Get all your information on Olivia's upcoming Amsterdam to Switzerland Riverboat Cruise.
About Our Destination
Being Gay in Europe
Being LGBT is widely accepted in all of the countries we visit.
Climate
In spring, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 55 degrees, to a sunny, warm 80 degrees! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
Holland, Germany and France use the Euro. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
Languages
The languages most commonly spoken in the countries weâll visit are Dutch, German (and the Swiss German dialect), and French, but most people also speak English!
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster and a negative COVID-19 test are required for this trip. We will keep you updated with the vendorâs Health and Safety COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.
Avalon Protocols
To learn more about Avalon's Health & Safety protocols, please click here. Please note, protocols may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Pre-Trip Health Screening
To learn more about Avalon's Pre-Trip Health Screening protocols, please click here. Please note, pre-trip health screening requirements may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Travel & Entry Requirements
With international travel resuming, weâve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.
Before Your Trip
Whatâs Included and Whatâs Not
What's included?
Whatâs not included?
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Community: Joining the Online Trip Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Oliviaâs official 2023 Amsterdam to Switzerland Riverboat group on Facebook.
Honeymoons and Other Celebrations
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Olivia Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your vacation, weâve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Special Occasions
If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Specific NeedsâMedical, Mobility, Dietary, and Otherwise
If you have medical, mobility, or dietary requirements that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Passport and Visa
If you are a US citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. You will not need to get a visa for travel to Switzerland, France, Germany, or the Netherlands.
If you are not a US citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip and you should check with both your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to determine whether you need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Vacation Stretchers
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on âTravelerâs Healthâ followed by âVaccinations.â
- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights onboard the Avalon Expression, 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 and Avalon cruise director
- Group transfer from the ship in Basel to the ZĂźrich airport on April 18, 2023
- Olivia staff assistance throughout
- Transfer to the ship in Amsterdam
- Optional tours
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated)
- Phone and fax services
2023 AMSTERDAM TO SWITZERLAND RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 4/11/2022 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 4/12/2022 | 4/11/2023 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your vacation, weâve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
We will not be offering optional vacation stretchers in Amsterdam. We do encourage you to arrive at least one day early in case of any travel delays. If you plan to extend your time in Amsterdam, the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is one of the best located hotels. We also recommend the Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, although itâs a little further away, but still walking distance from the city center and train station.
We will offer a 2-night and 3-night post vacation stretcher in Zurich â one of our most popular and favorite stretchers in Europe. Both packages will include a centrally location hotel, plus a visit to the Swiss Alps, a tour of Lucerne, a stop at a chocolate factory to make your own Swiss chocolate bar and a cheese factory (tastings included)! We plan to announce the pricing and details of these exciting vacation stretchers in the next 2 months. Stay tuned for more information.
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) and out of ZĂźrich Airport (ZRH). We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our Pre- and Post-Cruise Vacation Stretchers to enjoy all that Amsterdam and ZĂźrich have to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight arrival and departure times
If arriving in Amsterdam on the first day of our trip (April 11, 2023), please arrive at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) no later than 2 pm. For your departure on April 18, 2023, your flight must depart the Zurich Airport no earlier than 11 am for you to be eligible for the included group transfer from our riverboat to the airport. If your flight departs prior to 11 am, you may need to arrange for your own taxi transfer to the airport, which can cost over âŹ200. If you are considering flight times close to these cutoff times, please call 800-631-6277 to confirm that they are okay.
Luggage Allowances
The included bus transfer, from the riverboat to ZĂźrich Airport, limits luggage to one piece per person, plus a carry-on. Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.
Ship Embarkation
Check-in
If you arrive in Amsterdam early on April 11, 2023, you can board the ship any time after 8 am to drop off your luggage and either enjoy the public spaces or venture out to enjoy Amsterdam on your own. Your suite or stateroom will be available to you after 4 pm.
Port location
The riverboat dock will be located approximately 30-40 minutes from Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). The exact dock will not be determined until closer to our sailing date, and possibly not until that day. If we are unable to provide the exact location of the port prior to our sailing date, we will provide a phone number to call on the day of embarkation to obtain the address and information about transit options.
Transfer to the riverboat
It will be your responsibility to arrange for your transportation to the riverboat dock. We estimate a rideshare or taxi from Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) to the riverboat dock will cost approximately 60-75âŹ.
During your trip
Accommodations
Your ship
The beautifully designed Avalon Expression features sliding glass doors in almost every stateroom. The staterooms and suites are well appointed and are among the largest available on any riverboat. Some of the features and amenities youâll enjoy on board:
Cabin amenities:
Dining
Fine dining on the Avalon Expression features European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is offered as sit-down menu service with open seating.
Electricity
The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C).
Entertainment & Programming
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way.
Narration will be provided about the Rhine and its many locks, and special talks will be given about the history of the areas we visit.
River cruising is all about port destinations. Donât expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps youâll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. Itâs your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of âClub O,â with our talented staff taking turns being a âguest DJâ to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately âŹ39 to âŹ79, may be booked on board and will not conflict with the included tours.
Gentle Walkers
Whenever possible, we will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walkingâperhaps guests with scooters or canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take photos. For those with mobility issues, we suggest purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide. There are many different styles to choose from online on sites such as amazon.com.
Please note that on the optional tours, we are not able to offer a Gentle Walkers group. If you are unsure of your ability to take a specific tour, please discuss your concerns with the cruise director on board.
Gratuities
Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maĂŽtre dâ, reception, bar staff and other-behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.
Tipping is also included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion.
Internet, Email, and Fax
Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.
Medical Services
The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: On-Board Purchases
The currency used on board is Euros (âŹ). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the shipâs front office for further details.
Phone
Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.
Smoking policy
The interior of the Avalon Expression is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabinâs Open-Air SM balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solos
Guests traveling independently can look forward to Solos programs led by our Solos coordinator, who will ensure you have a great time.
- An entirely nonsmoking interior
- Elegant, contemporary design and panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Spaces to relax and unwind: library, beautiful bar, lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge), and sun deck
- Air conditioning
- Laundry service (check pricing on board)
- Fitness center
- Included shore excursions with local guide, and all tipping to guides included
- Headsets for shore excursions
- Complimentary wifi access
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes, as well as a self-serve coffee station
- Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
- Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, complimentary juices, and made-to-order egg station
- Complimentary regional wines, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Al fresco lunches in the Sky Grill on the sun deck
- Four-course chef-inspired dinners with regional recipes
- Remarkable service throughout the cruise
- English-speaking crew
- 172- to 200-sq ft staterooms and 300-sq ft suites, some of the largest on the river
- Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors
- Air conditioning
- Large bathroom with glass-doored showers
- Premium L'Occitane bath amenities
- Flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels
- Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage
- Nonallergenic duvets and pillows
- Pillow-top Comfort Collection beds
- Egyptian cotton sheets
- Safe
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
A group transfer to the ZĂźrich Airport is included for flights booked after 11 am. The ZĂźrich Airport is approximately 1 hour from where the riverboat will dock in Basel.
Guests taking flights that depart before 11 am will need to arrange their own taxi or other transit to the airport, which are generally very expensive, or risk missing their flight.
Vacation Stretchers
We will not be offering optional vacation stretchers in Amsterdam. We do encourage you to arrive at least one day early in case of any travel delays. If you plan to extend your time in Amsterdam, the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is one of the best located hotels. We also recommend the Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, although itâs a little further away, but still walking distance from the city center and train station.
We will offer a 2-night and 3-night post vacation stretcher in Zurich â one of our most popular and favorite stretchers in Europe. Both packages will include a centrally location hotel, plus a visit to the Swiss Alps, a tour of Lucerne, a stop at a chocolate factory to make your own Swiss chocolate bar and a cheese factory (tastings included)! We plan to announce the pricing and details of these exciting vacation stretchers in the next 2 months. Stay tuned for more information.
This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. A âGentle Walkersâ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible.
If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb cutouts) and stairs.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
