Riviera Travel Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine

• Explore Strasbourg and sample local Alsatian specialities
• Sample the finest vinegars on a unique tasting tour
• Experience the flavours of the Black Forest with fruity schnapps and Black Forest gateau
• Enjoy superb cheese and alpine views at Stanserhorn

• 7nts on board a 5-star ship
• Return flights and transfers
• Full board inc. complimentary tea & coffee onboard
• 8 visits & tours
• Services of an expert cruise director & concierge

Day 1: Arrive in Basel

Travel to Basel by flight or Eurostar. Upon arrival, transfer to the ship.

Day 2: Lucerne & Stanserhorn

Today, your first destination is Stanserhorn, a mountain near Lucerne. A cable car ride will take you to the nearly 1,900m peak, offering refreshing mountain air and stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Indulge your taste buds at the mountain’s revolving restaurant, specializing in Swiss cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try Älplermagronen, a local favourite resembling macaroni and cheese.

After this mountain-top feast, you’ll return to Lucerne by coach. Nestled in the mountains, Lucerne is Switzerland’s most beautiful city. A guided walking tour, including recommendations for the best local pastries, will be followed by free exploration. Take a leisurely stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden walkway with a regal atmosphere.

Upon returning to the ship, refresh before enjoying another splendid dinner as you cruise toward the next destination, Breisach.

Day 3: Breisach & The Black Forest

After a steady overnight journey, dock in the ancient town of Breisach. Explore the historic heart surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by Saint Stephan’s Cathedral.

After lunch, you’ll drive through the scenic Black Forest mountains, known for rugged valleys, waterfalls, and dense pine trees. Stop to sample the iconic Black Forest gateau with traditional schnapps or coffee.

After a satisfying dinner on the ship, enjoy a live performance in the lounge as the ship cruises toward Strasbourg, arriving later tonight.

Day 4: Strasbourg

This morning, join a walking tour of the 16th-century old town, featuring narrow streets, canals, Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ponts Couverts, and the charming Petite France quarter.

While exploring Strasbourg, savor local treats like tarte flambee, Munster cheese, and kugelhopf. After lunch, enjoy scenic cruising from the sun deck or the lounge. As evening approaches, anticipate another delicious meal inspired by traditional Alsace cuisine in the ship’s restaurant.

Tonight, you moor in Speyer for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Speyer

This morning, while moored in Speyer, venture to a nearby vinegar manufacturer for a cellar tour, exploring the history of vinegar and its use as an ‘energy drink’ by Roman legionaries. Alternatively, explore Speyer’s historic sites, including the Imperial Cathedral and Gedächtniskirche.

After lunch on board, resume the cruise, enjoying scenic views of rolling hills, vineyards, and oxbow lakes. In the evening, experience the Captain’s Dinner featuring specialties from the regions visited during our cruise.

As the ship arrives in Rüdesheim during dinner, consider a stroll ashore for a local digestif, such as the famous Asbach brandy.

Day 6: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz

In Rüdesheim, explore the charming town with crooked houses, terraced vineyards, and a land train tour highlighting vineyards, the marketplace, Klunkhardshof building, and Bromserburg Castle.

In the afternoon, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, passing Saint Goar, ruined castles, and Loreley Rock. Enjoy a Rüdesheimer coffee on the sun deck, taking in the looping bend at Boppard and the mighty Marksburg Castle.

Arrive in Koblenz, founded by the Romans, for a guided tour of medieval buildings in the Altstadt. Explore historic sites like the former mint, the Four Towers, and the Basilica of Saint Kastor. Enjoy dinner on board and a lively performance of Rhenish folk music with traditional instruments.

Day 7: Cologne

Savour the picturesque Rhineland scenery from the ship this morning, passing riverside towns, the famous Remagen ruined bridge, and the Siebengebirge, known for inspiring Brothers Grimm’s legends.

Upon reaching Cologne, choose between a visit to the Schokoladenmuseum for a journey through chocolate’s 5,000-year history or a free afternoon to explore the city, including the impressive Gothic cathedral.

Day 8: Return home

MS Emily Bronte

MS Geoffrey Chaucer

MS Oscar Wilde

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approx. 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs
• Language: German
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: Germany

All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.