Cruise in the company of Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer.
The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles With 2 Nights in Paris for Photography Enthusiasts
See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Cruise in the company of Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer, who shares onboard presentations.
This magnificent European river cruise begins in Holland’s colourful, modern capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Cruise in the company of Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer, who shares onboard presentations. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a photography contest at the end of your cruise to vote for favourite shots taken on your cruise. Then, embark on your picturesque cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. On a guided city walk, see the famous twin-spired cathedral and explore the cobblestone streets of the Old City. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns.
Along the Moselle River, stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. In Bernkastel, enjoy a guided walk and taste some of the region’s best-loved wines. Go on an excursion to historical Luxembourg City, offering unique and dramatic views as it is set on two levels—high above on straddling hills and dropping into two river valleys.
Meet Your Photographer – Brenda Tharp
"I love waking up early to witness and photograph the rainbow of dawn's colors as they are painted across the sky, or the mist rising off a river. A great photo takes preparation, timing, and a bit of luck, yet if feels like a gift when I'm out there and it all comes together. I love telling stories through my pictures, and I travel the world seeking the light on the land, and the life of people and wildlife."
For over 30 years, Brenda Tharp has traveled in search of images that express the beauty of our planet and the cultures and wildlife that inhabit it.
Her photographs have appeared in national magazines and books, for clients including Chronicle Books, Michelin Travel Publications, National Geographic Society, the National Park Service and several inflight magazines.
Brenda is the author of Expressive Nature Photography and co-author of Extraordinary Everyday Photography. She is a popular workshop instructor, and acclaimed keynote speaker.
Throughout this cruise, Brenda will share her expertise and photography tips with you to help you make photographs that have impact. She’ll be on hand in the field and when on board to answer questions, and she’ll give a presentation on how to make great pictures with any camera.
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of the city’s “Golden Age."
This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
CLASSIC
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:
DISCOVERY
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
Enjoy live entertainment onboard your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
This morning, relax on the Sky Deck while sailing through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.
DISCOVERY
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR;
ACTIVE
Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Engers this evening while having dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS
The Charm of the Moselle Valley
Relax on the Sky Deck of your ship while sailing through the Moselle Valley, famous for the beautiful growing villages and their vineyards.
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Walk of Cochem through its half-timbered houses and winding streets. Visit the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with a bird’s-eye-view of the Moselle Valley.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL
Castle Vines and German Wines
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century gabled timber-framed houses, OR:
ACTIVE
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike to nearby castle ruins.
Enjoy free time this afternoon, perhaps take a bike ride through the village to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts.
DISCOVERY
Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REMICH
Old-World Charm, and World-Class Wine
This morning, you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Roman Trier-the oldest city in Germany. After your tour, enjoy some free time in Trier.
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Tour of Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH
Today travel by motorcoach to Luxemburg City or Metz to board a high speed train to Paris. Known as one of the world's most romantic and lively cities. Paris is a delight for all your senses.
CLASSIC
Join a Guided City tour that shows the iconi sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Today in your free time, sroll down the Champs-Elysees with its lavish cafes, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre, or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica and bevy of artisits on Place du Tertre. All of this awaits your discovery!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
October 4, 2021 onboard Avalon Artistry II
SOLD OUT - PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY CRUISE OPTIONS
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again soon.