Rhine River Cruise 2025

Last summer, I had the joy of leading a small group of friends and clients—fellow Murray State alums—on a Rhine River cruise with Avalon Waterways, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel. We made the most of our time together right from the start, arriving a few days early to soak in the charm of Amsterdam. The city greeted us with sunshine, a lively breeze, and endless things to discover. We cruised along the canals, visited the iconic windmills just outside the city, and spent hours wandering the streets, simply enjoying being in such a beautiful place.

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Once we boarded our Avalon ship, the real adventure began. Europe reminded us that summer heat means business, but thankfully the cool comfort onboard was always waiting for us. Our journey took us through Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Colmar, among other postcard-perfect stops along the Rhine. One of the most memorable days was our cruise through the Rhine Gorge—rainy, misty, and somehow even more magical for it. We glided past castle after castle, each one appearing through the clouds like something out of a storybook.

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The trip wrapped up near Basel, but the memories didn’t end there. We continued on to Lucerne for two lovely nights, and our visit to the Stanserhorn was an absolute highlight. Riding the funicular and the open-top cable car felt like floating into the sky, and the sweeping Alpine views were nothing short of breathtaking. It was, without question, my favorite day of the entire journey.

Traveling with friends—especially those who knew you in the college days—adds a special kind of joy. We reminisced, laughed until we cried, and shared stories that only old friends truly understand. Being on the Rhine together was more than a vacation—it was a reunion, a celebration of friendship, and an experience I’ll always hold dear.