Rhine River Gay Group Cruise 2017 from Amsterdam to Basel

7 nights from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel (Zürich), Switzerland

September 2 – 9, 2017
Avalon Waterways Avalon Imagery II

Join Pied Piper Travel gay group cruise as we bring you our first Rhine river cruise on Avalon Waterways Suite Ship Imagery II. We will sail on the Rhine for our 27th season of organizing LGBT groups on the world's most luxurious cruise ships and river vessels. Visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine River on this 8-day cruise as we begin in gay-friendly Amsterdam and then cruise the Rhine through Germany and France and ending in Basel, Switzerland.

One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany's Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town with its imposing castle. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.

Avalon Waterways Avalon Imagery II

One of 2016's two new additions to the youngest fleet on Europe's waterways, the Imagery II continues all of Avalon's outstanding Suite Ship traditions. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, hair salon, an elevator, alternative light dining options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro, and an expansive Sky Deck with whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, a shade system, and deck games.

Ship Amenities
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
• Sky Deck with shade awnings
• Expanded Fitness Center
• Non-smoking interior
• Elevator
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
• Friendly, English-speaking crew
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Revolutionary engineering
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Onboard movie nights
• Biking excursions available in Amsterdam
• Bicycles you can check out and use around many port towns for free
• Sky Deck game area
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Well-stocked library
• Complimentary maps
• Fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life

Rhine River Cruise Itinerary

Flowing from the Swiss Alps to Holland's North Sea, the Rhine is perhaps most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks.

Day 1 - September 2, 2017
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated, modern capital. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, canals, and bike paths throughout the city make for a vibrant atmosphere, and with over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. Perhaps you would like to take an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans with its traditional houses and Dutch craft workshops. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception.
Dinner

Note: Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.)

Day 2 - September 3, 2017
Amsterdam, Holland

There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." There's free time in the city this afternoon—you might like to join an optional biking tour (weather permitting). Later, bid tot ziens (farewell) to Holland and set sail for Germany.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - September 4, 2017
Cologne, Germany

Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising before reaching Cologne in the afternoon. One of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - September 5, 2017
Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Here, join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the city that reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town, visit SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT before returning to your ship for dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 - September 6, 2017
Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg

Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with "civilized" origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany's largest and most important wine market. Join your Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK through the Altstadt (Old Town) with its many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city's annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and you'll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. After lunch, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. With a LOCAL GUIDE, visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You'll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the "World's Largest Wine Barrel." At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it!
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 - September 7, 2017
Strasbourg, France

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timber houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion into Alsace wine country is available today. After dinner, enjoy an onboard WOODCARVING demonstration.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 - September 8, 2017
Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany's BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents described them as black. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. You may opt for a visit to the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open-air Museum of Vogtsbauernhof to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 - September 9, 2017
Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)