Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

This unique vacation gives you a chance to tour stunning Switzerland and enjoy a river cruise on the legendary Rhine River through France, Germany, and Holland.

Begin in spectacular Switzerland, where you’ll enjoy the country’s beautiful mountains and lakes—with overnights in Zürich, Geneva, the Gruyère area, the Interlaken area, and Lucerne. The highlight of this tour is the time spent in the Interlaken area. The town is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, Globus has arranged an unforgettable rack railway trip to the “Top of Europe,” a high alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Here, at the amazing Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet, you can experience an audiovisual journey through the alpine world; stand on the observation platform to view the glaciers; and witness a panoramic view overlooking France, Germany, and Italy. A truly unforgettable experience! Also, visit the magnificent castle in Gruyères and walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. Geneva, Switzerland’s most international and second-largest city, offers a fantastic lakeside setting and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Here, you’ll have guided sightseeing of the city and a visit to the Reformation Park. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc; and stop in Gstaad, one of Switzerland’s most famous skiing resorts and a popular destination for international celebrities. In Lucerne, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.

Embark on your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland, and head for Breisach, Germany. Here, you’ll find the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and home to 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.” A perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

City Highlights

Day 1 Zürich: arrive in Zürich, Switzerland; welcome dinnerDay 2 Zürich–Biel/Bienne–Neuchâtel–Geneva: orientation walk of the Old Town; stop in Biel/Bienne to visit the historical center; arrive in GenevaDay 3 Geneva: guided sightseeingDay 4 Geneva–Évian–Les-Baines, France–Broc–Gruyère Area: stop on the French side of Lake Geneva; visit the castlein Gruyères town, followed by a special lunch with local specialties and double crème; chocolate tasting at Maison Cailler in BrocDay 5 Gruyère Area–Gstaad–Interlaken Area: orientation in GstaadDay 6 Interlaken Area: excursion to the Junggrau massifDay 7 Interlaken Area–Berne–Lucerne: see the Bear Park in Berne, enjoy a panoramic view from the Rose Garden of Old TownDay 8 Lucerne: walking tour including the Lion Monument and Capel Bridge; farewell dinner at a local restaurantDay 9 Lucerne–Zürich–Basel (Embarkation): transfer to Zürich and Basel; onboard welcome receptionDay 10 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a woodcarver’s workshop or visit a Black Forest open-air museumDay 11 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 12 Excursion to Heidelberg–Mainz: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat in Heidelberg; visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 13 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 14 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walkDay 15 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 16 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 (L); 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-XZH5-2018