Switzerland to Amsterdam Rhine River All-Lesbian Cruise 2025
April 12 – 19, 2025
Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista
Cruise the Rhine River with the women of Olivia, starting in delightful Basel, Switzerland and ending in the extremely gay- and lesbian-friendly city of Amsterdam. Experience fields of vividly-colored tulips in bloom and stroll along the canals learning about Amsterdam's amazing history. Included tours in most ports ensure you see the best of the best as you immerse yourself in the rich local cultures. You'll visit Strasbourg, France; explore Mainz and Heidelberg, Germany; cruise the Rhine Gorge with a visit to Koblenz and Cologne, Germany before disembarking for your overnight in Amsterdam.
Be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. Back on board in the evenings, soak in the hot tub, have a glass of wine or tea, relax with friends, eat delicious meals, learn about the places we're visiting and enjoy nightly Olivia entertainment.
As it winds through castle-dotted hillsides, dramatic rocky gorges and picturesque Old World villages, the Rhine River is the essence of romance. Born as an untamed river in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine takes the scenic route to the North Sea, illuminating some of Europe's most fascinating sights and customs. Historically and culturally, the Rhine has been a crucial source of sustenance, pride and inspiration. Fortresses and castles along the Rhine's embankments highlight the value ancient empires placed on these waters.
While ancient times saw the Rhine as a dividing force, today the cities along its shores are an intriguing blend of cultures. Vineyards along the Rhine produce world-renowned vintages and riverside cafés and restaurants celebrate the region by pairing local wines with delectably fresh fare. With scenic splendor and enriching surprises around every bend, the waters of the Rhine set the stage for the very finest moments to be had in Europe.
Your Ship - Avalon Vista
You’ll find elegant, contemporary design and panoramic windows throughout the beautifully designed 166-passenger Avalon Vista. The spaces to relax and unwind include the library, a beautiful bar, a lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge), a fitness center, and the fabulous sundeck with a whirlpool and area for deck games. The ship’s staterooms and suites are well appointed and among the largest available on any riverboat; almost every stateroom features sliding glass doors.
Fine dining on the Avalon Vista features European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is offered as sit-down menu service with open seating. The daily full buffet breakfast offers early- and late-riser options and includes sparkling wine, complimentary juices, and a made-to-order egg station.
Lunch and dinner come with complimentary regional wines, beer, and soft drinks. Enjoy al fresco lunches in the Sky Bistro on the sun deck and the four-course chef-inspired dinners featuring regional cuisine. Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes are always on offer, and you can make use of the self-serve coffee station as well. Top off the evening with a late-night snack, served at 10:30 pm.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
• Convenient Elevator Service
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for guided shore excursions
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Biking excursions available in Amsterdam
• Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
• Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Behind-the-scenes galley tour
• Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
• Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
• Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
• Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
• Full-size closet mirror
Dining:
• Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Daily a la carte breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily specials
• Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and classic dishes
• Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Healthy meal options
• Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner
• Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
• FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• L'Occitane bath products
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary water
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• USB Ports
• Full shower with glass door
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Luxurious mattress toppers
• European-style duvets
• Extra blankets
• Nightly turn-down service
• Hairdryer
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• In-room safe
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Two windows
• Writing desk and chair
Switzerland to Amsterdam Rhine River Lesbian Cruise 2025 Itinerary
Date
Port
Meals
12 April
Basel, Switzerland
D
13 April
Breisach / Black Forest, Germany
B, L, D
14 April
Strasbourg, France
B, L, D
15 April
Ludwigshafen / Heidelberg / Mainz, Germany
B, L, D
16 April
Koblenz / Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim, Germany
B, L, D
17 April
Cologne, Germany
B, L, D
18 April
Amsterdam, Holland
B, L, D
19 April
Amsterdam, Holland
B
Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation) Saturday, April 12, 2025
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite ship is ready for boarding! All flights into Zurich should arrive by 11 am for the included transfer to your ship in Basel. At approximately 4 pm, your suite is available to check-in. Guests must be on board by 5 pm, where you will meet your Olivia staff and ship’s crew at a welcome reception with dinner. Note: Guests must be on board by 5 pm.
Breisach and Black Forest, Germany Sunday, April 13, 2025
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 earned its name because the forests were so dense that local residents described them as black.
Choose between an included full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration.
Or an included visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden, ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here and enjoy a wine tasting.
Strasbourg, France Monday, April 14, 2025
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 Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame, 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.
Join an included city sightseeing tour, including Strasbourg’s Cathedral de Notre-Dame, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
This afternoon you may choose a guided optional excursion, either to the historic Marigot Line—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France—or to Alsace’s wine country.
Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg or Mainz, Germany Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Today you’ll 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, believed to be 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! You will probably also want to try the most delicious hot chocolate at the YilliY café!
Alternatively, this afternoon, enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz and an included Mainz walking tour. Mainz is strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers, and its “civilized” origins date 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.
Active guests can join our Adventure Host for a hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.
Koblenz, Rhine Gorge, and Rüdesheim, Germany Wednesday, April 16, 2025
In Rüdesheim, a quintessential Rhine Valley wine town, take a guided tour of the incredible Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Museum, a real surprise! Enjoy a special Rüdesheim coffee before making your way back to the ship. For our active guests, join our Adventure Host for a guided hike through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where it’s said that the sweet songs of a local beauty-turned-siren lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Also situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers is 2,000-year-old Koblenz, the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Take in some free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board.
Cologne, Germany Thursday, April 17, 2025
Today we explore gay-friendly Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. In 2010, it was the site of the Gay Games. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a kölsch in one of the many beer taverns or shop for a bottle of 4711, the original eau de cologne. Choose between an included Guided City Walk or Jewish Heritage Walk. We enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing the Rhine.
Amsterdam, Holland Friday, April 18, 2025
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by your included canal boat ride, cruising through the grachten (canals) with their elegant, stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” There will be free time in the afternoon to explore on your own or enjoy an optional tour to Keukenhof gardens with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Or choose an optional biking tour to discover the countryside. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, Holland Saturday, April 19, 2025
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights can leave Amsterdam Airport at any time. The ship can assist in arranging you cab to the airport or continue with us on our 2- or 3-night post-trip Vacation Stretcher in Amsterdam!
What's Included?
• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the Avalon Vista, one of the finest riverboats on the Rhine
• All meals while on board
• Champagne with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
• Olivia entertainment and programming as well as local entertainment
• Included sightseeing tours in each port
• Gratuities to ship crew, Avalon cruise director, and guides and drivers for included tours (covered by NDAs)
• Group transfer from the Zurich Airport host hotel to the ship in Basel on April 12, 2025
Switzerland to Amsterdam Rhine River Lesbian Cruise 2025 Rates
Category
Description
Reg. Rate US $
Early Bird US $
Availability
R - Royal Suite
Located on the Royal deck, the Royal Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter and two sinks, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (300 sq. ft.)
$ 8,199
$ 6,399
P - Panorama Suite
Royal Deck. Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter, full shower with glass door, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (200 sq. ft.)
$ 6,899
$ 5,399
A - Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck. Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter, full shower with glass door, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (200 sq. ft.)
$ 6,799
$ 5,299
B - Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck. Located on the Sapphire deck aft — features floor to ceiling windows, Comfort collection bed (can convert to 2 twins), soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. (200 sq. ft.)
$ 6,699
$ 5,199
D - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck — features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed (can convert to 2 twins, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. (172 sq. ft.)
$ 5,199
$ 4,099
E - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck — features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed (can convert to 2 twins, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. (172 sq. ft.)
We are offering 2- & 3- Night Pre-Cruise vacation stretchers in Zurich.
We are offering 2- & 3- Night Post-Cruise vacation stretchers in Amsterdam.
Special Airfares
Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $499 per person (subject to change) covers taxes, fees, and gratuities..
Early bird prices valid until October 15, 2024.
Availability updated weekly and is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy is not guaranteed. Olivia & HappyGay Travel will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. It is advised for guests to check information provided on this site with an HappyGay Travel Travel Consultant.
