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Jungfrau Express & Five-Star Rhine Cruise

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Climb to the highest railway station in Europe and uncover the majesty of the Rhine.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
202320242025
11 days From $4,095 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: GR-MERA-23

About the tour

Before you set sail on the magical waters of the Rhine, venture to the top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railroad to Jungfraujoch, the continent's highest railroad station. Experience the majesty of the Swiss Alps by Rail, as the mountains serenade you with spectacular views across the peaks below.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary: Basel - Amsterdam

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

Itinerary: Amsterdam - Basel

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

Day 1 - London to Basel

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 Basel where we spend one night. Overnight Basel. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Interlaken, Switzerland

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Basel, giving you some free time to explore the delights of the town. This afternoon, we board our train bound for Interlaken. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, the 4-Star Hotel Metropole where we enjoy dinner tonight. Overnight Interlaken. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Journey on the Jungfrau Express

We travel on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station. We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway, trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, through flower-filled pastures and past pretty villages. We then join the Wengeralp Railway, continuing our ascent through ever-changing scenery to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway. Climbing further from Kleine Scheidegg, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', located 3454m above sea level. With free time at the summit station, you will have plenty of time at the summit to explore the Ice Palace and its many ice sculptures as well as visit the café here. Overnight Interlaken. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Boarding your ship

We depart Interlaken today, traveling to Basel by rail, before boarding the Amadeus this evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious Swiss-themed meal. Overnight ship.

 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - 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 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 alternative sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße into the famous Black Forest of Germany, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas and enjoying free time in the charming spa town of Baden Baden. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer & 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 townhouses. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Rüdesheim & 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 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 centerpiece, 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. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz, you may wish to visit one of the famous wine taverns here. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - The Lower Rhine & the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Koblenz this morning 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 railway. 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). Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - 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 that 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.

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

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Amsterdam & the Medemblik Steam Train

We arrive into Amsterdam this morning, the Dutch capital, where we have a choice of three 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. Your third option is a half-day 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. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Homeward bound

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship, and here your cruise concludes. Make your way back to the railway 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 railway. 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 Interlaken

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel and transfer by rail to Interlaken. On arrival in Interlaken check into our hotel, the 4-Star Hotel Metropole, where we enjoy dinner tonight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - The Jungfrau Railway

We travel on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station. We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway, trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and passing flower-filled pastures and past pretty villages. We then join the Wengernalp Railway, continuing our ascent through ever-changing scenery to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway. Climbing further from Kleine Scheidegg, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', located 11,332 feet above sea level. With free time at the summit station, you have plenty of time at the summit to explore the Ice Palace and its many ice sculptures.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Homeward bound

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.

Hotel

Hotel Metropole, Interlaken

Hotel Metropole, Interlaken

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Trains

Drachenfels Railway
Eurostar
Jungfrau Railway
TGV

Ships

MS Amadeus Queen
MS Amadeus Imperial
MS Amadeus Cara

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Upgrades

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Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

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