Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise (Panorama)
Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise (Panorama)
$10438
Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise (Panorama)
15 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Zermatt, Gornergrat Excursion, Interlaken, Lucerne, Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation), Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest, Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg, France, Mainz, Germany. Excursion To Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam, Holland, Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
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, Monch 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 Rudesheim 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Lake Geneva,Switzerland
Location: Arrive In Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
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. (D)
Day 2: Lake Geneva
Location: Lake Geneva
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT RULES OF THE GAMES The Olympic Museum was opened in 1993 and reflects the spirit of the sports games which bring nations together as the largest information center on the Olympic Games in the world.
Day 3: Lake Geneva,Zermatt,Gornergrat Excursion
Location: Lake Geneva, Zermatt, Gornergrat Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTPEAK 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
Location: Zermatt, Interlaken
Meals Included: Breakfast
ZERMATT–INTERLAKEN Alpine Adventure Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps en route to Interlaken aboard the Loetschberg train. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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
Location: Interlaken
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling experience aboard the Eiger Express Cable Car. Be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps before continuing your alpine ascent by cogwheel train to ascend to the “Top of Europe” - the Jungfraujoch. Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and take in the 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Jungfrau Massif.
Day 6: Interlaken,Lucerne
Location: Interlaken, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE Natural Highs Embark on a boat trip and enjoy wonderful views of impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside towns. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTLAKE STORIES Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls surround you with picture-perfect scenery. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing as waves ripple, merge, and heighten as your ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake while pondering the depth of the water that has flowed through the Alps for thousands of years. ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMESMALL PLEASURES Relax at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere. Feel your spirits rise with merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as you indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue.
Day 7: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. (B,D)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.ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EPIC RIDE Climb soaring Mount Pilatus on a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with an incline of 48 degrees, this silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondola reveal a panorama of unmatched beauty. The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages with countless tales of mythical encounters with a dragon inhabiting the surrounding caves. As you ride higher, it’s easy to imagine the dragon soaring back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne. The trip back down is just as inspiring with irresistible photo opportunities!
Day 8: Lucerne,Basel,Switzerland (Embarkation)
Location: Lucerne, Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 (B,D)
Day 9: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
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: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.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 KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 10: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg,France
Location: Kehl. Excursion To Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE 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 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(B,L,D)
Day 11: Mainz,Germany. Excursion To Heidelberg
Location: Mainz, Germany. Excursion To Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 12: Koblenz
Location: Koblenz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE 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; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.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.KOBLENZTravel 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(B,L,D)
Day 13: Cologne
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
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(B,L,D)
Day 14: Amsterdam,Holland
Location: Amsterdam, Holland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE 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 captivating look at this legendary city, 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(B,L,D)
Day 15: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Location: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Notes
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. •Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Accommodation
Lake Geneva:Moevenpick Hotel LausanneZermatt:AlexZermatt:Alpen Resort & SpaInterlaken:The Hey HotelLucerne:Ameron Hotel FloraAmsterdam:Westcord JakartaAmsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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