Manager – Marnie Ogg

· 10 nights accommodation/cruise as listed

· Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as listed (B,L,D)

· Drinks on board Avalon Waterways

·  Entry to sights marked **

· Air-conditioned motorcoach and driver

· Tips & port charges (Avalon Waterways)

·1 x Qantas Frequent Flyer points  for every $1000 spent on Avalon Waterways

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Not included:

· Optional Tours and Activities not included in Avalon Waterways Program

· International / domestic flights

· Drinks 

· Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

· Items of personal nature

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NOTES

Tour itinerary and pricing are subject to change and currency exchange at any time. Your place is confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit. Deposits are transferable to new tours or other guests. Bookings close 90 days before departure of the first tour. Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Please see our terms and conditions for cancellation details. 

If the minimum numbers (16 paying pax) are not met, alternative travel arrangements may be made, however in the instance that this is not possible, the tour may be cancelled. and your deposit returned. Please note twin rooms are based on two co-travellers sharing a room - if you choose this option as a single traveller, you may be required to pay the full supplement in the event no other single traveller wishes to share. There are only 10 cabins available throughout the journey and travel insurance is required to participate.