The Best of Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

This fabulous vacation begins with an in-depth land tour of everything stunning Switzerland has to offer; then a river cruise along the legendary Rhine River—with stops in France, Germany, and Holland—awaits you!

With its stunning mountains, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes, Switzerland offers something for everyone. On this tour, experience some of its most beautiful scenery and interesting cities with overnights in Zürich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, Lake Geneva, and Lucerne. And no tour to Switzerland is complete without seeing the stunning scenery, so enjoy a scenic drive following Lake Zürich and Lake Walen through the high Alps to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. In Täsch, board a mountain train to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the famous Matterhorn. If beautiful lakes are what you desire to see, you’ll enjoy Lake Como; Lake Maggiore; Lake Geneva; and Lugano, the popular subtropical resort on the shores of Lake Lugano. To bring Switzerland to life, Globus has arranged some unique experiences for you. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Swiss working farm in Berne and a trip to the top of Mount Pilatus to enjoy heavenly views and an alphorn demonstration. Of course, Switzerland is known for its chocolates, so this tour would not be complete without a taste of traditional chocolate pralines.

Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany, where you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. In Strasbourg, France, be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and the fascinating astronomical clock. Stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, and stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, offers world-famous museums and an abundance of restaurants amongst the classic architecture and charming canals. See the treasures of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

From stunning scenery and vibrant cities to its special experiences, this river cruise and land tour is sure to delight. So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing vacation!

City Highlights

Day 1 Zürich: arrive in Zürich, welcome dinnerDay 2 Zürich–Vaduz, Liechtenstein–St. Moritz: orientation walk of the Old Town; taste Sprüngli chocolate pralines; visit the capital of LiechtensteinDay 3 St. Moritz–Lake Como, Italy–Lugano, Switzerland: picture stop in Lake ComoDay 4 Lugano–Stresa, Italy–Täsch, Switzerland–Zermatt: a stop in Stresa at Lake Maggiore; drive to ZermattDay 5 Zermatt–Lake Geneva: drive through the Rhône Valley to Lake GenevaDay 6 Lake Geneva–Berne–Interlaken–Lucerne: guided walking tour, stop at the Bear Park and enjoy a panoramic view from the Rose Garden; lunch at a working farm; at Interlaken take pictures of the Jungfrau massifDay 7 Lucerne: walking tour including the Lion Monument and Capel Bridge; Mount Pilatus excursion receive a souvenir cap; farewell dinnerDay 8 Lucerne–Zürich–Transfer to Basel (Embarkation): transfer to Zurich and Basel to join your Avalon Ship; onboard welcome receptionDay 9 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a woodcarver’s workshop or visit a Black Forest open-air museumDay 10 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 11 Excursion to Heidelberg–Mainz: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 12 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and enjoy a special treat; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; guided walk in KoblenzDay 13 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walkDay 14 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Meals

Cruise Portion: Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselLand Portion:Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch in Berne; 4 three-course dinners with wine, including a welcome dinner in Zürich and a farewell dinner in Lucerne.

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-XZG5-2018