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Rhine and Moselle with Switzerland by Rail

River/Barge Cruise

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Amsterdam → Zurich

Journey through the heart of Europe as you cruise the Rhine and Moselle past castles and historic towns, then continue into Switzerland on some of the most iconic rail journeys in the world, including the GoldenPass, Glacier, Bernina and Gotthard Panorama Express.

Highlights
  • Explore the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl, the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria. Discover its history and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace with the nearby hunting lodge.

  • Discover Cochem with a visit to its fairytale castle, perched high above the Moselle River and overlooking vineyards and rolling hills. Wander through medieval halls and towers as stories of the past unfold, and explore beautifully restored rooms that capture the charm and elegance of earlier centuries.

  • Board the GoldenPass Express for a scenic journey to Montreux. As you travel through the Swiss countryside, enjoy breathtaking views of alpine meadows, picturesque villages, and towering peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming towns of Gstaad, famous for its glitzy appeal, Château-d’x, known for its hot air balloon festival, and Montbovon, a peaceful village nestled in the mountains.

  • Take the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train in Switzerland, enjoying incredible views through the panoramic windows of your carriage along the way. 

  • Ride the Bernina Express, one of the world’s great rail journeys, travelling across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway from Switzerland into Italy. Panoramic carriages reveal glaciers and alpine meadows as the train climbs the Bernina Pass, with a photostop at Alp Grüm, before curving across the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct and descending toward Tirano.

  • Travel aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express by First Class panoramic train, tracing the historic Gotthard route through alpine valleys, dramatic gorges and spiral tunnels. Large windows reveal waterfalls, mountain villages and soaring peaks as you wind through one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail corridors.

From price

$15,695
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
18
Start Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
End Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
10 to 45
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
River/Small ship/Barge
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Itinerary details

Day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam

Be met on arrival and transferred to your premium river ship. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. 

Day 2 - Amsterdam

With historic houses lining its banks and low bridges spanning its waterways, Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal network has earned it the nickname 'Venice of the North'. Today, board a glass-top boat and cruise past the city’s waterside sights with a local guide. Later this evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Cologne, Brühl

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

Day 4 - Cochem

Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cruise along one of the Moselle River’s most picturesque stretches. In Cochem, set out on a walking tour through narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses, then magnificent Cochem Castle, perched high above the river like a scene from a fairy tale.

Day 5 - Rüdesheim

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, widely regarded as the most scenic stretch of the Rhine River. In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini road train through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to view its remarkable collection of automated instruments. Afterwards, enjoy time to wander the Old Town and perhaps visit the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store.

Day 6 - Strasbourg

Arrive in Strasbourg, the Alsatian city set on the border of France and Germany. Enjoy a special Insider Experience before returning to your river ship for a Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Old Town Tour and Tasting

Join a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Strasbourg, admiring its medieval architecture, including the famous cathedral. Along the way, sample regional specialties such as local cheeses and sweet treats.

Day 7 - Breisach

Disembark in Breisach and journey into the enchanting Black Forest, travelling by coach through rolling hills and dense pine forests to the village of Gutach.

Insider Experience – Black Forest Open-Air Museum and Cake Tasting

Visit the renowned Black Forest Open-Air Museum, where traditional farmhouses, workshops and costumed artisans bring rural life from centuries past vividly to life. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the region’s famous Black Forest cake before returning to your river ship.

Day 8 - Disembark Ship, Depart Basel

Today, disembark your ship in Basel and travel on to Geneva, where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 9 - Geneva, Lausanne

Today, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, taking in views towards Mont Blanc, the United Nations Office at Geneva, elegant lakeside villas and manicured parks and gardens. Later, travel by train to Lausanne and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 10 - Lausanne, Montreux, GoldenPass Express, Interlaken

Begin in Lausanne and board a local train to Montreux.

Insider Experience – GoldenPass Express

On arrival, transfer to the GoldenPass Express for a scenic journey into the Swiss Alps. As the train climbs through the mountains, pass Montbovon, the village of Château-d’x and the resort town of Gstaad, known for its refined charm. Continue through alpine meadows, picturesque villages and sweeping mountain vistas before arriving in Interlaken.

Day 11 - Interlaken, Jungfrau Railway

Today, ascend to 3,454 metres above sea level aboard the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. Known as the ‘Top of Europe’, the journey travels through the heart of the Bernese Alps, revealing snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. At the summit, take in sweeping panoramic views and explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory.

Day 12 - Interlaken, Brigg, Glacier Express, St. Moritz

Travel to Brigg and board the Glacier Express, a narrow-gauge train renowned for its iconic alpine route to the luxury resort town of St. Moritz. Through panoramic windows, take in breathtaking views of jagged peaks, lush meadows, sprawling vineyards, and forested hillsides. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.

Insider Experience – Glacier Express

Journey aboard the Glacier Express, travelling along one of the world’s most scenic rail routes to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz.

Day 13 - St. Moritz, Bernina Express, Tirano, Lugano

After breakfast, board the Bernina Express for an Insider Experience to Tirano. Later, return to St. Moritz by regional train.

Insider Experience – Bernina Express

Board the Bernina Express, travelling from St. Moritz to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Marvel at glittering lakes, the mighty Morteratsch Glacier and the dramatic Bernina Pass before descending past turquoise alpine lagoons, sweeping valleys and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. Pause at Alp Grüm, 2,091 m above sea level, for photographs overlooking the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo.

Day 14 - Lugano

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Lugano, perhaps stroll along the lakeside promenade, browsing boutique shops or relaxing at a cafe overlooking the water.

Day 15 - Lugano, Gotthard Panorama Express, Flüelen, Lucerne

Spend the morning soaking up the relaxed lakeside atmosphere of Lugano before setting out towards the heart of Switzerland for your Insider Experience. This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss folklore restaurant (additional expense).

Insider Experience – Gotthard Panorama Express

Travel aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes. Journey by First Class panoramic train to Flüelen, enjoying sweeping views of mountains and valleys, then continue by boat across Lake Lucerne with lunch included. On arrival in Lucerne, set out on a guided walking tour of this charming city, framed by the Swiss Alps. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower.

Day 16 - Lucerne, Mount Pilatus

Today, ascend to the summit of Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, taking in views of flower-filled pastures, rugged mountain ledges and snow-capped peaks.

Day 17 - Lucerne, Zürich

This morning, travel by train to Zürich. Enjoy a guided tour of the vibrant city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its striking medieval architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 18 - Depart Zürich

Today, your incredible adventure comes to an end. Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

This premium tour offers a unique combination of river cruising and world-class rail travel. You will experience the beauty of the Rhine and Moselle rivers before embarking on some of the most iconic train journeys in the world, including the GoldenPass, Glacier, Bernina, and Gotthard Panorama Express, providing a comprehensive and luxurious exploration of Europe's heart.
This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate a premium experience and a blend of scenic waterways and mountain landscapes. Those who enjoy historical architecture, fairytale castles, and breathtaking alpine vistas from the comfort of panoramic trains will find this itinerary particularly rewarding.
The pros include a diverse itinerary featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites, multiple luxury rail experiences, and a mix of guided tours and leisure time. A potential con is the high price point of 15,695.00, which reflects its premium nature.
With a premium style and a focus on scenic beauty and culture, this tour is an excellent choice for couples and solo travellers. While it can be enjoyed by families, the average age of participants is 45, suggesting it is well-suited for adults.
This tour is ideal for both first-time visitors wanting to see the major highlights of the Rhine and the Swiss Alps, as well as experienced travellers looking for a high-end, curated experience of Europe's most famous rail corridors.
The physicality rating is listed as Easy to Moderate. While much of the tour involves relaxing cruises and panoramic train rides, there are guided walking tours in cities like Strasbourg and Lucerne, as well as visits to palaces and castles, which may require some walking.
This tour is primarily focused on sightseeing and culture. It emphasizes visiting historic landmarks, such as the Augustusburg Palace and Cochem Castle, exploring medieval Old Towns, and admiring the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps and European rivers.
The pace of the tour is balanced. It features structured daily excursions and scenic journeys, but it also incorporates several leisure days in cities like Geneva, Lugano, and Zurich, allowing you to explore at your own speed.
The itinerary feels thoughtfully paced. By combining long, relaxing stretches of river cruising and panoramic train travel with dedicated free time in various cities, it ensures you can enjoy the highlights without feeling overly rushed.
Yes, the tour includes many key highlights, such as the Kölner Dom in Cologne, the UNESCO-listed Augustusburg Palace, the 'Top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch, and the iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, among many other historic towns and natural wonders.
The tour includes professional guidance, such as a Cruise Director and local guides for city tours in Amsterdam and Lucerne, which helps in navigating the different regions and overcoming potential language barriers.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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