Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine River Cruise

Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine River Cruise

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Tour Overview

We’ve given our popular Rhine Cruise to Switzerland cruise a delicious foodie twist. Scenery and gastronomy are the perfect pairing as you glide along this enchanting river and experience the glorious flavours of the Rhine.


Taste superb Swiss mountain cheeses and indulgent Black Forest treats (perhaps washed down with a delicious glass of Alsace wine or a decadent Rudesheimer coffee) and take your tastebuds on a sweet adventure at one of Europe’s finest chocolate museums. Meet vintners and artisans who are passionate about the production of the finest food and wine and enjoy authentic culinary experiences in the most traditional of surroundings. 


This holiday is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxing way to explore the gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine.


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Highlights

  • Enjoy a tasting of one of many superb cheese dishes Switzerland is famous for and magnificent alpine views at Stanserhorn.

  • Experience typical flavours of the Black Forest with a glass of fruity schnapps and an indulgent slice of the finest Black Forest gateau.

  • Explore Strasbourg on a walking tour and sample local specialities of the Alsace.

  • Sample the finest vinegars and take your tastebuds to a different level on a unique tasting tour.

  • Marvel at the sights along the Rhine river, including passage through the Rhine Gorge and the river bend outside of Boppard.

Itinerary

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DAY 1

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Basel - Your home for the next seven nights, our dedicated crew will be there waiting to welcome you on board, and ensure you settle in. There’ll be time to familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel before dinner in our stylish restaurant. On the first night, there’s always an exciting sense of expectancy and conversation with your fellow adventurers is sure to revolve around the journey ahead. ...more ...less

DAY 2

Location: Koblenz, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Lucerne & Stanserhorn - Our first stop today is Stanserhorn - one of the mountains near Lucerne - where we’ll take the cabrio cable car high up to the peak. This naturally beautiful area is almost 1,900m above sea level, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh mountain air while you take in the amazing views of the Swiss Alps.Not content with treating just your sight, you’ll also be indulging your tastebuds with a visit to the revolving restaurant that sits atop the mountain. Specialising in Swiss food, you’ll get the chance to sample a local favourite - Älplermagronen, the Swiss Alpine version of macaroni and cheese. This delicious mix of pasta, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions is a true comfort food!After a mountain-top feast, you’ll make your way back down the mountain and make the short journey by coach to Lucerne.Spectacularly nestled in the mountains, providing epic landscapes, it is by far Switzerland’s most beautiful city and has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, one of the most famous of which being our own Queen Victoria. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city – including where to get the best local pastries – and, after that, you’re free to explore at leisure.We recommend taking an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge: this symbol of the city is a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts, lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. It’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s rather regal atmosphere. Arriving back to our ship, you’ll have time to refresh before another splendid dinner in the excellent restaurant.

DAY 3

Location: Koblenz, Marksburg Castle, Boppard, Rhine Gorge, Saint Goar, Rüdesheim, Brömserburg Castle, Niederwald Monument

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breisach & The Black Forest - Relax this morning on board whilst we sail to the ancient town of Breisach. After a leisurely breakfast why not find a comfortable chair and catch up on some reading, play chess or watch the rolling kaleidoscope of scenery from the Sun Deck?After lunch, we’ll drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. It goes without saying, that this area isn’t just famous for its natural beauty, it also instantly brings to mind a decadent Black Forest gateau! While here, we’ll stop to sample this iconic dish, washed down with some traditional schnapps or a classic coffee. 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, arriving later tonight.

DAY 4

Location: Speyer

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Strasbourg - This morning, we have crossed over into France to arrive in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour of this picturesque 16th-century old town – a maze of narrow streets and canals lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals. Unforgettable sights include the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses which line the canals.As we wander Strasbourg, we will also have a chance to enjoy a traditional Alsace treat or two – local delicacies include tarte flambee, Munster cheese and kugelhopf (sweet bun). Enjoy a bite as you explore, and maybe even pick up a treat to enjoy in your cabin this afternoon as we cruise!During lunch, our elegant vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Head up to the sun deck and take in the views from a sun lounger or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends.As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal inspired by traditional Alsace cuisine to round out the day perfectly.We’ll arrive at Speyer this evening, where we’ll be moored overnight. 

DAY 5

Location: Speyer

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Speyer - We remain moored in Speyer this morning but will be venturing out to a nearby vinegar manufacturer. Here, we’ll be able to enjoy a tour of the cellars, learning about the history of vinegar – in particular its use as Posca, an ‘energy drink’ drunk by Roman legionaries. Wandering the herbal chamber and candle-lit cellar rooms, you’ll be reminded of the winemaking processes as you view the centuries-old barrels where the vinegar is fermented. The tour finishes, of course, with a vinegar tasting. See if you can spot the differences!If learning about artisanal vinegar doesn’t tickle your fancy, you have the choice instead to spend the morning exploring Speyer, where you’ll find many historic sites including the imposing Imperial Cathedral and the neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche.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 - and oxbow lakes, which are long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the Captain’s Dinner, 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. 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 - and oxbow lakes, which are 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. 

DAY 6

Location: Breisach, Black Forest, Freiburg

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz - This morning we moor in Rüdesheim, with its crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. This pretty town is surrounded by vineyards, and as such is an ideal stop for wine enthusiasts – or oenophiles if you’re feeling fancy – as the vineyards here have been producing the Riesling sold in the local shops and taverns for centuries. During the delightful land train tour, witness the vignerons hard at work in their vineyards, the bustling marketplace, the iconic half-timbered Klunkhardshof building, and Bromserburg Castle, which dates from 1275.This afternoon we’ll experience a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops, towering over 1,000 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, you get a real sense of the myths of this historic river coming alive around you. No legend is more famous than that surrounding the Loreley Rock, where beautiful nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in the treacherous waters. This experience provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a famous Rüdesheimer coffee – a sweet brandy coffee topped with whipped cream and chocolate.Relax on the sun deck as our captain skilfully navigates the ship through the huge looping bend at Boppard – one of the most impressive on the river. Keep an eye out for the mighty Marksburg Castle too, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century. It’s not long before we arrive in picturesque Koblenz; founded by the Romans, the city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister, the Moselle. Here we'll 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 your meticulously prepared dinner on board and afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.

DAY 7

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cologne - Early risers will witness our departure from Koblenz as we set sail towards Cologne today.Enjoy a leisurely morning 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.When we arrive in historic Cologne, we’ll embark an indulgent journey of exploration through the world of chocolate at the Schokoladenmuseum, where you can learn about the 5,000-year history of cocoa, from its beginnings in Central America, all the way to the well-loved treat we know today.Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city. Perhaps visit the superb cathedral, the largest Gothic structure on earth. It has Europe’s most stunningly intricate stained glass, which took 600 years to finish and when work was finally complete, it was the largest building on earth, remaining so until eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower. Tonight is the last night of the cruise, so after you last delicious dinner in our elegant restaurant, why not linger in the ship’s bar to swap stories with your like-minded travel companions or bid a bittersweet farewell to our friendly, five-star crew.

DAY 8

Location: Cologne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return Home

What's Included

  • Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day

  • Free drinks package

  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee

  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)

  • All visits and excursions as mentioned

  • Return flights (or Eurostar & TGV for UK Guests)

  • Coach travel as mentioned

  • Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks not included in the package are not covered.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions or activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with return flights or Eurostar & TGV, complemented by coach transfers to and from the port. Enjoy the convenience of on-board travel as you cruise along the Rhine, with scenic views and seamless transitions between destinations.

Accommodation

Experience the comfort of a first-class floating hotel on a luxury river cruise ship, complete with stylish dining and panoramic views. Enjoy the dedicated service of the crew and the elegant ambiance of the ship's restaurant and bar throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland?

    You will experience the comfort of a first-class floating hotel on a luxury river cruise ship, complete with stylish dining and panoramic views. The dedicated service of the crew and the elegant ambiance of the ship's restaurant and bar will be available throughout your journey. ...more ...less

  • Are there any special performances or entertainment on board the cruise?

    Yes, during the cruise you can enjoy a live violin soloist and a folk music performance on board the luxury ship. Additionally, there will be a live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist.

  • What meals are included during the cruise?

    The cruise includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day, except for one lunch. Complimentary on-board tea and coffee are also provided.

  • What are some of the optional excursions available during the cruise?

    Optional excursions include a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress, wine tasting at a local winery in Rüdesheim, a visit to the Technik Museum in Speyer, a land train tour of Strasbourg, and a cruise tour of Strasbourg. These excursions can be arranged with your Cruise Concierge on board and are payable locally. ...more ...less

  • What is the transportation arrangement for the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland?

    Travel is arranged with return flights or Eurostar & TGV, complemented by coach transfers to and from the port. On-board travel is seamless as you cruise along the Rhine, with scenic views and smooth transitions between destinations.

  • What is the itinerary for the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland?

    The cruise starts in Basel, Switzerland, and ends in Cologne, Germany. It includes visits to historic towns and cities such as Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach, and Lucerne. Highlights include a railway journey up the Bernese Oberland Mountain range and a drive through the Black Forest.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera ...more ...less

Sharon Wal (Google Reviewer)  

Riviera are amazing attention to...

24-Mar-2025

Riviera are amazing attention to detail fantastic, staff and crew can't do enough for you. Food excellent drinks package great, cannot fault, definitely cruise with them again

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past. ...more ...less

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends. ...more ...less

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday. ...more ...less

David Chard (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

06-Feb-2025

We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka is such a fascinating place to visit; the people, the sights, the food, the wildlife are extraordinary. Riviera have created a super itinerary which includes notable sights including visits to an Elephant Sanctuary and Yala National Park, whilst staying at top notch hotels. The Maldives leg - 7 days on a boat visiting numerous deserted islands and sandbanks, night time fishing expeditions, snorkelling, barbecue on the beach etc.....it was simply out of this world. i cannot praise Riviera too highly. Thank you. ...more ...less

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend. ...more ...less

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again ...more ...less

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine River Cruise

8 Days Starting in Basel, Switzerland and ending in Cologne, Germany

Visiting: Cologne, Koblenz, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Marksburg Castle, Boppard, Rhine Gorge, Saint Goar, Rüdesheim, Brömserburg Castle, Niederwald Monument, Speyer, Breisach, Black Forest, Freiburg ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

RCSYFT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, River Cruise

Activities:

Wine Tasting

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