Glacier Express and The Romantic Rhine Cruise

 Remarkable scenery and some of Europe's most impressive destinations lie ahead as your cruise vacation begins today in Amsterdam. As you arrive in the Dutch capital, make your way to the waterfront, where your luxurious ship awaits on the Rhine.

You are welcomed aboard by the friendly crew and can sip a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside view and meeting the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers. There is time to unwind, familiarize yourself with the ship's amenities and settle into your cabin.    

Later this evening, we gather for our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant, with our meal accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to a fantastic cruise down the River Rhine. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

 Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before stepping ashore to get to know the Netherlands on one of two optional excursions.

You could admire Amsterdam - a city as historic as it is modern - on a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of its picturesque canals and architecture. 

  Alternatively, you could instead embark on an excursion 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 harbor.  

  Lunch is served onboard as we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first cruise of our vacation. You might like to find a seat on the sun deck to admire the changing scenery as the ship drifts down the Rhine. We have dinner onboard this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 On our approach to Cologne this morning, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. When we arrive, a guided walking tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit to 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. We also enjoy a tasting of local chocolate and beer before returning to the ship for lunch.  

Afterward, a coach transfer takes us to Königswinter to journey on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle, whose name translates as "Dragon's Rock" and has inspired many 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.     

Rejoining our ship in Königswinter, we depart after dinner, sailing toward the winding Moselle River and Cochem. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 During a morning of relaxed cruising, our ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards 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 during which 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 is time to stroll the picturesque streets and soak up the atmosphere at leisure. The central square is an excellent place to explore, surrounded by cafes, restaurants and shops.   

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

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 There is free time after breakfast this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. You could stroll to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, surrounded by inspiring vistas, including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. 

  Setting sail, we encounter a highlight of our cruise after lunch as we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO-listed section of the river is 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 inspired countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.   

Later, we dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the center of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, there is a choice of excursions. You could savor Rüdesheim's finest local varieties of wine with a tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner on the ship, you are free to explore the town's cobbled streets, including the Drosselgasse.  Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Cruising toward the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to 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.  

  Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. There is a beautiful Old Town, and among the highlights is the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important landmarks of the Holy Roman Empire.  

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

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, we dock with a choice of two excursions. The first is a trip into the Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park is filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. We learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region while exploring. 

  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. 

  Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the picturesque vistas en route. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 We enjoy our last breakfast onboard this morning before we disembark our ship for the final time in Basel. After saying goodbye to our wonderful crew, a coach transfer takes us to Basel's railway station, where we continue our journey by rail.

We first travel to Visp and then switch trains, proceeding along a scenic route to the iconic alpine resort of Zermatt for the second part of our trip. We check into our hotel for two nights in this stunning, car-free mountain village. Sitting at the heart of the Swiss Alps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding alpine peaks, including the mighty, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn. Take some time to get acquainted with your new surroundings and enjoy the dramatic scenery before rejoining the group for dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 After a relaxed breakfast, a journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway awaits us today. This celebrated cog railway trip ascends the Gornergrat with constant and magnificent views of the Matterhorn. The climb to the summit is just as impressive as the line itself, which is the second-highest railway in Europe. As we reach the top, stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks and valleys below are revealed. On a clear day, an astonishing 29 mountaintops are visible - including the best view of the Matterhorn.

Back amongst the low-pitched roofs of Zermatt's timbered chalets, an expert guide reveals the history and stories of this charming alpine resort. You can continue the day at your own pace from here and dine independently tonight, perhaps indulging in traditional Swiss cuisine in one of Zermatt's many cozy restaurants. Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast

 One of the world's most incredible rail journeys beckons today as we make our way to Zermatt's train station and board the magnificent Glacier Express. Our panoramic journey takes us through undeniably Swiss scenes of green meadows, dense, evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains, ambling along the beautiful Rhine Valley aboard "the slowest express train in the world."

We are engulfed in incredible scenery for the entirety of the route, never missing a moment as we enjoy a two-course lunch at our seats. We spiral up the mountains, crossing vast viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on our way to Chur.   

As we arrive and check into our hotel, you can explore Switzerland's oldest village's history, culture and sights at your own pace before dinner at the hotel this evening. Wander the Altstadt - the Old Town - to discover the town's lovely atmosphere. Overnight Chur.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 A journey of captivating waterside cities and stunning mountain views, this cruise and rail vacation has shown us many sides of Europe. We began on the River Rhine, discovering cultural Amsterdam and beautiful Cologne before sailing through the heart of the Moselle Valley to Cochem and Koblenz. Taking to the Rhine once more, we drifted through the stunning Rhine Gorge and to cities like Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg and Basel. We wrapped up our vacation surrounded by the pure Swiss majesty of the Alps, riding the Gornergrat Mountain Railway and the iconic Glacier Express.

Your vacation comes to a close after breakfast this morning. Make your way to Chur's railway station and board the train to Zürich. Continue from the city center to the airport station by rail, and then you are free to continue your onward travels home.

• Breakfast