Mountaintops of Switzerland with the Rhine and Moselle

Set sail from Amsterdam to Basel on a river cruise, discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Rhine and Moselle. Then, experience the magic of rail travel during the next leg of your journey from Basel to Zurich, taking in the picturesque landscapes and vibrant Swiss cities along the way.

Itinerary

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 visit 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 set out on a scenic journey into the enchanting Black Forest. Travel by coach through mountainsides cloaked in pine and birch forest, arriving in the picturesque village of Freiburg.

Day 8: Basel, Disembark Ship

This morning after breakfast disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to your hotel in Basel. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and other travellers over a Welcome Dinner.

Day 9: Interlaken, Giessbach

Wake up to the stunning beauty of Switzerland and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the train station to embark on a scenic journey to Interlaken, where you'll hop on the iconic Giessbach funicular railway, ascending to your mountaintop hotel. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters, with picturesque towns and villages lining the shores, and the majestic mountains reflecting on the placid lake.

Day 10: Brienz, Rothorn

Board one of Switzerland’s most scenic railway routes today on the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. Depart from Brienz, where the steam-hauled train awaits, and begin your steady ascent through dramatic mountain landscapes, with the shimmering waters of Lake Brienz below. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes progressively greener, and jagged mountain peaks rise to eye level. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ll reach Rothorn, the summit of the rail journey. Disembark and explore the peak at your own leisure. Then, return by train for your descent to Brienz and Giessbach.

Day 11: Brig, Engadine Valley

After breakfast, travel by coach to Spiez, then by rail to Brig where one of Switzerland’s most famous trains awaits. Lunch is served in the rail cars during your journey. Arrive into the Engadine Valley and check into your hotel. This part of the Graubünden canton epitomises the beauty of alpine Switzerland with lush meadows on the valley floor surrounded on all sides by imposing mountains. Even in summer, many of the peaks are dusted with snow.

Insider Experience - Glacier Express

The red and white Glacier Express is known for being the slowest express train, but also one of the most scenic. Board the train and chug through tunnels, and across countless bridges and viaducts. A sure highlight is when you ascend over 1,800 metres at the Oberalp Pass, with the train using cogwheels to conquer the steepest points. 

Day 12: Tirano

On your Insider Experience rail ride, you’ll travel at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, enjoying views of turquoise glacial lakes nestled below. Once in Tirano, it’s time to explore at leisure. There’s a peaceful old quarter towards the east of the town, which you might like to head to for a rest after the excitement of the rail adventure. Later in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Switzerland.

Insider Experience - The Bernina Express

Connecting Italy and Switzerland on one of the highest railway lines in the Alps, the Bernina Express is a must on any train-lover’s list. Join this rail odyssey today, carving through the snow-capped landscapes and lush hillsides to Tirano in northern Italy. 

Day 13: Lucerne

Switzerland is renowned for its superb rail network, and today you're in for another treat. Travel to Lucerne to board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway — the Mount Pilatus Railway. With a steep gradient that reaches up to 48%, there are moments on this journey more reminiscent of a roller coaster than a train ride. After ascending almost two kilometres from Alpnachstad, you'll reach Pilatus-Kulm, where your mountaintop hotel awaits. You have free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities and soak in the breathtaking mountain views.

Day 14: Lucerne

After breakfast at your hotel, return to Lucerne, where you have the opportunity for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit Lucerne’s most famous site, Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River in the heart of the city. Built in the 14th century, this wooden bridge once served as protection against outside attacks on the city. Today, a series of 17th-century paintings hang on the walls inside, telling the tale of Lucerne’s history. There are also plenty of churches to visit, and wandering along the cobbled stone streets is an equally enticing option. This evening, celebrate a memorable trip at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 15: Depart Zurich

Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning after breakfast. Transfer to Zurich airport by train.