Glacier Express & Rhine River Cruise

Making our way to Basel train station after breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey deep into the mountains. This beautiful route takes us past gleaming lakes into the Swiss Alps. The imposing peaks begin to surround us as the landscape becomes more dramatic on the approach to our destination.

After we arrive and check in to our hotel this afternoon, you can explore the rich history, culture and sights of Switzerland’s oldest town. Wandering the Altstadt – Old Town – you can discover the boutiques, traditional restaurants and cosy bars that add to the town’s welcoming atmosphere. There is also an array of interesting museums, from the Bündner contemporary art gallery and Cathedral Treasury Museum to the Rätisches Museum documenting the region’s history.

This evening, we gather for dinner together at our hotel.

*On some departures, we will stay in Davos or Bad Ragaz instead of Chur

A highlight of your holiday awaits after breakfast as we board the incredible Glacier Express. One of the world’s most famous train journeys, the ‘slowest express train in the world’ travels at an average speed of 24mph through breathtaking alpine scenery.

From our panoramic carriages, we can admire undeniably Swiss scenes of wildflower meadows, dense forests and snow-capped mountains as the route delves into the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’ and spirals up the mountains. The astonishing landscapes continue to impress with snow-dusted peaks and picture-perfect Swiss villages lining our ascent to Andermatt. Emerging from the nine-mile-long Furka Base Tunnel, we descend down alongside a river before climbing once again up the dramatic Matter Valley. Thundering waterfalls and rugged mountains guide us into beautiful Zermatt.

In this car-free mountain village, we check in to our hotel for two nights. Sitting at the heart of the Swiss Alps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding alpine peaks including the mighty Matterhorn.

Waking up in Zermatt, we enjoy breakfast before setting off on a delightful heritage train ride. More than 125 years old, the charming Gornergrat Mountain Railway is Switzerland’s original electric rack railway and the second highest in Europe. Climbing over picturesque valleys and through lush alpine forests, the train carries us to an altitude of more than 10,000ft above sea level.

The spectacular views from the top are utterly jaw-dropping, and on a clear day an astonishing 29 mountaintops are visible. We have time to soak up these spellbinding vistas, including the best view of the majestic Matterhorn’s pyramidal peak. This famous mountain is an iconic symbol of Switzerland, and its striking shape also provided the inspiration for the design of Toblerone.

Back amongst the low-pitched roofs of Zermatt’s timbered chalets, an expert guide reveals that this charming alpine resort has several surprising connections to the UK, including the intriguing story of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. We dine independently tonight, and you could opt for one of Zermatt’s many cosy restaurants.

We leave beautiful Zermatt after breakfast, travelling back to Basel by rail. First, we wind down the gorgeous Matter Valley to Visp, admiring the stunning scenery on the way. Our journey continues past the glistening waters of Lake Thun and the quaint lakeside town of Spiez with its 10th-century castle.

In Basel, close to the borders with Germany and France, we’re escorted to our luxurious cruise ship moored on the Rhine and welcomed aboard by our wonderful crew. There’s time to relax into our new home on the river and familiarise yourself with the ship’s excellent facilities.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner in the panoramic restaurant and set sail on an overnight cruise on the Rhine.

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there’s a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany’s largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you’ll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

Back on our ship this evening, we enjoy drinks with dinner.

Waking to views of charming Speyer, you can choose to enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg today. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely Old Town and stunning riverfront, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape.

If you’d prefer to stay in Speyer, you can discover the city at your own pace. There’s a beautiful Old Town, and among the highlights is the city’s cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to our ship for lunch, we enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise. Sailing downstream, we pass the famous Roman city of Mainz and spa town of Wiesbaden before arriving in Rüdesheim early this evening.

After dinner, you could enjoy the sounds and sights of the captivating town, famous for its delicious white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety.

This morning, we travel through charming Rüdesheim aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of the renowned wine town. Here, there’s a choice of excursions. You could savour Rüdesheim’s most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or discover Europe’s largest collection of mechanical instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. Afterwards, there’s time at leisure.

We begin sailing this afternoon and enjoy a highlight of the holiday – gliding through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO-listed section renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

Arriving in the city of Koblenz, you have time to explore. We recommend visiting Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Later, we make our way back to the ship, where dinner is served onboard.

Setting sail early this morning, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River. After a morning of relaxed cruising past the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley, we arrive in Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem’s Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural centre. Following the tour, there’s time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

*Please note: On the departure sailing 06/06/2026, the excursion to Cochem will be by coach due to maintenance on the locks

Docking in Königswinter this morning, we return to shore after breakfast for a fantastic trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle – whose name translates as ‘Dragon’s Rock’ and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Travelling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Back onboard this afternoon, we continue our cruise through beautiful scenery towards Cologne. During the approach, the city’s bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. On arrival, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit the city’s impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner and drinks before embarking on an overnight cruise towards the Netherlands.

We spend the early morning sailing through the Lower Rhine, with a change in scenery further downstream as we approach the Netherlands. Arriving in Amsterdam early this afternoon, we take a canal cruise sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, a cultural city that’s as modern as it is historic, soaking up stunning views of the city’s picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, take the optional excursion – a visit to Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

Back on board our ship this evening, we gather for a gala dinner accompanied by the songs of the Dutch sea shanty choir – the perfect end to our Rhine cruise.

Combining an iconic train journey with a relaxing cruise is the ideal way to get close to the stunning Swiss Alps and beautiful Rhine. Riding the world-famous Glacier Express from Chur to tranquil Zermatt provided front-row seats to Switzerland’s jaw-dropping scenery. Afterwards, sailing from Basel to Amsterdam showcased the changing landscapes of the Rhine, from the Black Forest to the beautiful Rhine Gorge and the Netherlands’ tulip fields.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to the railway station and head towards Brussels where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Arriving in London this evening, your delightful Rhine cruise experience comes to an end.

Your holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Boarding the Eurostar, we head by rail to Amsterdam.

On arrival in the Dutch capital, we’re greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and familiarise yourself with the luxurious new surroundings and settle into your cabin.

Later this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir – the perfect start to a fantastic cruise down the Rhine.

Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before getting to know Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city’s picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, take the optional excursion, visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

Later, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday and enjoying on board dinner this evening.

On our approach to Cologne this morning, the city’s bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. When we arrive, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit to the city’s impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

After lunch, we head for Königswinter to journey on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle – whose name translates as ‘Dragon’s Rock’ and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Travelling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Departing Königswinter after dinner, we begin sailing towards the winding Moselle River.

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem’s Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural centre. Following the tour, there’s time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

There’s free time this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you’ll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Setting sail, we encounter a highlight of our cruise after lunch as we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO-listed section of the river is renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the centre of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, there’s a choice of excursions. You could savour Rüdesheim’s most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, you’re free to explore the town’s cobbled streets, including colourful Drosselgasse.

Cruising towards the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The university town is known for its pretty Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests and river.

Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany’s oldest cities at your own pace. There’s a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important landmarks of the Holy Roman Empire.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner onboard ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there’s a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany’s largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you’ll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the picturesque vistas enroute.

We enjoy our last breakfast onboard this morning before we disembark in Basel. After waving goodbye to our wonderful crew, we continue our journey by rail on the scenic route to the iconic alpine setting of Zermatt for the second part of our trip. We check into our hotel for two nights in this stunning, car-free mountain village. Sitting at the heart of the Swiss Alps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding alpine peaks including the mighty, Matterhorn mountain.

A journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway awaits us today. This celebrated cog railway trip ascends the Gornergrat with constant and magnificent views of the Matterhorn, to its summit – the second-highest railway in Europe. As we reach the top, stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and valleys below are revealed. From here, you can soak up views of the surrounding mountains including the imposing Matterhorn.

The rest of the day is free in Zermatt for you to explore or relax and get dinner independently this evening.

Today, we board the magnificent Glacier Express. Our panoramic journey takes us through undeniably Swiss scenes of green meadows, dense, evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains, ambling along the beautiful Rhine Valley aboard ‘the slowest express train in the world’. We spiral up the mountains, crossing vast viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on our way to Chur.

As we arrive and check into our hotel, you can explore Switzerland’s oldest village’s history, culture, and sights before dinner this evening. Wander the Altstadt – the Old Town – to discover the authentic restaurants and relaxed bars that add to the town’s lovely atmosphere.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Chur. We make our way to the railway station and head towards Paris where we catch Eurostar. On the journey back, you can think over all the memories made on this scenic adventure, from stunning river landscapes and historic towns to the breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps aboard iconic railways. Arriving in London, we say goodbye and you can make your way home.