Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Welcome to Switzerland
- Zürich orientation tour; stop in Biel/Bienne, explore the historical center; Stop in lakeside Neuchâtel
- Guided sightseeing, visit the Reformation Park
- See the Rhône vineyards in Évian-Les-Bains; visit the castle in Gruyères; visit the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc
- Orientation tour in Gstaad; travel to Grindelwald
- Visit to the Jungfraujoch railway station
- See the Bear Park, the Old Town and enjoy the panoramic view from the Rose Garden in Berne; travel to Lucerne
- Walking tour, see the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge
- Travel to Basel; onboard welcome reception
- Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach 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
- Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz
- Choice of Cologne Highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
- Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host
- This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland
- Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne
Short Description
This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along witha river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland.Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you'll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the "Top of Europe," a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an unforgettable journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Visit Geneva, Switzerland's most international and second-largest city, to explore its fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in the city with a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland's most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or sail to Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amid the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe!
Attractions & Cities Visited
Amsterdam Basel Geneva Grindelwald Heidelberg Heidelberg Castle Innsbruck Koblenz Lake Como Lucerne Rudesheim Strasbourg Vienna Zermatt ZurichItinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
(Dinner)
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Day 2: ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA
Swiss Strolls in Geneva ZURICH An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumünsterkirche.BIEL/BIENNE Enjoy free time at the historical district.NEUCHÂTEL Free time for lunch en route to Geneva. 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti. (Breakfast)
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Day 3: GENEVA
Grandeur in Geneva GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & TRADITION Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in the city of the Reformation. Discover fascinating stories along the small cobblestone streets and small squares, as well as secret passages. See the Parc des Bastions where giant statues of the leading figures of the Reformation are carved into the great wall – engraved with Geneva's motto, 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Light After Darkness). (Breakfast)
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Day 4: GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–BROC– GRUYÈRE AREA, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA
How Sweet it Is ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS Enjoy free time to browse.GRUYÈRES Globus Local Favorite Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème.BROC [LF] Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting. 87 mi / 140 km
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Meringue a la crème and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can’t resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyères with the double sweetness of crème and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler’s decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD
Spectacular Switzerland GSTAAD Orientation walk and free time to browse.INTERLAKEN Free time to explore.GRINDELWALD Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. 87 mi / 140 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and unspoilt nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland’s largest ski resort.(Breakfast)
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Day 6: GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU
The Top of Europe GRINDELWALD Join an excursion to the Globus Local Favorite Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy 360° cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don’t miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 7: GRINDELWALD–BERNE–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch.LUCERNE Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening. 112 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
(Breakfast)
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Day 8: LUCERNE
Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark. (Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 9: LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Transfer from Lucerne to Basel. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 10: 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 Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: 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 s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: 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 towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: 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; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 14: 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 sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 15: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 16: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Availability
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1,685 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
Company Reviews
From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!
We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back.
Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.
It was the Paris to Normandy then to…
On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black…
Probably not consciously deceitful but perhaps Operations and Marketing should talk details before extravagant claims are made and the inevitable disappointment follows. Surely Operations sign off on advertising claims is the norm these days? Not it seems at Avalon. No big deal for most of our fellow passengers I guess. But, sadly, we will not be travelling with Avalon again, even though almost all their people shone. Ah yes. One more thing. The wines were indeed free and generously dispensed but the quality quite poor - and no choice other than "red or white". A feeling of penny pinching.
the people were great i liked the size…
1st river cruise exceeded expectations
Details
Deck & Cabin Plans
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Accommodations
Sheraton Zurich
A newly opened 197 room hotel set in an urban cosmopolitan district with a cozy lobby lounge fireplace and complimentary wireless internet access in public areas. The à-la-carte restaurant has an emphasis on fresh regional food with exciting cooking displays and there is a hip Italian hotel bar serving snacks and drinks as well as a fitness room for workouts.
Zurich
Switzerland
Pfingstweidstrasse 100
Renaissance Zurich Tower
This 300 room luxury hotel is housed in a modern tower building located in the vibrant Zurich West quarter. The exclusive Grill restaurant serves urban cuisine and the lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and cocktails. Other amenities include a fitness area on the 15th floor with city views, sauna and steam bath.
Zurich
Switzerland
Turbinenstrasse 20
Royal Manotel
In the heart of Geneva, this 203 room hotel welcomes you into a warm cozy atmosphere, where you will be met with tradition in a neoclassical ambiance with Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the hotel. Dining options include an upscale restaurant, a bistro and bar and leisure facilities comprise of a fitness area, sauna and hammam.
Geneve
Switzerland
41-43, Rue De Lausanne
Cailler
A charming 63 room chalet style hotel set in a magnificent natural setting in the Freiburg foothills of the Alps with two restaurants, a bar and Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The hotel is connected to the thermal baths of La Gruyère which include indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, Turkish steam bath and Spa facilities.
Charmey
Switzerland
Gros Plan 28
Sunstar Hotel
Enjoying a quiet yet central location in the popular Alpine resort of Grindelwald which has beautiful unspoilt panoramic views of the famous North Face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. This 217 room chalet style property has a stylish lobby bar area with open fireplace and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access, two restaurants, a fitness centre and also boasts a wellness oasis with swimming pool, steambath and sauna.
Grindelwald
Switzerland
Dorfstrasse 168
Astoria
Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.
Lucerne
Switzerland
Pilatusstrasse 29
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
Trip ID#:
AVALON-XZH5
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