Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS Emily Brontë

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.

Arrival in Basel - Your holiday begins in Basel, where your five-star cruise ship awaits on the banks of the Rhine. Boarding is in the late afternoon so, if you arrive earlier, you'll have time to explore the city at your leisure from a convenient central location before joining the ship. 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.

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank.

Lucerne & Bernese Oberland - Today you have the choice between a full day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, or a more leisurely guided tour of Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel. Lucerne To make the most of the day we depart early and 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, before we continue our exploration of the best of Switzerland. Bernese Oberland As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breath-taking! 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. If you chose a more leisurely start to the day, we drive to Lucerne.   Lucerne Enjoy a more comprehensive excursion in Lucerne, with a guided tour of the city. Then spend time at leisure wandering its medieval streets before returning to the ship for lunch. Basel This afternoon you can choose to stay on board or hop on our shuttle bus to Basel for time to explore independently. With a mix of historic and modern architecture, Basel seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While you're here, head to the old town to explore its narrow winding streets. At its heart, you'll find the magnificent cathedral with its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles, and twin towers. Or you could immerse yourself in the city's remarkable museums and countless galleries, celebrating its rich tradition of art collecting. 

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.

Breisach & Black Forest or Alsace Wine route - This morning's 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, which you can see during time at leisure before lunch onboard. This afternoon you have a choice of touring the Black Forest or visiting the Alsace wine route with its typical wine villages.  Journey deep into the heart of the Black Forest, where towering pine-clad slopes, dramatic valleys and traditional villages create one of Germany's most captivating landscapes. Following a scenic route through the spectacular Höllental (Valley of Hell), we'll pass beneath steep rock faces and through thick forests that have inspired myths and legends for centuries. As the scenery changes, we'll discover a gentler side to the region, travelling through rolling farmland dotted with traditional Black Forest farmhouses and picture-perfect villages. Continuing through Sankt Märgen, we'll arrive in Sankt Peter, a charming village set high on a plateau with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Here, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace. Admire the magnificent Benedictine monastery and Baroque abbey, wander the peaceful village streets or simply soak up the panoramic scenery that stretches across this beautiful corner of the Black Forest before we return to the ship. Travelling, between the vineyards and mountains, along the Wine Route we make our way to Ribeauvillé - a charming village that lies in the shadow of the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. After a short walking tour, there's time to wander its picturesque streets to admire the 15th- to 18th-century buildings and Renaissance squares. Leaving Ribeauvillé, we head next to Riquewihr. Named the 'Most Beautiful Village in France', this medieval town lies right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Famous for both its architecture and its wine, there's plenty to see during our walking tour. There's a little free time to explore before heading back to the ship. As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle, enjoy the views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows during tonight's excellent dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist, before we slip our moorings to commence our cruise towards Strasbourg. 

Speyer is a town located in southwest Germany situated beside the river Rhine. Originally founded by the Romans, it is one of the oldest settlements in Germany and is situated in the popular wine growing region of the Palatinate. A key attraction of Speyer is the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, which is one of the most celebrated culture-history museums in Germany. It features five permanent collections including Prehistory, Roman Times, Cathedral Treasury, Modern Era and Wine Museum. Not far from the museum, visitors will find the Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. Originally constructed by Konrad II, this magnificent and looming building was intended to demonstrate the Lord’s religio-political claim to power against the papacy. Speyer has been producing wine since its Roman beginnings and wine tasting, festivals and events are popular all year round. The town is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling as well as guided walking tours of the town.

Speyer - We remain moored in Speyer this morning to enjoy a guided tour of this delightful medieval gem, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past. The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world and also one of the finest. The beautiful four-roomed crypt, with its striking marble floors and pastel-coloured pillars, is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings. Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested his imperial ban. Henceforth, Luther’s religious followers were known as Protestants. Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards, home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region, oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife. This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally. Personalise Your Holiday - Visit to the Technik Museum Duration: At leisure Price: £26pp (2026) and £28pp (2027 & 2028)  Discover technology from the underwater world to space. Ever wonder what the inside of a submarine looks like? Or how big a jumbo jet is? From aircraft to vintage crafts, fire engines to mechanical instruments, there's plenty to inspire and amaze! Included in your entrance is a ticket to the IMAX theatre where the gigantic screen shows fascinating movies detailing incredible technological feats and natural wonders. Optional excursion can be done after or instead of the walking tour of Speyer. Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

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.

Koblenz - 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. On our guided tour of this delightful town, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn: see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use. If you manage to resist the tempting cakes on offer from the beckoning pavement cafés, then you’ll be ready for lunch as we leave Koblenz behind. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See 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, and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White. During dinner this evening, reflect on the spectacular sights seen and wonderful places visited whilst travelling with us on this magical cruise as we arrive at our final destination, Cologne. Personalise Your Holiday - Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress and visit Duration: At leisure Price: From £21pp (2026), £23pp (2027 & 2028) Take a scenic cable car over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which stands 118 meters tall on its riverbanks. Built by the Prussians to fend off the French, it's the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, with an unparalleled view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here, you can explore the castle's 1000-year history at leisure before returning to Koblenz by cable car. Optional excursion can be done during free time or instead of the walking tour of Koblenz. Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.

Return home - Your cruise concludes in Cologne, where you'll enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you'll have time to explore at your leisure from a convenient central location before continuing your journey home.