Switzerland by Rail with Magnificent Europe

Delve into Switzerland’s alpine scenery by rail with journeys aboard the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and the GoldenPass. Then, you’re off on a luxury river cruise through Europe’s heartland.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Zürich 

Arrive before 1.30pm, where we’ll meet you on arrival. An afternoon orientation discovery is on the cards, followed by a welcome reception. 

Day 2: Zürich, Lucerne, Engelberg 

You will be well looked after throughout your journey with a special baggage transfer service, which means we’ll take care of the heavy lifting as your bags are chauffeured from one hotel to the next. Journey to Lucerne and set out on a walking exploration of the city. You’ll then continue to your hotel in Engelberg, perched high in the mountains at the foot of Mt Titlis.

Day 3: Engelberg, Mt Titlis 

This morning board a cable car and ascend to Mt Titlis, located 3,020 metres above sea level. Visit the glacier cave, a walkway that descends ten metres below the surface of the only glacier in the region. You can then take in the breathtaking views on Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Later, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel and enjoy the charming village of Engelberg.

Day 4: Engelberg, Lugano

Embark on an exciting rail journey through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Lugano. Upon arrival into Lugano, enjoy a special experience.

Signature Experience - Morcote Castle Wine Tour
Visit Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a farm and wine estate located on a promontory entirely surrounded by Lake Lugano. View the estate’s terraced vineyards, olive groves and Morcote Castle, which was built in the 15th century. You’ll then enjoy a wine tasting experience.

Day 5: Lugano

Soak up the pleasant year-round climate in this holiday resort town. Cruise the peaceful waters of Lake Lugano, then it’s time to ascend the peak of Monte Brè, which rewards you with sensational views over Lugano. The evening has been kept free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Lugano, Tirano, St. Moritz

Cross the border into Italy’s Tirano by coach, where you’ll join your rail journey aboard the Bernina Express. Take in the panoramic views as you travel to St. Moritz. 

Day 7: St. Moritz, Zermatt

Another day brings another incredible rail adventure. Board the Glacier Express to experience a journey from the Bernina Range to the Matterhorn. During the ride, you’ll cross more than 200 bridges and countless tunnels as you traverse the Alps in style, before arriving in Zermatt.

Day 8: Zermatt

Take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway for the best views of the towering Matterhorn. 

Signature Experience - Meet a Local Mountaineer 
Later, you’ll meet a local mountaineer, who will share stories of their conquests and what life is like living in the mountains.  

Day 9: Zermatt, Spiez, Wengen

Farewell Zermatt as you board your train bound for Spiez. Upon arrival into Spiez, you will board a lake cruise and travel along the picturesque alpine Lake Thun to Interlaken. From Interlaken you will travel by train to the quintessential Swiss resort village of Wengen.

Day 10: Wengen, Jungfraujoch

Your rail journey today is an epic one, as you travel to the top of Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. There’s nowhere better to feel like you’re on top of the world.

Day 11: Wengen, Montreux

Travel to Interlaken where you will board your scenic glass-dome journey aboard the GoldenPass Express. First, the train runs along the river Aare, then proceed past lush green valley farmland of the Simmen Valley, before climbing to the line’s highest point at 1,279 metres above sea level into the heartland of the Berner Oberland. Arrive in Montreux with time to relax before dinner.

Day 12: Montreux, Geneva

Begin your day by setting out on a brief orientation tour of Montreux, nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva. As you explore, be captivated by the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the shimmering waters of the lake. Later, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious farewell dinner and celebrate your indepth journey through the Swiss Alps.

Day 13: Geneva, Amsterdam, Embark Ship

This morning, transfer to the airport where you’ll join an included flight to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Board your new-generation river ship docked in the heart of the city and spend the rest of the day settling into your home for the next two weeks.

Day 14: Amsterdam

Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise 

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous. 

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit 

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine. 

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride 

Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring 

Guests travelling on select spring departures will visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips. 

Gala Welcome Dinner 

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu. 

Day 15: Andernach

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Spend time on board. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or relax on the Sun Deck and read a book. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here. 

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you’ll attend a cocktail party, where a pianist sets the mood.   

Day 16: Rüdesheim

Today you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.  

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum 

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar 

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions. 

Day 17: Miltenberg

This morning, enjoy a relaxing sail along the Main River. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s history. Set out on a guided exploration of the town before time at leisure to explore.

Day 18: Würzburg

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.  

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence 

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.   

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg 

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the pretty coloured-fronted houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wolfhart’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of Germany Christmas decorations in the world. 

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress 

Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries. 

Day 19: Bamberg

This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. 

Day 20: Nuremberg

This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. 

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites 

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.  

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th century Gothic church.

Day 21: Regensburg

Discover Regensburg on your choice of activities today.  

Freedom of Choice – Explore Regensburg’s World Heritage-listed City Centre

In Regensburg, set out on a guided tour to explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world. 

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial 

Get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

Day 22: Passau, Salzburg, Linz

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show 

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’. 

Day 23: Melk, Dürnstein

Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Then, it’s up to you how you get to the next port of call. In Dürnstein, perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192.  

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley 

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestoned lanes at your leisure.   

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Dürnstein 

Take a guided bike ride along the Danube Rriver from Melk to Dürnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of Wachau Valley along the way. 

Day 24: Vienna

Arrive in Vienna and set out on a city tour. Take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. This evening is set aside for your magical Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital. 

Day 25: Vienna

Head out on your choice of tours, then set sail for Hungary.  This evening, enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner. 

Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit 

Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.  

Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia 

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under Communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

Day 26: Budapest

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. The afternoon is yours at leisure to further explore.  

Freedom of Choice – City Tour 

Enjoy a city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.  

Freedom of Choice – Fisherman’s Bastion 

Enjoy a funicular ride up to Castle Hill and take in the sweeping views over the river, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion, a beautiful historical monument.  

Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit 

You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Baths, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago. 

Day 27: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.