Cruise the romantic Rhine, sailing through stunning scenery
and exploring historic cities before experiencing the iconic
Glacier Express, staying in the alpine resort of Zermatt
Experience a vacation of a lifetime with an enchanting Rhine
River cruise followed by a rail adventure on the renowned Glacier
Express. From the streets of Amsterdam to the picturesque Moselle
Valley and the legendary Rhine Gorge, every moment is a cultural
experience.
Marvel at Cologne's architecture, explore the traditional towns
of Cochem and Rüdesheim, and delve into the rich history of
Heidelberg and Speyer. This adventure continues to Zermatt with a
spectacular journey on the iconic Glacier Express, where panoramic
windows unveil Switzerland's most stunning alpine landscapes.
Unforgettable Experiences
Ride iconic railways through Swiss landscapes
Journey through breathtaking mountain scenery on the renowned Glacier Express and enjoy some of the most sensational views of the Matterhorn on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway. Journey through breathtaking mountain scenery on the renowned Glacier Express and enjoy some of the most sensational views of the Matterhorn on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway.
Admire the Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing views from our ship of the spellbinding castles, verdant forests, vineyard-clad slopes and the towering Lorelei Rock.
Stay in Zermatt and Chur
Enjoy stays in idyllic Zermatt, waking to views of the mighty Matterhorn mountain, and in picture-perfect Chur – Switzerland’s oldest village - with time to explore these beautiful locations.
Tour Heidelberg
Explore this beautiful riverside city with an expert guide, strolling by wonderful medieval buildings and seeing its ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city.
Discover the culture of Rüdesheim
Wander the city’s Drosselgasse, a famous alleyway lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars, and choose between a local wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
What’s included on the tour?
Tour Manager
Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour/Cruise Manager team
Transportation
1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Cruise
7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Star
Five-Star service onboard from our English-speaking crew
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Excursions & Entertainment
A superb choice of excursions
Onboard Dutch Sea Shanty Choir performance
Swiss Travel Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
Food & Drink
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 2 dinners on your Glacier Express tour
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers
Itinerary
Boarding our luxurious ship in Amsterdam
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.
Includes
Dinner
Amsterdam canal boat cruise or visiting Volendam
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrival in Cologne and riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Cochem at the heart of the Moselle Valley
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Through the idyllic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reaching Strasbourg and optional Black Forest excursion
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Into the Alps to Zermatt
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Beautiful views on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
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.
Includes
Breakfast
The iconic Glacier Express to Chur
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour conclusion
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.
We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for
departures on this tour. You can find out which class each
departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing
grid. (Look for S - Standard Class and F - First Class)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Undoubtedly Switzerland's best-known train, the Glacier Express
winds its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful
scenery. Called 'the slowest express train in the world', the
panoramic carriages allow us to soak in the spectacular views as we
traverse incredible mountain passes, picturesque villages and
valleys between the popular alpine resorts of St Moritz and
Zermatt. Enroute, the train clings to the mountainsides on the
Albula Line, zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over
bridges, and delves into the Rhine Valley - also known as the
'Swiss Grand Canyon'.
Running for less than six miles, the Gornergrat Mountain
Railway transports passengers from the pretty town of Zermatt to
the summit of the Gornergrat, some 10,135ft above sea level, where
on a clear day you can see 29 peaks, including unparalleled views
of the Matterhorn. First opened in 1898, this is the highest
railway in Europe to run mostly in the open air (the Jungfrau
Railway runs to a higher point but mostly in tunnels).
Europe's first high-speed train and France's premier connection
between more than 60 cities, the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) has
served passengers with comfort and style for 40 years. Nearly 665
miles (1,070 kilometers) of interlinked track make up the TGV
network, connecting Calais at the northernmost corner of France,
just past the Channel Tunnel, with Marseille on the cusp of the
Mediterranean Sea. In between these destinations, travelers may
venture to Paris, Lille, Dijon, Lyon, Strasbourg, or any number of
locales in either single or double-decker train cars that travel at
speeds of up to 200 mph.