Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
Your European vacation begins with A Globus Small Group Discovery tour of Switzerland by train! From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Geneva to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train tr...
From$8,368
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Welcome to Switzerland
    • Orientation Walk
    • Excursion to Gornergrat
    • Transfer aboard the Loetschberg train
    • Ascend the Jungfrau Massif by Eiger Express Cable Car
    • Boat trip
    • Walking tour
    • Transfer to Basel; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing in Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

What's this trip about?

    Your European vacation begins with A Globus Small Group Discovery tour of Switzerland by train! From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Geneva to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train travel to Interlaken for sheer beauty rising in the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Ride the rails through unbelievable beauty on to Lucerne to explore the history, culture, and rich delicacies of the Swiss Alps. Continue to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise on the Rhine through Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, then head for Breisach, Germany for a magical excursion to the Black Forest. Then venture on to Strasbourg, France, to see its Gothic cathedral with stunning murals and stained glass. Sail to Mainz for an excursion to Heidelberg Castle or join your Avalon Adventure Host® for a hike up Philosophers’ Way. You can alternatively visit the Gutenberg Museum for the amazing history of the early pioneers of printing. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You'll visit Koblenz and Cologne and arrive in Amsterdam for a guided canal cruise through the colorful city. Your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River with Globus Small Group Discover tour to explore the splendors of Switzerland by train are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Basel
  • Heidelberg
  • Koblenz
  • Lucerne
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Zermatt

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

(Dinner)

Day 2: LAKE GENEVA

Incredible Feats An orientation walk includes a visit to the Olympic Museum. Travel by train to Cully to visit the vineyards and have a wine tasting with cellar visit at a local Domanine. Continue on to Vevey to enjoy some free time and independent lunch.

(Brea...

Day 3: LAKE GENEVA–ZERMATT–GORNERGRAT EXCURSION

All Aboard for Zermatt! Board the train for your journey from Lausanne to Zermatt. An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat.

(Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT PEAK PERFECTION Travel on board Europe’s highest rack railway to marvel at the views of the Matterhorn from its summit. Spectacular!

Day 4: ZERMATT–INTERLAKEN

Alpine Adventure Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps en route to Interlaken aboard the Loetschberg train.

(Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Interlaken lies between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz affording spectacular surrounding views of the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Day 5: INTERLAKEN

The Top of Europe Take advantage of your small group and [LF] ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the Eager Express Cable Car.

(Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling expe...

Day 6: INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE

Natural Highs Embark on a boat trip and enjoy wonderful views of impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside towns.

(Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT LAKE STORIES Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountai...

Day 7: LUCERNE

Lion Hearts Join your guide for a walking tour of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant awaits.

(Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Luce...

Day 8: LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Transfer to Basel to embark your Avalon Suite Ship®.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 9: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tou...

Day 10: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as we...

Day 11: MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure to...

Day 12: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; ...

Day 13: COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sit...

Day 14: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a capti...

Day 15: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,368
Price per day$558
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
23 May 2026
06 Jun 2026
$8,698
06 Jun 2026
20 Jun 2026
$8,898
20 Jun 2026
04 Jul 2026
$8,898
04 Jul 2026
18 Jul 2026
$8,898
18 Jul 2026
01 Aug 2026
$8,368
22 Aug 2026
05 Sep 2026
$9,068
05 Sep 2026
19 Sep 2026
$9,168
19 Sep 2026
03 Oct 2026
$9,168

Gateway city for arrivals is Geneva. Port charges: $231 are included. Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Moevenpick Hotel Lausanne

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne offers stunning views over the French Alps. Its two restaurants offer a wide choice of culinary experiences, based on local products and seasonal ingredients. The bar is the perfect meeting place for a sundowner or nightcap. The fitness centre and sauna are perfect for some relaxation. All 337 guestrooms are fully air- conditionned and complimentary high speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Lausanne

Switzerland

4 Avenue de Rhodanie Ouchy

Alex

Hotel Alex in the heart of Zermatt is a mountain hut on the outside and a stylish boutique hotel on the inside with its traditional furniture, exquisite carving, and precious paintings of the Matterhorn. It features a superb wellness centre including saunas, an indoor pool, massage rooms, a tropical shower, and a well-equipped fitness centre. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the large sun terrace with garden lounge. All rooms are elegantly refurbished and include flat screen TV with international channels, coffee & tea making facilities, and in-room safety box. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.

Zermatt

Switzerland

Bodmenstrasse 12

Alpen Resort & Spa

In the heart of the Valias mountains, this modern, homely hotel is run by a third generation Zermatt family, located just a short walk from the center of Zermatt. The hotel has a choice of restaurants, a stylish bar and sumptuous spa with an indoor pool and outdoor hot tub. The spacious Alpen-style guest rooms, with wooden floors come with either a garden terrace or a balcony. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.

Zermatt

Switzerland

Spissstrasse 52

The Hey Hotel

Set in the center of Interlaken, just 400 m away from the Interlaken-West train station, Swissness meets Design with a relaxed atmosphere in this trendy lifestyle hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available and all guest rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV, kettle and coffee machine. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes - including plenty of vegetarian options in cozy surroundings and the open lobby concept ensures a feel-good ambience with a great selection of drinks and snacks on offer. The property is located on the charming Höheweg promenade with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in walking distance.

Interlaken

Switzerland

Hoeheweg 7

Ameron Hotel Flora

A centrally located 161-room modern hotel of minimalist design with urban flair, just a short walk away from the lake promenade and Old Town. Traditional Italian food is served with a contemporary touch in the Brasserie and drinks can be enjoyed from morning until late evening at the Apéro bar.

Luzern

Switzerland

Seidenhofstrasse 5

Westcord Jakarta

A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Javakade 766

Movenpick Amsterdam City

A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Piet Heinkade 11

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-XDH5

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