01904 521 936
Tour Search



River CruiseRiver Cruise

Glacier Express & the Romantic Rhine

 
4.4 stars(22 reviews)
You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
11 days
From per person
£3,699 £3,549
Tour code
EGR25
Mobility Rating 2
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Save £150pp

Save £150pp on all River Cruise 2025 holidays, when you book by 7th April 2025.

Gallery
Map
Tour & Cruise

Discover the iconic Glacier Express, staying in the enchanting landscapes of Zermatt and enjoy an enchanting cruise on the Romantic Rhine, sailing through stunning scenery and exploring historic cities

Experience a holiday of a lifetime with a rail adventure on the renowned Glacier Express, followed by an enchanting Rhine river cruise. From the streets of Amsterdam, where historic landmarks meet modern allure, to the picturesque Moselle Valley and the legendary Rhine Gorge, every moment is a cultural experience.

Marvel at the architectural splendour of Cologne, explore the traditional towns of Cochem and Rüdesheim, and delve into the rich history of Heidelberg and Speyer. Our adventure ends in the breathtaking beauty of Zermatt and with a spectacular journey on the iconic Glacier Express.

Interested in this tour but haven't found a date that works for you?
You might also like our similar tour Glacier Express & The Majestic Rhine!

Unforgettable experiences

The Glacier Express and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
The Glacier Express and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Journey through stunning mountain scenery on the renowned Glacier Express and enjoy some of the most sensational views of the Matterhorn on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway.
Romantic Rhine Gorge
Romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site with spellbinding castles, verdant forests, vineyard-clad slopes, and the dramatic Lorelei Rock.
Chur and Zermatt
Chur and Zermatt
Stay in picture-perfect Chur, and idyllic Zermatt, waking to views of the mighty Matterhorn mountain.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Explore the beautiful riverside city of Heidelberg on a guided tour, seeing wonderful medieval buildings and its fabulous ruined castle.
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim
Explore this charming city and the famous Drosselgasse, a quaint narrow alleyway lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars. While here, choose between a fabulous wine tasting or visit the marvellous Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Reach the summit of the majestic Drachenfels on the exhilarating Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to enjoy the splendid views.
Cologne
Cologne
Discover the city’s cheerful streets and its Gothic cathedral, a timeless masterpiece.

Discover more amazing experiences

Explore a world of incredible destinations and travel moments, from hidden gems to iconic sights.

GoldenPass & The Romantic Rhine

10-day holiday

Discover the magnificent GoldenPass Express, staying in Interlaken set between two peaceful lakes and enjoy an enchanting cruise on the romantic Rhine.

View Cruise

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Switzerland

8-day holiday

Enjoy a leisurely cruise from the pretty canals of Amsterdam, through the picturesque Moselle Valley and enchanting Rhine Gorge, to the Swiss city of Basel.

View Cruise

Amsterdam - Basel

DAY1To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship

Our holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Aboard the Eurostar, we head to Amsterdam, where our magnificent ship awaits us. We're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. Later this evening, we enjoy dinner accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to our cruise.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip to Volendam

Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before getting to know Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, take the optional excursion, visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

Later, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday and enjoying on board dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Cultural Cologne and the wonderful Drachenfelsbahn

As we approach the striking city of Cologne this morning, admire the fantastic cityscape of magnificent bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral. After breakfast, a guided tour of the city introduces us to the joyful atmosphere of its streets and squares.

We admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the city's impressive Gothic cathedral which is the largest in Northern Europe. The intricate spires and magnificent stained glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark are captivating as we marvel at the grand architecture. Following lunch, we head for Königswinter to experience the Drachenfels railway.

This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates to 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher. After dinner we depart Königswinter and head for the serene waters of the Moselle river.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Lovely Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural centre. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Picturesque Koblenz, the enchanting Rhine Gorge, and charming Rüdesheim

There's time at leisure this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We then begin sailing again and after lunch, enjoy a highlight of our cruising experience - drifting through the romantic Rhine gorge.

This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views and the best place to witness them is from the top deck of our ship. The riverbanks plunge deeper here, and we wind around bends surrounded by endless miles of lush green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque riverside towns. It's also one of the narrowest points of the river with one of the strongest currents.

As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and we hear of them as we sail by.

We then dock in captivating Rüdesheim where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of the renowned wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions, each promising a delightful insight into the town. You could experience for yourself why the town is famous with a fantastic wine tasting, savouring the finest local varieties.

Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments, from antique music boxes to miniature pianos. After dinner this evening there's time to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Traditional Heidelberg and lovely Speyer

During breakfast we arrive in the city of Mannheim and from here we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape.

Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover the city at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the city's cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner and a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7The enchanting Black Forest or striking Strasbourg

Sailing into to the enchanting city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a magical trip into the Black Forest, to witness stunning fairytale panoramas. Experience the beauty of Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, picturesque villages, dense forests, and meadows dotted with wildflowers. As you explore this fairytale setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg, where you'll discover its fascinating history, admire its grand architecture and experience its unique character. The city sits on the French-German border and blends the best of the two cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. On our tour, we visit the cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the wonderful vistas enroute.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8To wonderful Zermatt

We enjoy our last breakfast onboard this morning before we disembark in Basel. From here, we journey the scenic rail route to Zermatt. Here, we check into our wonderful hotel for two nights in this stunning, car-free mountain village. Sitting at the heart of the Swiss Alps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding alpine peaks including the mighty, Matterhorn mountain.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9The beautiful Gornergrat Mountain Railway

A journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway awaits us today. This celebrated cog railway trip ascends the Gornergrat with constant and magnificent views of the Matterhorn, to its summit - the second-highest railway in Europe. As we reach the top, stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and valleys below are revealed. From here, we enjoy magical views of the surrounding mountains including the imposing Matterhorn.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10The iconic Glacier Express and charming Chur

Today, we board the magnificent Glacier Express. Our panoramic journey takes us through undeniably Swiss scenes of green meadows, dense, evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains, ambling along the beautiful Rhine Valley aboard 'The Slowest Express Train in the World'. We spiral up the mountains, crossing vast viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on our way to Chur.

As we arrive and check into our hotel, you can explore the rich history, culture, and sights of Switzerland's oldest village, before dinner this evening. Wander the Altstadt - the Old Town - to discover the authentic restaurants and relaxed bars that add to the town's lovely atmosphere.

Please Note - For departures 3rd June (Standard Class) and 1st July (First Class), we will stay at the Sorell Hotel Tamina- Garni in Bad Ragaz.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11Homeward bound

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to lovely Chur. We make our way to the railway station and head towards Paris where we catch Eurostar bound for London St Pancras. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Info - Travel Options

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can find out which class each departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing grid. (Look for S - Standard Class and F - First Class)

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

What’s included on the tour?

Hotels

Hotel Stern, Chur
Hotel Stern, Chur
View hotel
Hotel National, Zermatt
Hotel National, Zermatt
View hotel
Hotel Schweizerhof
Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt
View hotel
Hotel Simi
Hotel Simi, Zermatt
View hotel
Hotel Sonne
Hotel Sonne, Zermatt
View hotel
Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

Cabin DS

Travel in luxury and style when you choose one of our Deluxe Suites. Our largest en-suite cabins, at 26.4 square metres, a walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe an river-view lounge area.

Cabin A1

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Cabin B1

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Cabin C1

Our Classic Staterooms offer quality, and elegance with space to relax in comfort at the end of the day. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions. These 16 square metre en-suite cabins offer a wide picture window and large walk-in wardrobe.

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

Read more

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 22 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (11)
  2. 4 stars
    (8)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Paul Strangways

5 stars

Submitted 13 Oct 2024

Fabulous cruise - great service, food and excursions. Completely recommend it( and it was our first cruise ever!)

Collected by Trustpilot

TIMOTHY JAMES STOUT

5 stars

Submitted 07 Oct 2024

The Amadeus cruise lines were excellent. The cruise were very helpful and the captain was first rate. The small towns and cities that we visited fantastic and the guides were very good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Malcolm Townend

5 stars

Submitted 04 Jul 2024

The journey started at St Pancras Railway Station meeting our excellent tour manager Rebecca White. She escorted us on our very comfortable and punctual Eurostar to Amsterdam. Rebecca left us in Amsterdam onboard our cruise ship Amadeus Star which looked after us as if we were royalty. The whole staff from Cruise Director to cabin cleaner had our enjoyment and wellbeing at the heart of their daily employment. What seemed too soon we landed at Strasbourg and back into the competent and capable hands of Rebecca for our onward journey to Zermatt. We should have experienced the Gornergrat Train up part of the Matterhorn but a cruel act of Mother Nature thwarted this excursion in the form of a landslide covering chunks of the railway line. Rebecca did not accept this as an obstacle to spoil our trip and substituted this trip with that of a cable car trip up to 15000 feet above sea level. This awesome trip was far, far better than any words that I could use to describe it and I am of the opinion that the company should consider making this a permanent part of their holiday package. This was then followed, on our last tour day with a fantastic trip on the fantastic Glacier Express which included lunch onboard the train. Whilst in Switzerland two of our party experienced a medical emergency in the night and Rebecca’s superb management skills came to the fore and she organised medical assistance which allowed the couple to rejoin the group and make their way back home with the rest of the group. Conclusion - an excellent experience which should not be missed. p.s. I forgot about Great Rail Journeys brilliant use of a company called Baggaman who collects your suitcase and take it to the cruise ship for you. It is in your cabin on your arrival. Our suitcase was returned to us the day after we arrived home. An absolute joy not to have lugged this on and off all the rail elements of our trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Roly Parker

5 stars

Submitted 04 Jul 2024

Excellent tour, itinerary, river cruiser accommodation, and excursion, followed by wonderful Glacier Express train ride.

Collected by Trustpilot

Duncan

5 stars

Submitted 20 Jun 2024

One of the best holidays we've ever had. We now realise that the cruise companies have a lot to deal with to ensure traveller satisfaction, and Mother Nature can affect things. Our weather forecast wasn't too good before we sailed, but we then had sunny and warm weather throughout the cruise, and beyond. Cruise staff, in all parts of the boat were attentive and pleasant, fellow travellers friendly and good fun, and our cruise and rail managers guided us carefully, ensuring all connections were met, and did so in a friendly, informative manner. The Rhine water was very high, and did affect one stop, so rainfall will always be a big factor to consider. But we fully intend to travel with Great Rail Journeys in future.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ralph Schiring

5 stars

Submitted 18 Jun 2024

Well thought out schedule, attentive staff. Really 4.5 stars. Lacked localized meal selections (you can’t get German food everywhere).

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
River Cruise Holidays 2026

Download the brochure

Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

Download PDF Order brochure

Related inspiration from our journey blog