Riviera Travel Music, Arts & Craft of Switzerland and the Rhine

• Explore historic Rhine towns and visit Beethoven’s birthplace in Bonn.
• Enjoy on-board performances, including a classical music showcase inspired by the river’s landscapes and a performance of Rhine-inspired music and dance.
• Experience the craftsmanship along the Rhine, with visits to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet and the Alsatian Museum.
• Marvel at natural sights along the river, including the picturesque Rhine Gorge and Boppard bend, reminiscent of landscapes that inspired great composers.
• Visit craftsmen in the Black Forest making cuckoo clocks and traditional Swiss glass blowers.

• Return flights or Eurostar
• Transfers
• 7nts on board a 5* ship
• Full Board Dining inc. complimentary onboard tea & coffee
• 9 tours and visits
• Services of an expert cruise director and concierge

Day 1 – Arrive in Basel

Travel to Basel by plane or Eurostar before transferring to the ship

Day 2 – Stanserhorn & Lucerne

Begin the day with breakfast on board and a visit to a Swiss glass manufacturer in Hergiswil, delving into the rich history of glassmaking and observing the rhythmic work of contemporary glassblowers.

Experience the unique Cabrio cable car to Stanserhorn, a mountain near Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps at almost 1,900m above sea level. A packed lunch prepared by on-board chefs enhances the mountain air experience.

Drive through the Swiss countryside to the picturesque city of Lucerne, admired for its crystal-clear lake and backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Explore the city’s musical legacy on a themed guided tour, discovering the inspiration behind works by composers like Wagner, Rachmaninoff, and Toscanini.

This evening, enjoy another splendid dinner on board as the ship remains moored in Basel overnight.

Note: Activity order may vary, and lunch is not included in this full-day excursion, but a packed lunch will be provided by the ship.

Day 3 – Breisach & the crafts of The Black Forest

Arriving in Breisach at lunchtime following a morning sail, you’ll drive through the picturesque Black Forest Mountains, renowned for rugged valleys, white-water rivers, and cascading waterfalls amid dense pine trees. Delving into the fairytale landscape, we’ll seek out the region’s famed handicrafts – carved wooden cuckoo clocks.

After returning to the ship, enjoy dinner as the ship cruises towards Strasbourg. In the lounge, enjoy a live performance by a highly talented violin soloist.

Day 4 – Strasbourg

Your introduction to France begins in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, with a walking tour through the charming 16th-century old town, featuring narrow streets, canals, and timber-framed houses. Explore the Alsatian Museum, offering a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life with exhibits ranging from furniture to sacred artifacts. If time allows, visit Saint Thomas Church, showcasing Mozart’s played organ and a framed copy of his letter describing Strasbourg.

After lunch, the vessel gracefully departs Strasbourg for an afternoon of scenic cruising. Enjoy riverbank views from the sun deck or engage in conversations in the lounge. As evening approaches, anticipate another delightful meal in the ship’s restaurant before arriving in Speyer later tonight.

Day 5 – Speyer

This morning, we’ll explore the medieval charm of Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded by the Celts. A guided tour will unveil the UNESCO-listed Imperial Cathedral, a magnificent Romanesque church housing the crypt of Holy Roman emperors.

After lunch on board,the cruise resumes, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, vineyards, and oxbow lakes. Enjoy the Captain’s Dinner, featuring specialties from our cruise destinations. In the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, consider exploring ashore for a digestif, such as the locally distilled Asbach brandy.

Day 6 – Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz

After a night in Rüdesheim, we’ll explore the wine village, starting with Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet at Brömserhof, featuring over 400 automatic musical instruments serenading us with unknown and familiar tunes. In the afternoon, experience the dramatic Rhine Gorge, sailing past Saint Goar, ruined castles, and the legendary Loreley Rock.

You then arrive in Koblenz, a picturesque city at the Rhine-Moselle confluence. Explore medieval buildings in the Altstadt, discover historic landmarks, and cross the Balduin Bridge for stunning views. After a meticulously prepared dinner on board, enjoy local stories through song and dance, featuring Rhinish folk music in traditional costumes.

Day 7 – Bonn

Early risers will witness the ship’s departure from Koblenz as it sails towards Bonn. Enjoy a leisurely morning amid scenic Rhineland landscapes, passing charming riverside towns, vineyards, and the famous Remagen ruined bridge, a historic World War II site. Around lunchtime, arrive in Bonn, known for its arts scene, including the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the Bundeskunsthalle.

As Beethoven’s birthplace, classical music fills the air, with buskers in the historic town centre. Explore the bustling Old Town with cobblestone streets, bookshops, and cherry blossom-lined Heerstrasse and Breite Strasse. As the last evening on board, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the magical cruise and bid farewell to new friends.

Day 8 – Return home

Transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home

MS Emily Brontë

MS Geoffrey Chaucer

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.