Compare Premium Rhine Cruise 2017 by Great Rail Journeys vs Contrasts of Switzerland by Trafalgar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,281 | $ 4,226 |
| Price Per Day | $ 410 | $ 528 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
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| Description |
Enjoy A Fantastic Cruise On The Mighty Rhine Join us on the wonderful MV A-Rosa Viva as we cruise our way through Germany along the romantic River Rhine. From Cologne, we explore charming medieval wine towns, admire the breathtaking scenery of the Rhine Gorge and the majestic Lorelei Rock, and cross the border into Switzerland for a visit to the beautiful city of Basel. |
All aboard the world’s first-ever ‘Swisstainable’ tour. Experience the local culture and delight in regional produce as you support the ecology and economy of Switzerland. Every hotel, experience, meal and transport is accredited as ‘Swisstainable’ - Switzerland’s national benchmark certificate for sustainability. |
Day 1: London to Cologne
Meals: Dinner
We meet at our exclusive departure office at St Pancras International, where we join the Eurostar to Brussels. We change trains in Brussels and continue into Germany on the high-speed train to Cologne, where our home for the next seven nights, the MV A-Rosa Viva, is moored. Over the next week, the pace of your holiday is set by you. Tonight we enjoy our first dinner together on board as we begin our cruise on the majestic River Rhine.
Day 2: Boppard and The Rhine Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We arrive into Boppard before breakfast this morning. Located in the scenic Rhine Gorge at a great bow in the river, Boppard is one of the region's most popular towns. Originally settled by the Romans in the 1st century BC, Boppard is surrounded by defensive walls, crowned with a castle built in the Middle Ages. Both of these are still present in the town today, along with the wonderful Rhine promenade.
You can see all of these on our included guided walking tour of Boppard. This afternoon we cruise through the stunning Rhine Gorge, an idyllic landscape. As we sail south we pass countless villages, towns and hilltop castles surrounded by rolling vineyards. We also navigate past the imposing Lorelei Rock, a legendary rocky outcrop that soars high above the water line
Guided walking tour of Boppard
Day 3: Kehl and Strasbourg
Meals: :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We arrive at the town of Kehl this afternoon, where we moor for the night. From here we visit Strasbourg, the attractive capital of Alsace, on an included guided coach tour. Steeped in heritage, Strasbourg's city centre enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status and is a delight to explore. The city has changed hands several times and both German and French influences can be seen in abundance. Among the city's many highlights are the delightful Old Town, the spectacular Gothic Cathedral, with its famous astronomical clock, and the stunning Petite France quarter, an area of picturesque half timbered houses, dotted with mills and crisscrossed by canals.
Guided tour of Strasbourg with a local guide
Day 4: At Leisure In Strasbourg
Meals: :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You are at leisure today until the early evening, and you may wish to spend your time discovering more of charming Strasbourg independently, or simply relaxing on board and enjoying the ship's facilities. We sail overnight for Basel in Switzerland.
Free time to visit Strasbourg independently or relax on board
Day 5: Basel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we arrive in Basel, a beautiful Swiss city that stands at the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, and provides Switzerland with its only navigable outlet to the sea. Here we can enjoy an optional guided walking tour, taking in Basel's abundance of romantic cobbled lanes, quaint markets and its beautiful red sandstone cathedral or spend our time at leisure. Basel is also home to many museums and art galleries. The historic Old Town contains lively shopping streets that connect the two main squares, while medieval town houses and churches line the steep lanes that lead up towards the majestic Münster, dominating the skyline from high above the Rhine.
Explore Basel at leisureTake an optional guided tour
Day 6: Breisach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we arrive in Breisach, a small fortified hill town at the Rhine's edge in the heart of the Rhineland's 'winecellar'. Here we enjoy an included guided tour of Breisach city and visit to a vineyard, where we are given the chance to try three of the local sparkling wine with a specialist tasting.
Guided tour of BreisachVisit to a vineyard with tastings
Day 7: Mainz And Koblenz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our cruise continues to Mainz this morning, a city established by the Romans at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. Here you can enjoy an optional walking tour including the Gutenberg Museum, which tells the story of printing pioneer Johannes Gutenberg. His bible was the first major printed work, and was printed in the city in the 15th century. This afternoon we continue north, sailing back through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley. Late afternoon we arrive in Koblenz, situated at the northern end of the scenic Rhine Gorge, and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here you can discover the sights of one of Germany's oldest cities at leisure or take an optional guided tour.
Day 8: Return To Cologne And Home
Meals: Breakfast
We arrive in Cologne this morning, disembark the ship and make the short transfer to the station to join the high-speed rail service to Brussels. On arrival in the Belgian capital we connect with the Eurostar service back to London.
Day 1: Welcome to Zürich
Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to explore the city's ancient heritage and modern verve during your orientation tour this afternoon. This evening, attend a Welcome Reception to launch your Swiss experience.
Mövenpick Airport
Welcome Reception
Day 2: Onwards by Train to St. Moritz
Our love affair with the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Reine Victoria
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Catch the Glacier Express to Zermatt
Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era. Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug along one of the world's most unforgettable rail journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044 m) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. Your Tour Director will take you on an Orientation of the town.
Ambassador
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Zermatt at Leisure
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Ambassador
Breakfast
Day 5: A Train Journey to Lakeside Geneva Connect with Locals
This morning we board a train to Geneva and continue through green pastures to La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest lunch experience. This sustainable farm also hosts beehives, and we meet the beekeeper during our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon we return to sophisticated Geneva where the orientation will include views of the Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock, paying tribute to the city's centuries-old watchmaking traditions. Later, explore the sights of this lakeside city on your own. Stroll through the ancient maze of medieval streets and quiet squares or consider a cruise – enjoying views of the lakeside villages.
Warwick
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Journey on the Golden and Brünig Pass to Interlaken and Lucerne
Picture-perfect landscapes are our constant companion as we journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Passing through Interlaken, enjoy superb views of the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Pass on the way to Lakeside Lucerne. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner.
Radisson Blu
Breakfast
Day 7: Explore Medieval Lucerne
Mountain peaks surround you as you spend a day at leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an Optional Experience to a nearby Mountain Peak, explore the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss Chocolate. Before we enjoy our Farewell dinner together, you might want to enjoy an Optional Experience riding a carriage through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages.
Radisson Blu
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Journey Home
We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable Swiss holiday. Your Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be used at your convenience, on the last day of the tour, for your onward journey.
Breakfast
