Recently, we embarked on an unforgettable Rhine River Cruise with Avalon Waterways, travelling from Zurich northbound to Amsterdam. Through this travelogue, we invite the Global Bangladesh readers to join us on this remarkable adventure, as we share stories of lively cities, serene landscapes, and the wonderful sense of community we discovered aboard our floating sanctuary. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer, seniors like us eager to discover new places, or simply enjoy journeying from the comfort of home, we hope our enchanting experiences will both inspire and bring joy to you all.
Journey to Zurich: Arrival and First Impressions
Our adventure began on 20th September 2025, departing from Vancouver with anticipation swirling like the clouds outside our airplane window. The ten-hour flight was a gentle transition from the familiar to the unknown, culminating in a late Sunday morning descent over Zurich. As the city came into view, we were greeted by a lush tapestry of green fields, shimmering lakes, and the majestic Alps—an immediate reminder of Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Upon arrival, a taxi whisked us to Hotel Wellenberg, a boutique establishment nestled at the centre of Zurich. The building, first constructed in 1905, bore the charm of history within its walls. Though check-in was not until 3 pm, we left our luggage with the staff and set out to explore under a gloriously sunny sky. The city’s canals and bridges, some reserved strictly for pedestrians, wove through narrow, brick-built lanes and gentle hills.
Photo credit: M. Zaman/Infront of Wellenberg Hotel (left), and Street in Old Downtown, Zurich (right).
We lunched at a roadside Swiss restaurant, watching the downtown go by over a salad so fresh it seemed plucked from the fields that morning. Switzerland’s bounty of vegetables and fruits was evident in every bite. After checking in, we eagerly purchased tickets for a Gray Line city tour, expecting a short walk to the departure point. Instead, we wandered for nearly 45 minutes, gaining an impromptu survey of central Zurich: museums, parks, swans gliding beneath a lovers’ bridge adorned with padlocks, and the bustling transport hubs.
Around the Museum campus in Zurich (left). Lovers’ bridge with padlocks across Zurich Lake (right) meant for pedestrian only.
Dinner that evening was at Swiss Chuchi, the celebrated kitchen of Hotel Adler, beside our hotel. We had to line up and wait for an hour before we got a table—testament to its popularity. Fortunately, our umbrellas kept us dry, a small but appreciated comfort after a day full of new experiences. The food was worth waiting!
Exploring Zurich: History, Culture, and Local Life
Monday dawned with grey skies and gentle rain, a stark contrast to the previous day’s sunshine. Still, the city tour by Gray Line offered rich insights. Our guide led us down the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, through the banking centre, and along the lakeside, where snowcapped mountains loomed in the distance. We traversed parts of the old town, marvelling at guild houses and historic churches such as St. Peter, then moved on to the university quarter, residential Zurichberg, the national museum, and the Kunsthaus art gallery.
Glimpses from the Gray Line Tour of Zurich.
The guide shared fascinating details: only 10% of Zurich’s residents own their homes, while 90% live in secure, state-protected rentals, rarely moving. Seniors are well cared for, with the government providing both in-home caregivers and dedicated senior homes. Swiss banks, legendary for their secrecy, reportedly hold a third of the world’s wealth and immense stores of gold—rumoured to be hidden underground. “Punctuality is the characteristic of Switzerland,” our guide said, a sentiment we found a fact throughout our stay.
Pre-Cruise Experience: Preparing for the Adventure
After the city’s history and hospitality, our next step was a transfer to the Radisson hotel, made seamless by a well-dressed, courteous driver named K. Khan. Born and raised in Switzerland with Turkish ancestry, Khan exemplified the country’s multicultural spirit. He ensured our comfort at every stage, even verifying our reservation personally at the hotel counter. A brief but heartfelt interaction left us with a lasting impression of Swiss hospitality.
A pre-cruise dinner at the hotel restaurant set the tone for the days ahead. A simple cup of hot water came at a premium—reminding us of Switzerland’s reputation for quality, if not the high price. The anticipation for the cruise was intense as we settled in for the night, bags packed and spirits high.
Embarkation and Life Aboard the Avalon Ship
Tuesday morning, the excitement peaked as we met the Avalon representative in the hotel lobby. Breakfast was a delight, prepared by Abdul Gaffar, a Bangladeshi chef whose pride in his daughter’s linguistic prowess (speaking seven languages at just thirteen) added a personal touch to the meal.
After checking in, we and our fellow passengers boarded an Avalon bus bound for the dock in Huningue, France—a journey of about ninety minutes that traced a route through Basel, Switzerland, and into Germany and France. Border crossings were effortless, despite Switzerland’s non-membership in the European Union. We board the ship from Huningue, not Basel. Once aboard the ship, we settled into room 218 on the second floor, immediately impressed by the amenities and thoughtful design of the cabin that beats 5-Star hotel.
Left: Avalon Cruise ship docked in Huningue (France); Habiba in Cabin 218 inside the ship
Lunch was served buffet-style in the Panorama Lounge, with a fantastic sweeping river views. While Zaman napped, Habiba explored the ship, discovering the Club Lounge—a haven for tea and snacks—and the main-floor Panorama Lounge, a hub for socializing and refreshments. That afternoon, all passengers attended a mandatory safety briefing conducted by Cruise Director Ms. Simona; introductions to crew members fostered a sense of community among the 161 guests, a mosaic of Canadians, Americans, Australians, and New Zealanders.
Dinner was a formal affair in the Panorama Dining Room, with printed menus offering salads, soups, main courses, desserts, and a variety of drinks. I opted for the chef’s salad, fish and vegetable soup, local fish, fresh fruits, bitter lemon soft drink (a regional specialty), and green tea. At 5 pm, the ship cast off from Huningue, gliding towards Breisach, Germany—the start of our Rhine adventure.
Cruise Route and Excursions: Scenic Europe Unfolds
The northbound Rhine River cruise journeyed through both Germany and France before concluding in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Highlights of the route included stops in Breisach, Germany (gateway to the Black Forest), Strasbourg (France), Mainz, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Cologne in Germany, and finally Amsterdam. The route offered travelers a blend of scenic landscapes, historic cities, and cultural experiences along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.
Our first full day aboard began early, with a buffet breakfast featuring cereals, omelettes, locally baked whole wheat bread, and tea. By 8:15 am, we were off the ship, ready for a day-long tour of the Black Forest and a visit to a Cuckoo Clock workshop.
The journey through Germany’s Black Forest unveiled a panorama of mountains, farmland, and dense woodlands. Traditional and modern farmhouses, some equipped with solar panels, dotted the landscape alongside fields of corn and groves of apple and apricot trees. We passed herds of sheep, cows, horses, and even mountain goats, while storks—migratory birds frequenting the region in autumn—nested atop electricity poles. The tour guide painted vivid pictures of life in Black Forest farmhouses, shaped by sixteen centuries of tradition, harsh weather, and the resilience of farming families.
We explored a recreated farmhouse, observing demonstrations of German women’s traditional dress and the labour-intensive process of butter-making. A taste of fresh butter on local bread was a simple pleasure. The realities of historical farm life emerged: repeated marriages due to early deaths of wives (often from childbirth or lung cancer caused by poorly ventilated kitchens), and a unique architectural style where animal sheds, fodder storage, dining, and living spaces were integrated under one roof.
Left to right: Horses beside the recreated farmhouse; Local women in traditional dress and our guide Victoria; Black Forest Cake at the restaurant.
Lunch at a local restaurant featured the famed Black Forest cake, after which we witnessed the intricate workings of a Cuckoo clock. At the nearby shop, Zaman chose a sleek black hat, and Habiba purchased a soft, light brown leather handbag – a small memento of an unforgettable day.
Historical Sites and Cultural Highlights
Beyond the enchanting Black Forest, our journey continued to Strasbourg—an elegant French city with a distinctly German name, nestled near the Franco-German border. Here, we embarked on a guided City Sightseeing tour, marvelling at Strasbourg’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. The cathedral’s soaring stained-glass windows, ancient murals, and renowned astronomical clock left a lasting impression. During our free time, we explored a local museum and strolled through the charming city centre, soaking in the blend of French and German influences.
Our next destination was Mainz, with an excursion to Heidelberg—a day steeped in history and romance. Accompanied by our guide, we visited the storied Heidelberg Castle and its picturesque ruins overlooking the city and Heidelberg University. Heidelberg captivated us from the start; we fell in love with its vibrant atmosphere, taking a leisurely walk along the university’s narrow streets in the lively downtown area, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and bustling cafés.
On Day 5, our itinerary led us to Rüdesheim for a guided tour of the fascinating Mechanical Music Museum. We were taken by a Choo Choo train to the Museum. It was a real fun! The museum’s collection of intricate musical instruments and automated devices delighted us with their ingenious craftsmanship. Afterward, we relaxed with a delightful coffee at Café Romantic, savouring both the ambience and the flavours of the region. From Rüdesheim en route to Cologne, we saw the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with breathtaking views of ancient castles high above the mountains.
Left to right clockwise: Strasbourg’s Gothic Cathedral, Heidelberg Castle ruins; Heidelberg City/University; strolling in the Heidelberg downtown campus; Choo Choo train to the Mechanical Music Museum; Café Romantic in Rüdesheim.
We arrived in Cologne on Day 6, eager to explore one of Germany’s most iconic city. Our choice for the day was the Guided City Walk, led by a local graduate student in history whose knowledge and wit made the tour both informative and entertaining. The highlight was undoubtedly the majestic twin-spired Gothic cathedral, soaring above the city and commanding attention with its architectural grandeur.
Left to right: The twin-spired Gothic Cathedral, castle across the Rhine, and acrobatics near the river front.
The historic downtown surrounding the cathedral was bustling with art and cultural events, creating a lively atmosphere. After the tour, we enjoyed some free time to wander the picturesque streets on our own. Both banks of the Rhine revealed a panorama of beautifully preserved old buildings, castles, churches, and charming riverside lodges and residences, enhancing the city’s allure. By that afternoon, we bid farewell to Cologne and embarked on an overnight cruise towards Amsterdam, carrying with us vivid memories of Cologne’s rich history and vibrant character.
Upon arriving in Amsterdam, we enjoyed an additional day aboard the ship, immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Guided by an Avalon tour expert, we embarked on the classic canal cruise—an unforgettable journey through waterways, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Finally, on Day 8, following a leisurely breakfast, our official cruise adventure came to an end.
Life Onboard: Routines, Connections, and Entertainment
Life aboard the Avalon ship was a blend of relaxation and engagement. Days began with breakfast in the Panorama Dining Room, followed by excursions or leisure time. Passengers gathered in lounges for drinks and conversation, forging friendships over shared meals and sunset views. The Club Lounge’s self-serve snacks and tea offered comfort between excursions, while the Panorama Lounge buzzed with activity each evening.
Crew members, introduced at the safety session, quickly became familiar faces, always ready with a helpful hand or a warm smile. The diverse national profiles of the passengers and crew members enriched the experience, with stories and laughter echoing through the ship. Entertainment ranged from performance by local bands, jazz and others to relaxed evenings spent watching the world drift by, the gentle movement of the river a constant companion.
Amsterdam: Museums, Windmills, and Heritage
After disembarking from the Avalon Cruise ship, we extended our stay in Amsterdam, settling into a comfortable hotel in the Museum District in the city for two additional nights before our return flight home. During this time, we dedicated a full day to exploring both the Amsterdam Museum and the acclaimed Van Gogh Museum, gaining deeper insights into the city’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The following day, we joined a daylong excursion arranged through Tour & Tickets, departing from Amsterdam Central Station. This journey took us to the historic windmill villages—a celebrated and popular destination for travellers since 1901—where we experienced traditional Dutch life and marvelled at the iconic windmills set amidst charming landscapes.
Right to left: In front of Van Gogh Museum and the historic windmills villages.
Reflections and Thoughts
As our cruise concluded and we settled into Amsterdam, we found ourselves reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences that had shaped our journey. Travelling from Zurich to Amsterdam revealed an ever-changing panorama of landscapes and lively cities, each with its own unique charm and character. We departed with vivid impressions of Swiss warmth, German traditions, Netherlands’ windmills, and the camaraderie of sharing these adventures with fellow travellers from around the world. The memories we took home—of sweeping vistas, meaningful connections, and the tranquil rhythm of the Rhine—continue to resonate long after our return, reminding us of the journey’s enduring impact. The cruise, beyond the scenic splendour, offered us a rich tapestry of historical and cultural experiences.
Mohammad Zaman
Dr. Mohammad Zaman is an internationally known development/ resettlement specialist. He has worked in many major projects for the World Bank in Bangladesh and in other countries in Asia and Africa. Dr. Zaman’s most recent edited book (co-editor Mustafa Alam) is titled Living on the Edge: Char Dwellers in Bangladesh, Springer, 2021. E-mail: mqzaman.bc@gmail.com
Habiba Zaman
Habiba Zaman is Professor Emeritus at Simon Fraser University. She was also an associate member of SFU Labour Studies Program. Professor Zaman is author of several books, journal articles, reports, and conference proceedings including Asian Immigrants in “Two Canadas”: Racialization, Marginalization, and Deregulated Work (2012; translated in Mandarin, 2021). She is a co-editor of Canada 150 Conference Proceedings on Migration of Bengalis (2018) https://doi.org/10.21810/sfulibrary.73. E-mail: habiba_zaman@sfu.ca
