The Majestic Rhine & Glacier Express

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

Today, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Zurich, Switzerland’s cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its glimmering lake, charming Old Town streets, and rich Swiss culture. After settling into your centrally located hotel for your included one-night stay, you'll later enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests, setting the scene for the exciting days ahead.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a comfortable coach ride from Zurich to the charming town of Chur. Here, you'll board the incredible Glacier Express Train for a panoramic journey to Zermatt.

Upon arrival in Zermatt, enjoy time at leisure to explore the world-famous resort village at your own pace, discovering the quaint and car-free streets, traditional shops, and cosy cafés, with the iconic Matterhorn as your dramatic backdrop.

The day concludes with an included hotel in Zermatt, as part of your two-night stay here.

Included Excursion
Glacier Express 2nd class train from Chur to Zermatt
Today, you'll embark from Chur on the world-famous Glacier Express Train for a panoramic journey to Zermatt. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Switzerland’s dramatic Alpine landscapes.

Enjoy your final day in this charming alpine village. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your Zermatt explorations and will be happy to answer any of your questions that may arise.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Zermatt
Bask in the fresh mountain air and explore delightful Zermatt as you join today's included tour. As you delve into this celebrated ski resort, your local guide will share captivating stories and insider knowledge that reveal Zermatt's rich history and unique character. From traditional chalets to sweeping alpine vistas, every corner of Zermatt reveals a postcard-worthy view

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Visit to Gornergrat Matterhorn (extra expense)
The Gornergrat is a viewing point platform, where today, you can enjoy unobstructed and spectacular views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. To reach the Gornergrat, you’ll board the Gornergrat Bahn, the world's first fully electrified open-air cog railway. Today, you’ll ride a modern and eco-friendly version – considered Europe's highest – which transports passengers directly from Zermatt Station to the summit of the Gornergrat, 365 days a year.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Zermatt’s captivating mountain landscapes as you are transferred to Basel, where your luxury river cruise awaits.

Continuing onward, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Basel, where you’ll embark on your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where a warm welcome from the crew awaits.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

Wake in Breisach today. Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, this is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Colmar
Set out from your Emerald Star-Ship by e-bike to explore the pretty riverside scenery and lush wineries on two wheels. Once you arrive in Colmar, enjoy a short orientation tour and some free time before a coach transfer back to your vessel.

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Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting (extra expense)
Travel to Freiburg, set on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. This photogenic city was founded in 1120 and lays claim to the most days of sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city centres on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

Dock in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years.

Included Excursion
Hidden Treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.

Rastatt, Germany, is a charming town in the Baden-Württemberg region, known for its Baroque architecture and historic significance. The centerpiece is the Rastatt Palace, a stunning example of Baroque grandeur with its beautiful gardens. The town offers picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural scene. Located near the Rhine River, Rastatt combines historical charm with a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for exploring its architectural heritage and enjoying its local culture.

Arrive in Rastatt before sunrise. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it’s known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany’s most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
Transfer to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries, who came to take the healing waters. Enjoy a guided walking tour, soaking in the opulence of the old town with its elegant boutiques, elaborate bath houses and timeless gardens.

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert Bruchsal Palace
The breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in the Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, you’ll enjoy a private evening classical concert.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents.

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the perfect blend of wellness, history and indulgence.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

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Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
Step into a world of elegance and intrigue with a visit to the legendary Casino Baden-Baden, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic gaming houses. With its gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, and ornate interiors inspired by French palaces, this 19th-century jewel has hosted royalty, artists and aristocrats for more than 150 years.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

Dock this morning in the bustling port of Mannheim.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It’s easy to see how the town’s idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town’s most famous sights.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Take the historic funicular to the summit of Mount Königstuhl and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding Neckar Valley. Continue on foot through the forest to Heidelberg Castle, where you will explore the ruins before descending into the town below.

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Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad-Durkheim (extra expense)
Travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery. Learn the story of this family-owned winery that dates back nine generations and taste their delicious wines. You can also see 400-year-old oak trees and the largest ginkgo tree in Germany.
Activity level: Difficult/active, Duration: 3 hours

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Spend a dull day in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, it was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz
Immerse yourself in the fairytale surrounds of Koblenz on this guided walking tour. You’ll see the city’s highlights, including the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
Discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city’s most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards enroute.

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Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Eltz Forest, Burg Eltz is considered one of the most magical castles in Germany. With its eight towers and turrets, the beautifully preserved castle looks like something out of a storybook. It has been under the ownership of the same family for over 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th-century murals.
Activity level: Active, Duration: 3.5 hours

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German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)
Experience the heart and soul of German hospitality with a visit to an authentic beer garden in Koblenz, where good company and freshly poured beer come together. Sip on local brews – such as crisp Königsbacher or a smooth Bitburger – served in authentic German style.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

This morning, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors with her song.

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, renowned for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet MuseumRide the local mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, complete with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes, the quirky museum is home to a collection of more than 350 mechanical musical instruments and rare music boxes.

EmeraldPLUS
Legends on the Rhine
Join us in the Horizon lounge for a fascinating lecture on the Legends of the Rhine River, where you’ll be transported into a world of myth, folklore and history as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge. The stories come alive, offering a deeper connection to the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

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Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine-lovers and coffee-fans alike.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, taking memories of the fairytale beauty of the Rhine River with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.