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Germany & Eastern Europe

Glacier Express & The Magic of the Moselle and Rhine

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Combine a cruise on one of Europe’s more serene waterways with a sensational rail journey on the iconic Glacier Express

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save Up to $500

Early Booking Offer Ends August 7th: Save up to $500 per person on 2025 Vacations, offer varies by tour. Prices as marked online. 

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2025 Tour code: GMR25

About the tour

Join us on a stunning rail adventure in beautiful Switzerland - with a trip aboard the iconic Glacier Express - and a 7-night cruise on the magical Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Stay in picturesque Zermatt, beneath the Matterhorn, then sail past the castles, forests and mythical Lorelei rock of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Next, ancient Roman ruins sprinkle the Moselle landscape as we calmly drift through its natural beauty and enjoy the peaceful pace of life on this meandering river.

On the magnificent Amadeus Imperial, we indulge in luxury and embark on expert-guided explorations along the picturesque banks. From the beautiful Rhine Gorge to the storied lanes of Trier and the enchanting charm of Cochem, each experience unveils a treasure trove of culture and heritage.

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Unforgettable Experiences

The renowned Glacier Express
The renowned Glacier Express
Embark on one of the world’s greatest rail experiences with a journey through astonishing snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys as we travel in panoramic carriages to Chur.
The Gornergrat Mountain Railway
The Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Journey to the summit of Gornergrat enjoying sensational views of surrounding mountains including the mighty Matterhorn.
Views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt
Views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt
Stay in this luxurious resort amongst alpine beauty, waking to mighty views of the Matterhorn. Spend time exploring this beautiful town with its wooden chalets, geranium-filled balconies and history of mountaineering.
Savor famous Moselle wines
Savor famous Moselle wines
Sample the celebrated wines of the Moselle, including the popular Riesling, at different destinations along the river.
Fascinating history in Trier
Fascinating history in Trier
Discover Trier - a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ancient Roman ruins occupying the same street corner as classic Baroque architecture and brightly colored townhouses.
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Explore this charming town and the famous Drosselgasse, a quaint narrow alleyway lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars. While here, choose between a wine tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To charming Chur

Our vacation begins when you make your way to Zurich. From here, continue by rail to Chur where we spend the night. After you check in to our hotel, feel free to explore the rich history, culture, and sights of Switzerland's oldest town at your own pace.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The iconic Glacier Express to wonderful Zermatt

Today we board the world-renowned Glacier Express for a spectacular journey, experiencing unparalleled views of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the world. We spiral up the mountains, crossing vast viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds.

Arriving in the elegant resort town of Zermatt - our idyllic base for two nights. This car-free village is set beneath the striking Matterhorn and is filled with traditional wooden chalets and wonderful alpine charm.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - The beautiful Gornergrat Mountain Railway

We board the Gornergrat Mountain Railway today. After crossing the Findelbach River, our train begins climbing steeply. Passing through short, curved tunnels to gain height amongst the imposing mountain landscape, we arrive at Riffelalp station, around halfway to the summit of Gornergrat. Here, we admire the stunning views over the valley.

Our railway journey then continues across a dramatic landscape as we approach the summit station of Gornergrat. Here we can enjoy stunning views over 29 other mountains in the Alps, including the Matterhorn. We return to Zermatt and enjoy an insightful guided tour.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - To Strasbourg where we board our luxurious ship

After breakfast, we set off to Strasbourg. As we arrive, we're greeted with a refreshing cocktail and a warm welcome aboard our ship. We then sit down to dinner, looking forward to the experiences that lie ahead.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg

After breakfast onboard, we head out on an excursion to Colmar or a sightseeing tour of Strasbourg. Spend an idyllic morning in this picturesque Alsatian town, with its fairytale charm. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and pretty flowers. Explore the historic Old Town's maze of narrow alleys, discover quaint cafes and local markets, and gaze at architectural landmarks like the Maison Pfister.

Returning to Strasbourg, take in the blend of French and German culture amidst picturesque cobblestone streets and enchanting canals. Wandering through its medieval alleys, marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture of the iconic Cathedral Notre Dame and explore the charming La Petite France district. Back onboard later this afternoon, we set sail on our first cruise toward the enchanting town of Rüdesheim.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Charming Rüdesheim and the magical Rhine Gorge

This morning, we sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its delicious white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Stepping ashore, we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the center of the renowned wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions, each promising a delightful insight into the town.

You could experience for yourself why the town is famous with a fantastic wine tasting, savoring the finest local varieties. Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments.

After your excursion, there's some time at leisure to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley. This afternoon, we begin sailing toward the romantic Rhine Gorge.

This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views. We wind around bends surrounded by lush green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque towns. As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. Arriving in Koblenz later this afternoon, we dock for the evening on the Moselle promenade. There's time to explore before dinner and we recommend strolling the Deutsches Eck for amazing views of the surrounding beauty.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Lovely Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

Our morning is spent cruising through beautiful river scenery. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you step out onto the deck to witness the passing views as our ship continues its journey along the river. Sailing into the port of Cochem, the stunning Moselle Valley surrounds us with rolling hills, half-timbered houses and the majestic castle (the Reichsburg) perched on top of a hill. The town itself is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-colored buildings, quaint boutiques and wine cellars.

Our guided tour today includes a visit to the Reichsburg in the Old Town. With a fantastic viewpoint from the castle's turrets, we admire the Moselle Valley's landscape of dreamy forests, wild meadows, and sprawling vineyards. After lunch onboard, you can explore Cochem at your own pace before dinner this evening. In the old quarter, you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and a fascinating arts center in a former monastery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Colorful Bernkastel-Kues

We enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Moselle Valley this morning as we continue our cruise. The charming town of Bernkastel-Kues unfolds as we moor here after lunch. The picturesque vineyards of the Valley climb up the hillsides, while half-timbered houses with blooming flowers add to the enchanting atmosphere. A sightseeing tour awaits us here.

Setting out with our knowledgeable guide, we visit the Old Town where the cobblestone streets are lined with traditional German buildings with half-timbered facades. We also experience the Market Square, a focal point of the town surrounded by colorful buildings. A highlight here is the St. Michael's Fountain, a Renaissance-style fountain adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. We also enjoy an included wine tasting to sample the local Bernkasteler Doctor specialty.

Following our afternoon of exploration, we reboard our ship for dinner and begin an overnight cruise downstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg

Waking to views of historic Trier, you have a choice between two excursions this morning. The first option is to explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide. The ancient streets are known for their Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and Baroque churches and we delve into this impressive history on our tour. Visit the immense Porta Nigra which guards the entrance to the north of the city, St Peter's Cathedral with its intricate stone carvings and stained-glass windows, and the Church of Our Lady, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Alternatively, you could board the coach to the charming Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. One of the smallest countries in the world, immerse yourself in the local history and attractions. We spend our evening onboard enjoying dinner, sailing back downstream along the meandering Moselle.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - The wonderful Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne

After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Königswinter where the Drachenfelsbahn railway awaits. This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher.

Back onboard later this afternoon, we continue our cruise through beautiful scenery toward Cologne. As we approach the striking city after our Gala dinner, admire the fantastic cityscape of magnificent bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - Homeward bound

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our lovely crew. We make our way to the railway station where we catch our train to London. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travelers before you make your way home with delightful memories of our vacation including our incredible journey aboard the Glacier Express. From Strasbourg's history to Rüdesheim's fairytale charm we immersed ourselves in fantastic culture. Cochem crowned the Moselle's beauty, while Bernkastel-Kues' quaint streets we a delight to discover. Exploring ancient Trier and the views aboard the Drachenfelsbahn will stay with us forever.

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. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Drachenfels Railway
Eurostar
The Glacier Express
Gornergrat Mountain Railway

Ship

MS Amadeus Imperial

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