Destinations / Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg, Strasbourg & Black Forest

Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg, Strasbourg & Black Forest

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

This classic Central European route links the Netherlands, Germany, and France across some of the continent's most iconic landscapes and historic cities. Amsterdam draws visitors with its canal network, world-class museums, and vibrant cycling culture, while Cologne impresses with its towering Gothic cathedral and lively Rhine-side scene. The Rhine Gorge — a UNESCO World Heritage stretch — winds past medieval castles and steep vineyard slopes, leading south to the university town of Heidelberg with its romantic ruined castle and old-town charm. Strasbourg straddles French and German culture with its half-timbered Petite France quarter, and the Black Forest rounds the journey out with dense woodland, traditional villages, and hiking trails.

What travellers are doing

Itineraries

-74%

BUSTED

We estimate you can save 74% over Avalon Waterways's tour.

Save £2,295 (74% off)

£3,100 retail with Avalon Waterways → £805 self-launched

Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg, Strasbourg & Black Forest · 8 days

Copycat

Rhine River Cities & Black Forest: Self-Launched Independent Version

A self-launched, rail-and-bus version of Avalon Waterways' Amsterdam-to-Basel Rhine cruise — same canal city, Gothic cathedral towns, Rhine Gorge castles, Alsace wine villages and Black Forest waterfalls, done independently with hostels and guesthouses. You trade the cruise ship, onboard concerts and included group excursions for €30 train tickets, self-booked kayak and bike rentals, and local brewery and wine tastings. Expect to cover roughly the same ground at about a tenth of the cruise fare, and unlike the sold-out Avalon departure, you can actually book it.

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Travel Crew

~£805

Missions

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