Top of Europe & The Majestic Rhine Cruise

 Your rail and cruise vacation begins today as you arrive in Switzerland's financial center, Zürich. Make your way to the airport's railway station and begin the journey toward Interlaken. The first leg sees you to Bern, where you switch trains and continue to this idyllic town nestled between two alpine lakes: Thun and Brienz.

  Our hotel here is well located, allowing you to walk from the station to check in for the first of two nights. If time allows, you can begin to get acquainted with Interlaken while strolling through the historic streets. When the skies are clear, the view of the valley is incredible, offering a panoramic vista of the Bernese Oberland, including the "Swiss skyline," Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountains. 

Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers, and together, sit down to dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Interlaken.

• Dinner

 We enjoy a highlight of our trip today: a journey to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest station. After breakfast at our hotel, we travel by rail to Lauterbrunnen and then onward to Kleine Scheidegg. Boarding the Jungfrau Express at Kleine Scheidegg, our route takes us through a tunnel dug into the face of Eiger before arriving at the top.  

  Arriving at the "Top of Europe," you are free to admire the countless awe-inspiring mountain peaks and the endless Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory, or maybe head to Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven to see how Swiss chocolate is made. You could also visit the Alpine Sensation exhibition, which uses projected images and music to pay tribute to the miners who built the railway more than 100 years ago.   

We return to Interlaken via the scenic Swiss mountain village of Grindelwald, where you have time to stroll around before we continue back to our Interlaken hotel, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Interlaken.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 The morning is yours to continue to soak up the alpine glories of Interlaken. After having breakfast at the hotel, you might like to wander around the waterfronts or stroll along the Höheweg, the main shopping street.

After lunch, we walk to Interlaken's rail station to board the train to Basel. On arrival, a coach transfer takes us to the riverbanks of the Rhine, where we board our luxury cruise ship. Our wonderful crew welcomes us aboard with a drink, and there is time to relax in our new home on the river and familiarize yourself with the ship's excellent facilities. You can also use this time to admire the surrounding views.  

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner in the ship's panoramic restaurant and set sail on an overnight cruise toward Strasbourg. Overnight ship. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, you have 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. You will learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region while exploring the idyllic setting. 

  Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture reflects this blend of the two cultures, and on our 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. 

After returning to the ship for lunch, you can spend some time soaking up the ambiance of Strasbourg at your own pace. Return to the ship in time for dinner this evening and enjoy an overnight sailing to Speyer. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Waking to views of Speyer, you can choose to explore further with a guided tour of Heidelberg today. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely old town and stunning riverfront, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the ruined red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river and cityscape.   

If you prefer to stay in Speyer, you can discover the city at your own pace. There is a beautiful Old Town, and among the highlights is the city's cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

Returning to our ship for lunch, we enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise. We pass the famous Roman city of Mainz and the spa town of Wiesbaden as we sail downstream before arriving in Rüdesheim early this evening.    

  After dinner, you could step ashore to begin to discover this captivating town, famous for its delicious white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 This morning, we travel into Rüdesheim aboard a land train, arriving in the center of the renowned wine town with a choice of excursions. You could savor Rüdesheim's most famous produce with entrance to a local winery, tasting the finest local varieties of wine, or discover Europe's largest collection of mechanical instruments at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. There is time to continue exploring at leisure after your excursion.

After lunch onboard, we begin sailing toward a route highlight: 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 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. 

We arrive in the city of Koblenz later this afternoon, and upon docking, you have free time to explore, perhaps visiting Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Dinner is served on the ship this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Setting sail early this morning, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River. Relaxed cruising takes us past the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley, eventually arriving 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 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, you have time to explore the picturesque streets and central square at leisure, soaking up the atmosphere.  

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

*Please note: On the departure 06/08/2026, the excursion to Cochem will be by coach due to maintenance on the locks. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Docking in Königswinter this morning, we head ashore for a fantastic trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway after breakfast. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenfels 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.   

Back onboard in time for lunch, we continue our cruise toward Cologne. The city's bridges and imposing cathedral come into view during the approach. On arrival, a guided tour introduces us to the city's squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit to its impressive twin-spired cathedral - the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark. Before returning to the ship for dinner, we also enjoy a tasting of local chocolate and beer and some free time to explore at leisure.  

The ship embarks on an overnight cruise toward the Netherlands as we dine this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 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 after lunch, we take a canal cruise sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, a cultural city that is as modern as it is historic. Soak up stunning views of the city's canals and architecture while exploring.    

Alternatively, take an optional 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.   

Back on board our ship this evening, we gather for a captain's Gala dinner and enjoy the songs of a Dutch sea shanty choir as we dine - the perfect end to our Rhine cruise. Overnight ship

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 There has been no shortage of spectacular sights on this memorable rail and cruise vacation. From our time spent gliding through the Swiss Alps by rail to our cruise route, which took us along two scenic waterways, each moment has been filled with nature's beauty. Sailing from the Swiss city of Basel to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, has showcased the changing landscapes of the Rhine, from the Black Forest to the Netherlands' tulip fields.

  After breakfast, it is time to disembark for the final time and say goodbye to our crew. Upon stepping ashore in Amsterdam, you are free to begin your journey home independently.

• Breakfast