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
We highly recommend a COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster for this trip. We strongly encourage you take a COVID-19 test prior to leaving home for your trip to ensure you are COVID-negative. We will keep you updated with COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.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.
Before Your Trip
Whatâs Included and Whatâs Not
What's included?
Whatâs not included?
Airfare to Amsterdam and from ZĂźrich; transfer from the Amsterdam Airport to ship; optional excursions; alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated); phone/fax; travel insurance; and personal incidentals.
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 2024 Amsterdam to Switzerland Riverboat group on Facebook.
Olivia Honeymoons and Celebrations Registration
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.
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 Others
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.
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 and snacks while on board
- Complimentary sparkling wine 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 9, 2024
- Team Olivia assistance throughout
2024 AMSTERDAM TO SWITZERLAND RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 4/3/2023 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 4/4/2023 | 4/2/2024 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
We will not be offering vacation stretchers in Amsterdam. If you wish to arrive early, 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 post-cruise vacation stretchers in ZĂźrich and will announce more details approximately 9 months prior to sailing.
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 guests to arrive at least one day early 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
Your flight into Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) should arrive by 2 pm on April 2, 2024. Your flight home should be booked after 11 am to be eligible for the included group transfer from our riverboat to the ZĂźrich 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 200 Euros. If you are considering flight times close to these cutoff times, please call 800-631-6277 to confirm that the choice of flight will be acceptable.
Luggage Allowances
The included group 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.
Amsterdam Hotels
Ship Embarkation
Check-in
Official check-in will be available in the afternoon. For early arriving flights, you can board the ship, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Amsterdam. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.
Port location
The riverboat will be docked in Amsterdam at a location approximately 30-40 minutes from the Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which will be sent 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
Transfer to the riverboat
Upon arrival into Amsterdam, 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 60-75 Euros.
If you wish to arrive early, 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 post-cruise vacation stretchers in ZĂźrich and will announce more details approximately 8 months prior to sailing.
During your trip
Accommodations
Your ship
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bedSM and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary wifi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!
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.
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 non-smoking interior
- Lounge
- Beautiful bars & lounges
- Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
- Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board)
- Fitness center
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design throughout
- Included shore excursions with Local Guide, and all tipping to guides included
- Headsets for shore excursions
- Complimentary wifi access
- Space to relax and unwind
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes
- Coffee self-serve beverage station
- A lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge)
- Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
- Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, with complimentary juices and made-to-order egg station*
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro
- Chef-inspired regional recipes
- Four-course dinners with open seating
- Remarkable service throughout the cruise
- English-speaking crew
- 172-300 sq. ft. Staterooms and Suites, some of the largest on the river
- Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors
- Comfort Collection BedsSM
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L'Occitane bath products
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked minibar
- Nonallergenic duvets and pillows
- Bottled water replenished daily
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
A group transfer to the ZĂźrich Airport is included is included for flights booked after 11 am. The ZĂźrich Airport is approximately 1 hour from where the riverboat will dock in Basel. Guests with flights that depart prior to 11am will need to arrange their own taxi or other transit, which are generally very expensive.
Vacation Stretchers
We will not be offering vacation stretchers in Amsterdam. If you wish to arrive early, 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 post-cruise vacation stretchers in ZĂźrich and will announce more details approximately 9 months prior to sailing.
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.
