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Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

River/Barge Cruise

16 Day River Cruise Zürich to Amsterdam
This European tour includes a Globus escorted vacation in stunning Switzerland, along with a 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!

Notes:
  • High altitudes may be challenging for some guests and not suited to those suffering from cardiac issues or fear of heights. The ascent to Jungfraujoch reaches an elevation of 11,332 ft (3,455m).
  • 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.

From price

$14,679
$12,179
Price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Avalon Waterways
Number Of Days
16
Start Location
Zurich, Switzerland
End Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Age Range
Avg. 40+
Group Size
20 to 90
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
River/Small ship/Barge
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
31 Jul 2026 15 Aug 2026 Please call $18,115
$15,615
07 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 Available $17,059
$14,559
14 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 Sold Out POA
28 Aug 2026 12 Sep 2026 Available $17,577
$16,952
04 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 Available $15,228
$14,603
11 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026 Available $15,228
$14,378
07 May 2027 22 May 2027 Available $14,729
$14,029
14 May 2027 29 May 2027 Available $14,819
$13,569
21 May 2027 05 Jun 2027 Available $16,229
$14,429
28 May 2027 12 Jun 2027 Available $14,874
$13,074
04 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027 Available $14,679
$12,579
11 Jun 2027 26 Jun 2027 Available $14,679
$12,179
18 Jun 2027 03 Jul 2027 Available $15,909
$13,409
02 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 Available $15,864
$13,364
09 Jul 2027 24 Jul 2027 Available $14,679
$12,179
23 Jul 2027 07 Aug 2027 Available $14,679
$12,179
30 Jul 2027 14 Aug 2027 Available $15,909
$13,409
13 Aug 2027 28 Aug 2027 Available $14,679
$12,579
20 Aug 2027 04 Sep 2027 Available $14,874
$12,774
27 Aug 2027 11 Sep 2027 Available $15,174
$13,374
03 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 Available $15,174
$14,124
10 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027 Available $15,174
$14,474

Itinerary details

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.

(D)

Day 2 - ZÜRICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHÂTEL–GENEVA
Swiss Strolls in Geneva
This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Biel / Bienne, renowned for watch making. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center before continuing to lakeside Neuchâtel. Time to have some lunch, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Arrive in the elegant city of Geneva and take advantage of a leisurely evening to get acquainted with the city chosen to host the headquarters of many international organizations.
202 mi / 325 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.

(B)

Day 3 - GENEVA
Spend your day your way in Geneva
Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Explore more of Geneva with your choice of included Globus choice excursions.

Geneva's humanitarian hearts
Follow your Local Guide for a specially themed tour focusing on Geneva's role in humanitarian efforts on a global scale since the 19th century. See where the Red Cross was founded and the site of the first Geneva Convention signing. Hear about the role Geneva still plays today through its international and non-governmental institutions on behalf of humanitarian issues.

Little train. Big sights.
Hop aboard Geneva's mini-train for a leisurely ride through the Old Town with captivating commentary on the main landmarks of the vibrant Swiss city. Along the route, see the Place Bel-Air, Reformation Wall, the Town Hall, St-Pierre Cathedral, and much more.

Enjoy free time this evening.

(B)

Day 4 - GENEVA–ÉVIAN LES BAINS, FRANCE–GRUYÈRES, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA
How Sweet it Is
This morning, arrive in Evian-Les-Bains and browse the spa town famous for its mineral waters and breathtaking scenery. Arrive in Gruyères [LF] for a delicious lunch of local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème. After lunch visit the Castle and spend time in the village. To make things even sweeter, continue to Broc and [LF] visit the Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting.
90 mi / 145 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL 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.

(B,L,D)

Day 5 - GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD
Spectacular Switzerland
Lots of alpine scenery to admire today, beginning with Gstaad for a stroll around the winter resort popular with celebrities. Continue to Interlaken and enjoy some free time in one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts, then take a short drive to arrive in Grindelwald for a leisurely afternoon.
87 mi / 140 km

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE 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.

(B)


Day 6 - GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU
The Top of Europe
Prepare to be filled with wonder by today’s special treat! Join an excursion to the [LF] Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit. Receive your Jungfrau Passport and at the summit enjoy free time to explore the Alpine Sensation. Visit the Ice Palace, experience the Panorama 360°, have a bite of lunch, and even shop for chocolate at the world’s highest chocolate shop!G

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC 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.

(B,D)

Day 7 - GRINDELWALD–BERN–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction
Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem.
112 mi / 180 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern 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.

(B)

Day 8 - LUCERNE
Bridging History
This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

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 world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.

(B,D)

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

(B,D)

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:

CLASSIC 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 11 - 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 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 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

(B,L,D)

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:

CLASSIC 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, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

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.



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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

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 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. 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 16 - AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour offers a unique combination of a Globus escorted land vacation in Switzerland and a premium river cruise on the legendary Rhine River. You will experience a diverse range of highlights, from the 'Top of Europe' at Jungfraujoch and Swiss chocolate tastings to the stunning Rhine Gorge and the historic canals of Amsterdam, all while enjoying Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships with Panorama Suites.
This tour is designed for travelers who appreciate a premium experience that blends nature, history, and luxury. Those who enjoy a variety of activities—ranging from relaxing river cruises and guided city walks to active options like biking and hiking—will find this itinerary particularly rewarding.
Pros include a comprehensive itinerary covering four countries, high-end accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a great mix of guided and free time. A potential con is that the high altitude of the Jungfraujoch excursion may be challenging for some guests, particularly those with cardiac issues or a fear of heights.
While the text does not explicitly mention specific packages for solo travelers or families, the premium nature of the cruise and the diverse range of sightseeing and active excursions make it an excellent choice for couples and any traveler seeking a high-quality European adventure.
This tour is wonderful for both first-time and experienced travelers. First-timers will love the inclusion of iconic landmarks like the Rhine Gorge and Amsterdam's canals, while experienced travelers will appreciate the deeper dives into regional specialties, such as the Black Forest and the humanitarian history of Geneva.
The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. However, guests should be aware that some activities involve walking tours and high altitudes. We recommend reviewing the specific daily activities to ensure they align with your mobility needs.
This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It offers extensive sightseeing of European cities, deep cultural immersions through museum visits and local tastings, and adventure options such as biking in Strasbourg and Cologne or hiking through the vineyards of Rüdesheim.
The pace is moderate, combining structured guided excursions with designated free time. While it covers a significant amount of ground across Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland over 16 days, the river cruise portion allows for a more relaxed way to travel between destinations.
The itinerary is well-rounded, offering a mix of scheduled highlights and 'Enhanced Free Time' in places like Grindelwald and Amsterdam. This balance ensures you see the major sights without feeling overly rushed, allowing you to explore at your own pace during free periods.
Yes, the tour includes many iconic landmarks such as the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, the Gothic cathedral in Strasbourg, the Rhine Gorge, and a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Yes, the tour includes a Tour Director and Local Guides in various cities (such as Geneva and Bern) to ensure a smooth and informative experience, helping guests navigate the different countries and cultures comfortably.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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