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Glacier Express & the Majestic Rhine

 
4.4 stars(42 reviews)
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Duration
11 days
From per person
$4,395 $3,995
Tour code
GER26
Mobility Rating 2
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Experience the iconic Glacier Express train journey through Switzerland before embarking on a luxury Rhine cruise through Germany's romantic Rhine Gorge

Enjoy one of the world's finest rail journeys aboard the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt and admire Matterhorn views from the charming Gornergrat Railroad.

Descending the Alps, set sail on a sensational Rhine cruise, indulging in luxurious amenities and superb service. Enroute, savor incredible vistas of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Wander through the picture-perfect towns of Rüdesheim and Cochem and delve into the region's history in Heidelberg and Cologne.

Reaching Amsterdam, conclude this unforgettable vacation with either a guided tour of the Dutch capital or an excursion to Edam.

Unforgettable Experiences

Experiencing the iconic Glacier Express
Experiencing the iconic Glacier Express
Ride one of the world’s greatest rail journeys from Chur to Zermatt, admiring awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and picturesque alpine valleys from panoramic carriages.
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with hilltop castles, verdant forests and vineyard-clad slopes, and discover the legends of the Lorelei Rock.
Viewing the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad
Viewing the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad
Embark on a six-mile journey aboard the second-highest railroad in Europe, witnessing unparalleled vistas of the Matterhorn from the summit.
Staying in the popular alpine resort of Zermatt
Staying in the popular alpine resort of Zermatt
Spend two nights in one of Switzerland’s most scenic towns, Zermatt. This mountain town is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere – and stunning views of the mighty Matterhorn.
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Delve into the history of this picturesque riverside city a guided tour, marveling at the ruins of a red sandstone castle that towers over this renowned university city.
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Explore the well-preserved riverside town of Cochem, at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and dominated by the fairytale Reichsburg Castle.

Step Aboard the Luxurious MS Amadeus Star

Enticing Onboard Amenities
Enticing Onboard Amenities
With nightly entertainment on the ship, a fitness center, massage facilities, shuffleboard, giant chess, a wine bar, an exclusive Amadeus Club, and included meals, each journey can be as exciting – or relaxed – as you choose.
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Each meal is an event to remember during your Rhine cruise, with regionally inspired breakfast and lunch options, delicious four-course dinners with complimentary drinks, and a fantastic captain’s gala on the final night.
Attentive Service
Attentive Service
As you cruise down the romantic Rhine River, enjoy impeccable service from a well-trained staff, each member there to answer your questions, refresh your beverages and ensure your comfort as you drift between ports.
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Whether a Deluxe Suite on the Upper Deck, a Deluxe Stateroom on the Upper or Middle Decks, or a Classic Stateroom on the Lower Deck, each cabin offers an idyllic retreat on the water.
Noteworthy Destinations
Noteworthy Destinations
A showcase of heritage and culture awaits along the Rhine, with ports of call ranging from cultural cities and historical hotspots to breathtaking natural expanses, including the Rhine Gorge, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.

What to Expect on a Vacations By Rail River Cruise

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What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1A beautiful alpine arrival

Your European rail and cruise vacation begins as you land at Zürich Airport. Making your way independently by First Class rail, you enjoy a scenic journey deep into the mountains. This beautiful route takes you past gleaming lakes into the Swiss Alps. The imposing peaks begin to surround you as the landscape becomes more dramatic on the approach to your destination, Chur - Switzerland's oldest town.

Checking in to the hotel this afternoon, there is free time until dinner this evening - when you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of your traveling group. Wandering Chur's Old Town, you can discover the boutiques, traditional restaurants and cozy bars that add to the town's welcoming atmosphere. There is also an array of interesting museums, from the Bündner contemporary art gallery and Cathedral Treasury Museum to the Rätisches Museum documenting the region's history.

*On some departures, we will stay in Davos or Bad Ragaz instead of Chur.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2The iconic Glacier Express to idyllic Zermatt

A highlight of your vacation awaits after breakfast as we board the incredible Glacier Express. One of the world's most famous train journeys, the 'slowest express train in the world' travels at an average speed of 24mph through breathtaking alpine scenery.

From our panoramic carriages, we can admire undeniably Swiss scenes of wildflower meadows, dense forests and snow-capped mountains as the route delves into the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' and spirals up the mountains. The astonishing landscapes continue to impress with snow-dusted peaks and picture-perfect Swiss villages lining our ascent to Andermatt. Emerging from the nine-mile-long Furka Base Tunnel, we descend alongside a river before climbing once again up the dramatic Matter Valley. Thundering waterfalls and rugged mountains guide us into beautiful Zermatt.

In this car-free mountain village, we check in to our hotel for two nights. Sitting at the heart of the Swiss Alps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding alpine peaks including the mighty Matterhorn.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Matterhorn views from the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad

Waking up in Zermatt, we enjoy breakfast before setting off on a delightful heritage train ride. More than 125 years old, the charming Gornergrat Mountain Railroad is Switzerland's original electric rack railroad and the second highest in Europe. Climbing over picturesque valleys and through lush alpine forests, the train carries us to an altitude of more than 10,000ft above sea level.

The spectacular views from the top are utterly jaw-dropping, and on a clear day an astonishing 29 mountaintops are visible. We have time to soak in these spellbinding vistas, including the best view of the majestic Matterhorn's pyramidal peak. This famous mountain is an iconic symbol of Switzerland, and its striking shape also provided the inspiration for the design of Toblerone.

Back amongst the low-pitched roofs of Zermatt's timbered chalets, an expert guide reveals that this charming alpine resort has several surprising connections to the UK, including the intriguing story of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. We dine independently tonight, and you could opt for one of Zermatt's many cozy restaurants.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Boarding our luxurious ship in Basel

We leave beautiful Zermatt after breakfast, traveling back to Basel by rail. First, we wind down the gorgeous Matter Valley to Visp, admiring the stunning scenery on the way. Our journey continues past the glistening waters of Lake Thun and the quaint lakeside town of Spiez with its 10th-century castle.

In Basel, close to the borders with Germany and France, we're escorted to our luxurious cruise ship moored on the Rhine and welcomed aboard by our wonderful crew. There's time to relax into our new home on the river and familiarize yourself with the ship's excellent facilities.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner in the panoramic restaurant and set sail on an overnight cruise on the Rhine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5Arrival in Strasbourg with optional Black Forest excursion

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

Back on our ship this evening, we enjoy drinks with dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Sailing the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer

During breakfast, we can admire views of the Upper Rhine as we glide northwards to Speyer.

There is a choice of excursions today, and you can opt to stay in Speyer to discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alternatively, join a coach trip to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The university town is known for its pretty Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests and river.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7Through the magical Rhine Gorge from Rüdesheim

This morning, we travel through charming Rüdesheim aboard a land train, arriving in the center of the renowned wine town. Here, there's a choice of excursions. You could savor Rüdesheim's most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or discover Europe's largest collection of mechanical instruments at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Afterwards, there's time at leisure.

We begin sailing this afternoon and enjoy a highlight of the vacation - gliding through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO-listed section renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

Arriving in the city of Koblenz, you have time to explore. We recommend visiting Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Later, we make our way back to the ship, where dinner is served onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Exploring Cochem at the heart of the Moselle Valley

Setting sail early this morning, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River. After a morning of relaxed cruising past the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley, we arrive in Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-colored buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural center. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and stores. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

*Please note: On the departure sailing 06/10/2026, the excursion to Cochem will be by coach due to maintenance on the locks.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY9Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn and arrival in Cologne

Docking in Königswinter this morning, we return to shore after breakfast for a fantastic trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railroad. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock' and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Traveling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Back onboard this afternoon, we continue our cruise through beautiful scenery towards Cologne. During the approach, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. On arrival, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit the city's impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner and drinks before embarking on an overnight cruise towards the Netherlands.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY10Amsterdam or uncovering Volendam

We spend the early morning sailing through the Lower Rhine, with a change in scenery further downstream as we approach The Netherlands. Arriving in Amsterdam early this afternoon, we take a canal cruise sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, a cultural city that's as modern as it is historic, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

After the cruise, you could choose to stay in Amsterdam and continue exploring at leisure or take the optional excursion - a visit to Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

If you decide to stay in Amsterdam to look around independently, you could visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, or the famous Flower Market.

Back on board our ship this evening, we gather for a gala dinner accompanied by the songs of the Dutch Sea Shanty Choir - the perfect end to our Rhine cruise.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY11Homeward bound

Combining an iconic train journey with a relaxing cruise is the ideal way to get close to the stunning Swiss Alps and beautiful Rhine. Riding the world-famous Glacier Express from Chur to tranquil Zermatt provided front-row seats to Switzerland's jaw-dropping scenery. Afterwards, sailing from Basel to Amsterdam showcased the changing landscapes of the Rhine, from the Black Forest to the beautiful Rhine Gorge and the Netherlands' tulip fields.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. You are free to make your way to Amsterdam Schiphol airport, ready for your flight back home.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Train & Ship Information

See more details about this tour's trains and ships.

MS Amadeus Star Cabin DS | Vacations by Rail

Travel the rivers in the utmost comfort and style when you choose to stay in one of our incredible Deluxe Suites. These cabins are larger than the others on board, at 26.4 square metres, and come with additional touches that adds just that extra touch of opulence.

MS Amadeus Star Cabin A1| Vacations by Rail

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

MS Amadeus Star Cabin B1 | Vacations by Rail

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

MS Amadeus Star Cabin C1| Vacations by Rail

We take great pride in the quality, comfort and elegance that makes up the 16 square metres of our Classic Staterooms, which make up the majority of our on board accommodation. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions.

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 42 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (21)
  2. 4 stars
    (16)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Stephanie Mowery

5 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

I absolutely loved the rail portion of our trip - the sights along the way were amazing, our tour guide Nick Alford was great and the accommodations/meals were top notch. The cruise portion was comparable - might would consider alternate excursions, but understand majority of group older and less mobile. I cannot say enough about the cruise staff’s attention to detail and service from housekeeping/dishwashers to reception and deckhands/captains. Large variety of excellent food. And last but not least, Jacqui and Debs as cruise directors were great at predicting our entertainment and transfer needs. All the things I was anxious about regarding international travel were moot on this trip!

Collected by Trustpilot

Robert

5 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

It was a great scenic trip and very enjoyable in just about all aspects. The most annoying thing was the wait (1 hour to 1 1/2 hours) between the appetizer and getting your meal delivered to you as you were sitting in the Bad Ragaz hotel restaurant, and some nights on the ship at dinner. Portions were skimpy, and as one other passenger said, we were getting served childs meals on some meals aboard ship.

Collected by Trustpilot

Betty Lorenz

5 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Beautiful scenery and gorgeous views. Most pleasant trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Nadine Pappas-Wilkes

5 stars

Submitted 16/Jun

The tour was well organized. The tour guides for the individual cities were so knowledgeable and fun. Very well done.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mary Kae Brentlinger

5 stars

Submitted 10/Jun

It was an amazing trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Chris Menges

5 stars

Submitted 24/May

Tour’s excellent- good pace. Not too hectic but got to see a lot of things. Amadeus star was great - wonderful staff and food

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