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Venture to the top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfranjoch, the continent’s highest railway station, allowing you to enjoy the lofty views across the Alpine peaks below, before setting sail on the magical waters of the Rhine. Your Rhine cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands, this spectacular cruise reveals the majestic allure of the Rhine River, in all of its fairytale glory. We uncover beautiful valley gorges, splendid halftimbered towns and all the remarkable cities along the banks of this grand old river. Over the course of four different countries, discover some of the finest experiences these nations have to offer including a German heritage rail journey, a French city tour and Dutch steam trains, along with daytime cruising on some of the finest stretches of the Rhine.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. Travel options…..Its all included in the price… and exclusive to Great Rail Journeys Rail & Cruise Travel by rail to Eurostar to Paris before travelling across France to Interlaken in Switzerland. Passengers are escorted by one of our tour managers.
Meet your Tour Manager at our dedicated Departure Offi ce in London St Pancras to board the Eurostar service to Paris. From here, we continue to Interlaken by rail. We check into our hotel, the 4-Star Hotel Metropole where we enjoy dinner tonight.
Day 2 - Journey on the Jungfrau Express
We travel on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest railway station. We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway, trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, through flower-filled pastures and past pretty villages. We then join the Wengeralp Railway, continuing our ascent through ever changing scenery to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway. Climbing further from Kleine Scheidegg, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe’, located 3454m above sea level. With free time at the summit station, you will have plenty of time at the summit to explore the Ice Palace and its many ice sculptures as well as visit the café here.
Day 3 - Boarding your ship
We depart Interlaken today, travelling to Basel by rail, where you’ll be met by a Great Rail Journeys representative who will escort you to the ship, the Amadeus Silver II or III. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious Swiss themed meal.
Day 4 - Strasbourg
Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second alternative sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße into the famous Black Forest of Germany, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas and enjoying free time in the charming spa town of Baden Baden.
Day 5 - Speyer & Heidelberg
We arrive into Speyer this morning, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses.
Day 6 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge
We sail into the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk along the river during your free time here this morning, before our ship departs for Koblenz. This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer river banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage. Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. Weather permitting we’ll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz, you may wish to visit one of the famous wine taverns here.
Day 7 - The Upper Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn
We depart from Koblenz this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability).
Day 8 - Cologne
Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses. Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.
Day 9 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train
We arrive into Amsterdam this morning, the Dutch capital, where we have a choice of two excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through splendid Dutch scenery.
Day 10 - Homeward Bound
After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship and here your cruise concludes. Make your way back to the railway station with your Tour Manager to board your train back to London St Pancras.
A trip on board the elegant AMADEUS Silver III combines the luxuries of a 5-star hotel with innovative design and the first-class service. This, the latest ship in the AMADEUS Silver line, includes all the amenities of its sister ships.
The ship accommodates a maximum of 168 passengers, with a choice of comfortable cabins with automatically lowerable french panorama windows or generous suites with private, accessible balconies. The glass-shielded River Terrace invites you to relax outdoors, while offering a breathtaking view of your surroundings. Enjoy the highest standards of cuisine aboard the AMADEUS Silver III in the stylish Panorama Restaurant, which offers sufficient room for all passengers at one sitting, and where our kitchen crew will ensure that you are spoilt beyond your expectations. Coffee-lovers will enjoy the on-board Café Vienna, which offers a wide variety of authentic Viennese coffee-time specialties.
Explore this ship in a virtual 360 degree tour
• Panorama-Restaurant • Panorama-Bar and Lounge • Amadeus-Club • “Café Vienna” with Viennese coffee specialities • Outdoor glass-shielded “River Terrace” • Sun Deck with Lido-Bar, lounge chairs, shade awnings, giant Chess Board and Shuffleboard • Fitness Room • Hair Salon, Massage Room • Gift Shop • Laundry Service • Complimentary bicycles on board • Wi-Fi available • Lift
Stay in one of the elegantly appointed Classic Staterooms or Amadeus Suites and enjoy unexpected little luxuries.
Be transported into a realm of chic comfort in one of the 72 enlarged staterooms. The beautiful 188 sq ft design is loaded with high-tech hospitality and swanky décor. Escape with the view from your state-of-the-art panoramic window on the Strauss and Mozart decks that extends across the entire width of the cabin. Automatically lower the windows to make the stateroom become it’s own balcony. Included are all the necessary details: a flat screen TV, WiFi, cabinet, seating area, a safe, and the Amadeus Signature Bed.
Staterooms are located on all decks. The Mozart and Strauss Decks include the innovative French Balcony.
These 12 deliberately designed suites with a lounge area, offer outdoor seating to sip your morning coffee and 284 sq ft of space to relax. Included are the little luxuries that have earned the Amadeus Silver Series the “2013 River Ship of the Year” award as well as the Amadeus Signature Bed, a luxurious bath and separate shower, WiFi, a flat screen TV, a safe and a minibar.
Suites are located on the Mozart Deck.
Why not take the Tour and cruise option and experience one of Switzerland’s iconic rail journeys as well as your Luxury river cruise? Tour & Cruise -The Glacier Express Embrace the glamour of Switzerland with a journey on one of the most beautiful rail routes in the world, the spectacular Glacier Express. Take three days to discover the sublime charm of the part of the world. This option begins with a rail journey to Chur for an overnight stay before you board the Glacier Express for a glorious journey through the soaring peaks to Zermatt. The following day, experience more Alpine beauty on the Gornegrat Mountain Railway before boarding your rail transfer to Basel. See Full Itinerary Details of this most iconic Swiss railway journey.