Scenic Rhine & Rail

Tour members board their overnight flight to London. 

Upon arrival in London, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin your own exploration of this dynamic metropolis. Stroll through one of the Royal Parks, follow the banks of the River Thames, or simply soak in the rhythm of a city that has shaped world history for centuries. 

Hotel to be announced (3 nights) 

Our guided tour begins in Westminster with views of the iconic clock tower of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, the historic site of royal coronations for nearly a thousand years. At Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence, witness the famous Changing of the Guard. Our exploration also includes the famed monuments of Trafalgar Square and the vibrant avenues of the West End, the world’s premier theatre district.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to create your own London adventure. You might delve into history at the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, or explore the British Museum. For stunning views of the city skyline, a ride on the iconic London Eye is a must. Let the city's diversity be your guide, whether you seek out the creative street art of Shoreditch or a dazzling performance in the West End.

After breakfast, we transfer to St. Pancras station to board our train to Amsterdam. Our ride takes us through the famous English Channel, an incredible feat of engineering with a 38-kilometre section running underwater. Upon arrival in the vibrant Dutch capital, we will proceed to the port to embark on our cruise ship, our floating home for the next leg of our adventure. 

Emerald Destiny (7 nights)  

Visit the quintessential Dutch town of Alkmaar, known for  its centuries-old cheese market, a lively spectacle where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in spirited auctions. Alternatively, you may sign up for a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside. Relax on the Sun Deck this afternoon as you watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhine glide by. Later, we gather to celebrate the start of our voyage with a special welcome dinner. 

Our day begins with a guided walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city celebrated for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the Rhine River and admire the blend of modern and historic architecture that shapes its skyline. Later, travel to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities, renowned for its lively atmosphere and impressive Gothic Cathedral. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to centuries of faith and craftsmanship. Discover Cologne’s Old Town and experience the unique character of this remarkable city. 

We arrive today in Koblenz, a 2,000-year-old city set against a backdrop of sloping vineyards. A guided walking tour leads us through this ancient Roman town to the German Corner, the point where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, and past the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady. This afternoon we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch as romantic castles appear atop forested hills and charming, half-timbered villages seem suspended in time, creating a landscape that has inspired artists for centuries. 

Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature, has long captured the hearts of writers and artists, including Mark Twain. A guided tour leads us to the romantic, red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Explore its magnificent courtyard and thoughtfully designed gardens, known for their serene water features, sculptures, and colourful flowerbeds. For those seeking a more active outing, you may choose to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg, for panoramic views over the castle and the Old Town below. Tonight, join a captivating private concert in a historic venue.

After docking in Kehl, Germany, we will travel by coach into France to explore the Alsace region and its capital, Strasbourg. A guided walking tour will lead us through the city’s medieval heart, a charming landscape of cobbled squares and iconic half-timbered houses. The excursion will also provide insight into the unique culinary traditions of this region.

Today, we visit Freiburg, the city widely known as the 
“Capital of the Black Forest”. Our tour will introduce you to the city’s sights and includes an opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. For a more active option, you may join a guided bike tour through Breisach.

Our cruise concludes this morning as we disembark in the charming Swiss town of Basel. From here, we journey by coach into the heart of the Swiss Alps, a scenic drive through beautiful mountain landscapes. Our destination is the world-renowned resort of Zermatt, a village famed for its traditional chalets and unparalleled views of the Matterhorn. 

Hotel to be announced (2 nights)  

Soak in the unhurried atmosphere of Zermatt with a walking tour to appreciate its preserved architecture and stunning mountain landscapes. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps to browse the elegant boutiques, relax at a café, or stroll through this car-free alpine wonderland at your own pace. 

A highlight of this trip awaits today as you board the Glacier Express for an unforgettable rail journey. From the comfort of your seat, watch the spectacular alpine world unfold through your window. This remarkable train navigates a breathtaking route, crossing dramatic viaducts and passing deep gorges and snow-capped peaks. We then continue by coach to Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant cultural and financial hub. 

Hotel to be announced (1 night)  

All too soon our journey comes to an end as we bid farewell to Zurich and prepare for our return flight home.