Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS Emily Brontë
Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS Emily Brontë
Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS Emily Brontë
8 Days
Visiting: Germany, Switzerland
From:
$2400 (USD) including Flights from the UKTourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour Overview
Glide passed the pretty towns along the Rhine River, experience the breathtaking Alpine scenery on a mountain rail journey into the spectacular Bernese Oberland and discover Switzerland's most attractive cities.
On our journey through the Rhine valley, we visit historic Koblenz where we have time to explore the old town at the confluence of both the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Next, we continue through the Rhine Gorge where the valley walls tower over 400m above our heads and onto Rudesheim, where we enjoy another evening complemented with an excellent dinner on board. Our cruise continues south, stopping in fascinating Rudesheim onto medieval Speyer with its stunning Romanesque Basilica that dominates this pretty town. The next day we arrive-?¯at the city of Strasbourg where you enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Continuing, we drive through the typical rolling tree-clad massif of the Black Forest onto the charming town of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its namesake lake. Our final destination is Switzerland where we moor in Basel.Â
This holiday is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxing way to see stunning alpine views and visit historic European towns.Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in the heart of picturesque Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
Day 2
As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of this river cruise begin to emerge as we drift past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley. The forested Siebengebirge – Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including ‘Snow White’, act as the overture for even more dramatic scenery upstream.
We cruise past the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland. Pretty waterfront towns and carefully tended vineyards come into view as we glide gently into our mooring to visit delightful Koblenz for a guided tour.
Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés. As you wander, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn; see a former mint, the Four Towers – 17th-century houses with striking turrets set at a crossroads – and many fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor.Â
Wherever you wander you’re never far from a riverbank, and it’s worth crossing the 14th-century stone Balduin Bridge across the Moselle for fine views back across the spires of the Altstadt. Tonight, enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner on board, and afterwards perhaps a quiet stroll along the riverside promenade to the Deutsches Eck – ‘German Corner’ – where the great rivers Rhine and Moselle meet.
Day 3
Slipping our mooring at Koblenz we proceed upstream on the Rhine and soon encounter the impressive Marksburg Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th-century. We then weave through the huge looping bend – one of the most impressive on the river – at Boppard, a wonderfully picturesque town known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’. Journeying further, you explore the most famous of all the river’s reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops towering more than 600 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you.Â
After lunch we moor in Rüdesheim, a classic Rhine wine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. During this afternoon’s delightful walking tour, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Bromserburg Castle, which dates from 1275. After dinner this evening, another sumptuous affair prepared by your chef, maybe sample a small Asbach – the famous brandy distilled in Rüdesheim – while watching the last of the ferries crossing the river in the moonlight glow.
Day 4
Still sailing upstream, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with gently rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Occasionally the excited chatter of birdlife breaks out as we pass oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow, which are now havens for over a hundred bird species.Â
Today we berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breathtaking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings. Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’. There’s free time to explore here before stepping back on board for another splendid dinner.
Day 5
This morning we cruise gently upstream, passing through two spectacular locks, whose elaborate engineering never ceases to fascinate. Why not find a comfortable chair and catch up on some reading, play chess or watch the rolling kaleidoscope of scenery from the Sun Deck?
We soon arrive in France and moor in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. This afternoon we have a walking tour of its picturesque Old Town, bisected by canals and made up of a maze of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals. Unforgettable sites include the stupendous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger a while in a typical Alsatian café to sample some of the region’s world-famous wines – a crisp Riesling or that particular speciality of Alsace, spicy Gewürztraminer.
Day 6
Your final day cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains. We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral.
Later you drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. Our destination is the idyllic village of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its crystal-clear lake.
Rejoining the ship, we resume our stately passage upriver. As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle there are wonderful views over the imposing Vosges massif. You enjoy this evening’s dinner en route to Switzerland and our next mooring at Basel.
Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Captain’s Dinner’, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise.
Day 7
Today we take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among stunning mountain views. It has been attracting well heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere.
As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breathtaking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’. On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you. Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however the ship will offer a packed lunch.
Day 8
Today we transfer either to the airport for your flight home or the railway station to take the TGV to Paris, connecting with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.
What's Included
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Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a cabin and hotel room. Sole Occupancy cabinsooms are available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:; Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day of the cruise; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; Morning/afternoon tea and coffee on board the ship All visits and excursions as mentioned All overseas trasnfers Coach travel as mentioned The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge during the cruiseExtensionThe price of this extension is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole Occupancy rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes: Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Stern in Chur and Hotel Simi in Zermatt Train transfer from Basel to Chur, Standard class journey on Glacier Express Porterage of one;piece of luggage per person The services of a Riviera tour managerPlease note that in Switzerland beds are often one bed base with two mattresses and individual bed linen.
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Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; Morning/afternoon tea and coffee All visits and excursions as mentioned Airport transfers Coach travel as mentioned Travel to and from port of embarkation The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge
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Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a cabin and hotel room. Sole Occupancy cabinsooms are available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:; All meals on board (except one lunch) - from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day. Complimentary on-board tea and coffee All visits and excursions as mentioned All overseas transfers Coach travel as mentioned The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge during the cruiseExtensionThe price of this extension is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole Occupancy rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes: Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast Train transfer between Chur and Basel and Zermatt and airport Standard class journey on Glacier Express Porterage of one;piece of luggage per person The services of a Riviera tour managerPlease note that in Switzerland beds are often one bed base with two mattresses and individual bed linen.
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Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes All meals on board (except one lunch) - from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day - including welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner. Complimentary on-board tea and coffee All visits and excursions as mentioned Airport transfers Coach travel as mentioned Travel to and from port of embarkation The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Monday
Jun 03, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Monday - Monday
Jun 10, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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