Call to book1-877-929-7245
Tour Search
#Favorites

Glacier Express and Rhine Cruise

Save
Gallery

Discover one of Switzerland’s most impressive railroads and sail on the mighty Rhine

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
202320242025
12 days From $4,395 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Special Offer

Save up to $1000 on select Rhine and Danube River Cruise Vacations

View terms and Conditions

2023 Tour code: GR-GERA-23

About the tour

Watch as the beauty of the Alps and the romance of the Rhine region unfold before your eyes on this 12-day European voyage. The tour commences in London, from which a Eurostar train takes us to Paris, and on to Strasbourg. Upon arrive in Switzerland, we enjoy a memorable introduction to the Swiss Alps. From Chur, we enjoy time in both Zermatt and Basel, as well as rides on two scenic railways, the Glacier Express and Gornergrat Mountain Railroad. In Basel, our mode of transportation changes with the boarding of Amadeus Imperial. This ship is our home for the next 7 nights and our ticket to the dramatic scenes along the Rhine River, including the Rhine Gorge and the Lower Rhine. Stops in Strasbourg, Speyer, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Cologne and Amsterdam offer unique tastes of the local culture through guided tours, optional excursions and free time to explore. From the fantastic regional wines of Rüdesheim to the memorable excursions aboard the Drachenfelsbahn Railroad and Medemblik Steam Train, there are so many incredible experiences ahead.

 

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary: Basel - Amsterdam

Some departures run a reversed itinerary – View reversed Amsterdam - Basel itinerary (GR-EGRA-23)

Itinerary: Amsterdam - Basel

You are viewing the reversed itinerary – switch back to Basel - Amsterdam itinerary (GR-GERA-23)

Days 1 - London to Strasbourg

We meet in St Pancras International at our dedicated departure office before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Here we transfer to the high-speed TGV service for Strasbourg where we spend one night.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Chur, Switzerland

After breakfast at our hotel we continue our journey toward Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. Upon arrival at our hotel, there is time to settle in before joining the group for a welcome drink and dinner.

Please Note: Certain departures will overnight in Davos.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Glacier Express and Zermatt

Today, we board the magnificent Glacier Express for a spectacular journey offering unparalleled views of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the world. We spiral up the mountains, crossing enormous viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on our way to Zermatt, under the Matterhorn.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Gornergrat Mountain Railroad

We enjoy another mountain railroad journey today, venturing forth on the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad. This cog rail trip covers 1,469m in its ascent of the Gornergrat, arriving at its summit where you can enjoy magical views of the surrounding mountains including the imposing, indomitable Matterhorn. We return later to Zermatt for a guided tour.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Cruise Embarkation

Today, we travel from Zermatt to Basel by rail, where you'll be met by a company representative who will escort you to the ship. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious Swiss themed first meal.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming French city of Strasbourg today. Strasbourg's position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colorful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. You have two choices here.

Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße into the famous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive in Speyer this morning, where there's free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately-owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit.

Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful university town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle that stands guard over the riverbanks, proudly looking over the town below.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

We sail into the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production, especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk along the river during your free time here this morning, before our ship departs for Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centerpiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz; you may wish to visit one of the famous wine taverns here.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - The Lower Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

After an evening in Koblenz, we depart and discover the marvelous Lower Rhine, a stretch of river characterized by lush green meadows and postcard villages.

Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railroad. This rack railroad rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Cologne

Arriving in Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We see the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-old building that survived 14 aerial hits during World War Two. We also wander through the many bustling squares and labyrinthine streets, seeing Romanesque town-houses. Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a gala dinner with the captain.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

We arrive in Amsterdam this morning where we have a choice of three excursions; the first is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through enchanting Dutch scenery. Your third option is an excursion to the Floriade Expo, the world-famous horticulture show that has been showcasing flora once a decade since 1960. 2022's theme focuses on building green cities and is certain to be filled with both beauty and innovation. Visit exhibitors from more 40 countries, meander through the colorful arboretum, and immerse yourself in Dutch culture.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Tour Conclusion

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship and your cruise concludes. Make your way back to the railroad station with your Tour Manager to board your train back to London St Pancras. Alternatively you can make your own way to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol should you wish to conclude in Amsterdam.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 1 - Amsterdam

Today, meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at London St Pancras before travelling on the Eurostar service to Amsterdam, where you'll be escorted to the ship. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

After Breakfast this morning, we have a choice of two excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through splendid Dutch scenery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - The Upper Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Cologne this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railroad. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability).

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

You have free time here this morning to explore Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer river banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. Weather permitting we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. 

This evening we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive into Speyer this morning, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - To Zermatt

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel and transfer by rail to Zermatt. On arrival in Zermatt we make our way to our hotel where your afternoon is at leisure to explore the town and freshen up before dinner in the evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Gornegrat Mountain Railway

We enjoy a mountain railway journey today, venturing forth on the Gornegrat Mountain Railroad. This cog rail trip covers 1,469m in its ascent of the Gornegrat, arriving at its summit where you can enjoy magical views of the surrounding mountains including the imposing, indomitable Matterhorn. We return later to Zermatt for a guided tour.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - The Glacier Express

Today, we board the magnificent Glacier Express for a spectacular journey to Chur offering unparalleled views of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the world. On arrival in Chur we make our way to the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Tour Conclusion

After breakfast, we make our way by rail to Paris where we catch the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

Includes
  • Breakfast

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.

Hotels

Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

View hotel

Hotel National, Zermatt

Hotel National, Zermatt

View hotel

Trains

Eurostar
The Glacier Express
Gornergrat Mountain Railway
TGV

Ship

MS Amadeus Imperial
Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

The definitive guide to our 2023 Global Rail Adventures

Download brochure
Related inspiration from our journey blog