Bavarian Brews & River Views Cruise
October 30 to November 7, 2027 | Avalon Imagery II
Bavarian Brews and River Views is a themed Rhine and Main River journey designed for travelers who appreciate regional culture, scenic landscapes, and the social side of river cruising.
Sailing aboard Avalon Imagery II, this experience blends historic towns, vineyard-lined riverbanks, and immersive excursions with a relaxed onboard atmosphere centered around beer culture, local flavors, and meaningful time to connect. This is a thoughtfully paced journey that balances guided exploration with time to enjoy the river, the ship, and the destinations along the way.
Why This Journey
This journey was designed for travelers who enjoy immersive experiences without feeling rushed. The itinerary combines classic European destinations with smaller towns and scenic cruising, allowing you to experience each region in a more meaningful way.
Avalon Waterways is known for spacious Panorama Suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open, modern ship design that keeps you connected to the river at all times. With a focus on regional flavors, curated excursions, and a comfortable onboard experience, this journey offers a refined yet relaxed way to explore Europe’s beer culture and historic heartland.
Planning Support and Added Value
- $2,500 savings per cabin compared to standard retail pricing
- Shipboard credit applied based on cabin category
- Personalized planning support before, during, and after your cruise
- Shipboard credit based on cabin category
- Pre-paid gratuities included
- Guidance on cabin selection to match your travel style and preferences
- Flexible payment options based on supplier guidelines
- On-call support throughout your journey
What Sets Avalon Apart
Avalon Waterways is designed for travelers who want to experience Europe’s rivers in a relaxed, immersive way, without rigid schedules or overcrowded tours. The experience is flexible, comfortable, and thoughtfully paced, allowing you to engage with each destination on your own terms.
Sip, Savor, and Explore Your Way
Included beverages
Enjoy wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, along with nightly happy hour and a selection of cocktails, including thoughtfully crafted zero-proof options.
Flexible dining
There are no assigned dining times or seating. Choose when and where you want to dine, from elegant multi-course dinners to casual bistro fare, Sky Deck barbecues, or breakfast in your stateroom.
Included excursions
This journey includes a wide range of guided excursions designed to match different travel styles. Options may include city walks, cultural experiences, scenic hikes, workshops, and opportunities for independent exploration. Bicycles and e-bikes are available for guests who prefer to explore on their own.
Wellness and movement
Onboard wellness offerings include fitness classes, yoga sessions, and access to a modern fitness center, supported by Avalon’s active adventure hosts.
Staying connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi powered by Starlink is available throughout the ship, along with in-room infotainment and the AvalonGO app to help you stay organized during your journey.
Comfortable accommodations
Every stateroom features a river view, plush beds positioned to face the windows, marble bathrooms, and L’Occitane amenities. Most staterooms include Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony, creating an indoor outdoor living space connected to the river.
Evenings onboard
Evenings offer a relaxed social atmosphere with live music, casual entertainment, and themed events. Overnight stays in select ports provide the opportunity to explore destinations after hours.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - October 30, 2027 - Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
- Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
- Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
- Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
Meals Included: Dinner
We highly recommend that you fly into Basel at least one day pre-cruise to ensure no delays with flights. We have several hotels we can recommend and have been to Basel ourselves and can provide restaurant and activity recommendations.
Day 2 - October 31, 2027 - Excursion to Black Forest
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Active Excursion Option
Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion Options
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning. (Additional fees may apply)
Later in the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - November 1, 2027 - Strasbourg, France
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion Option
Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion Options
Join a Guided Visit of one of the oldest—still operational— independent breweries in France, where you will discover about its history and enjoy a tasting, OR:
Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today. (Additional fee may apply.)
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 - November 2, 2027 - Rüdesheim, Germany - Rhine Gorge - Boppard
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active Excursion Option
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Classic Excursion Option
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 - November 3, 2027 - Frankfurt, Germany
Charm in Frankfurt
Active Excursion Option
Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion Option
Venture beyond the traditional pilsner on this exciting guided brewery tour featuring an introduction to some of Frankfurt’s most delicious craft beers, OR:
Classic Excursion Option
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
In the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WERTHEIM
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 - November 4, 2027 - Wertheim, Germany
Beauty on the Main River
Discovery Excursion Option
Join an exclusive Guided Tour combining a hands-on pretzel-making workshop with a guided orientation walk through the town’s picturesque streets, OR:
Classic Excursion Option
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Wertheim, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes.
This evening enjoy an onboard food and beer pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - November 5, 2027 - Würzburg, Germany
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
Active Excursion Option
Join your Adventure Host for a hike to explore Würzburg's charm, OR:
Classic Excursion Option
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. (Additional fee may apply.)
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 - November 6, 2027 - Bamberg, Germany
The City of Seven Hills
Discovery Excursion Option
While sailing, enjoy an onboard beer and cheese tasting hosted by your Beer Expert.
Active Excursion Option
Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion Option
Discover a very special family run hop garden where you will also taste a local beer, OR:
Classic Excursion Option
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 9 - November 7, 2027 - Nuremberg, Germany (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.
Flights shouldn’t leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cabin Categories & Pricing
Shipboard Credit: Book by 2/28/26 and receive $300 in shipboard credit for the Royal Suite (Cat S); $200 for Panorama Suites (Cat P/A/B); and $100 for Deluxe Staterooms (Cat D/E)
Royal Suite (Cat S)
$8,079 per person
Indulge in the ultimate river cruise luxury with extra space, a separate sitting area, expansive bathroom, and panoramic views from your exclusive suite. The Royal Suite is designed for guests who want the very best in comfort, privacy, and style.
Panorama Suite (Cat P)
$6,079 per person
Experience Avalon’s signature Panorama Suite with a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling window that transforms your entire room into an open-air balcony. Enjoy a spacious layout, beds facing the river, and upgraded luxury touches for an immersive cruise experience.
Panorama Suite (Cat A)
$6,022 per person
Experience Avalon’s signature Panorama Suite with a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling window that transforms your entire room into an open-air balcony. Enjoy a spacious layout, beds facing the river, and upgraded luxury touches for an immersive cruise experience.
Panorama Suite (Cat A)
$5,908 per person
Experience Avalon’s signature Panorama Suite with a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling window that transforms your entire room into an open-air balcony. Enjoy a spacious layout, beds facing the river, and upgraded luxury touches for an immersive cruise experience.
Deluxe Staterooms (Cat D)
$3,737 per person
Relax in a stylish river-view stateroom featuring plush bedding, ample storage, and all the essentials for a comfortable journey. Perfect for travelers seeking value without sacrificing comfort or amenities.
Deluxe Staterooms (Cat E)
$3,737 per person
Relax in a stylish river-view stateroom featuring plush bedding, ample storage, and all the essentials for a comfortable journey. Perfect for travelers seeking value without sacrificing comfort or amenities.
Deposits: $250 per person (non-refundable) | Final Payment Due: July 25, 2027
Why Book with Sea & Sun Travel
When you work with Sea and Sun Travel, you are partnering with experienced advisors who guide you through every stage of your journey. From early planning and cabin selection to pre and post cruise logistics, our role is to simplify the process and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Here is what you can expect when you book this Avalon river cruise through us:
Experienced river cruise guidance
Thoughtful recommendations from advisors familiar with European river cruising, including guidance on cabin selection, excursions, and how to make the most of each port.
Shipboard credit
Up to $300 in shipboard credit per cabin, with the amount based on your stateroom category, to use onboard at your discretion.
Avalon Waterways preparation guide
A comprehensive digital handbook with packing guidance, port overviews, and practical tips to help you feel prepared well before departure.
Pre and post cruise planning support
Assistance arranging hotel stays, transfers, and customized experiences before or after your cruise, including options such as Munich and the Bavarian Alps.
Support while traveling
On-call support throughout your journey to assist with questions, schedule changes, or unexpected needs while you are abroad.
Early booking appreciation
Guests who reserve by February 28, 2026 will receive additional surprises and added value as a thank you for early commitment.
Full service planning and coordination
We manage the research, bookings, payments, and documentation so your itinerary is organized, clear, and easy to follow.
Access to preferred amenities
Opportunities for upgrades, pre-paid gratuities, and curated experiences made available through our long-standing supplier partnerships.
Planning fee waived
Our standard river cruise planning fee is waived for this exclusive Sea and Sun sailing.
With Sea and Sun Travel, you gain a planning partner who brings structure, experience, and care to every step of the journey. The result is a river cruise that feels well considered, well supported, and designed around how you want to travel.
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