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Swiss Splendors by Train with Romantic Rhine Cruise 2026
15 Days from Lake Geneva to Amsterdam
Tour Description:
Your European vacation begins with A Globus Small Group Discovery tour of Switzerland by train! From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Geneva to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train travel to Interlaken for sheer beauty rising in the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Ride the rails through unbelievable beauty on to Lucerne to explore the history, culture, and rich delicacies of the Swiss Alps.Continue to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise on the Rhine through Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, then head for Breisach, Germany for a magical excursion to the Black Forest. Then venture on to Strasbourg, France, to see its Gothic cathedral with stunning murals and stained glass. Sail to Mainz for an excursion to Heidelberg Castle or join your Avalon Adventure Host® for a hike up Philosophers’ Way. You can alternatively visit the Gutenberg Museum for the amazing history of the early pioneers of printing. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You'll visit Koblenz and Cologne and arrive in Amsterdam for a guided canal cruise through the colorful city. Your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River with Globus Small Group Discover tour to explore the splendors of Switzerland by train are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 05 Jun 26 — Saturday 20 Jun 26 | Starting at $7,898 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 19 Jun 26 — Saturday 04 Jul 26 | Starting at $7,898 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 03 Jul 26 — Saturday 18 Jul 26 | Starting at $7,648 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 17 Jul 26 — Saturday 01 Aug 26 | Starting at $7,118 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 21 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26 | Starting at $8,068 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 18 Sep 26 — Saturday 03 Oct 26 | Starting at $8,418 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Lake Geneva: | Welcome to Switzerland |
| Day 2 Lake Geneva: | Orientation Walk |
| Day 3 Lake Geneva-Zermatt: | Excursion to Gornergrat |
| Day 4 Zermatt-Interlaken: | Transfer aboard the Loetschberg train |
| Day 5 Interlaken: | Ascend the Jungfrau Massif by Eiger Express Cable Car |
| Day 6 Interlaken-Lucerne: | boat trip |
| Day 7 Lucerne: | Walking tour |
| Day 8 Lucerne-Basel (Embarkation): | Transfer to Basel; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 9 Breisach: | Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing in Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 10 Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg: | Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 11 Mainz: | Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz |
| Day 12 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: | Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz |
| Day 13 Cologne: | Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 14 Amsterdam: | Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): | Your vacation ends this morning |
Notes:
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. •Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. •Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
ARRIVE IN LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel
Dinner
DinnerDay 2
LAKE GENEVA Incredible Feats An orientation walk includes a visit to the Olympic Museum. Travel by train to Cully to visit the vineyards and have a wine tasting with cellar visit at a local Domanine. Continue on to Vevey to enjoy some free time and independent lunch.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
RULES OF THE GAMES The Olympic Museum was opened in 1993 and reflects the spirit of the sports games which bring nations together as the largest information center on the Olympic Games in the world
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3
LAKE GENEVA–ZERMATT–GORNERGRAT EXCURSION All Aboard for Zermatt! Board the train for your journey from Lausanne to Zermatt. An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PEAK PERFECTION Travel on board Europe’s highest rack railway to marvel at the views of the Matterhorn from its summit. Spectacular!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4
ZERMATT–INTERLAKEN Alpine Adventure Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps en route to Interlaken aboard the Loetschberg train.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Interlaken lies between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz affording spectacular surrounding views of the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5
INTERLAKEN The Top of Europe Take advantage of your small group and [LF] ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the Eager Express Cable Car.
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling experience aboard the Eiger Express Cable Car. Be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps before continuing your alpine ascent by cogwheel train to ascend to the “Top of Europe” - the Jungfraujoch. Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and take in the 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Jungfrau Massif
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6
INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE Natural Highs Embark on a boat trip and enjoy wonderful views of impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside towns.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LAKE STORIES Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls surround you with picture-perfect scenery. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing as waves ripple, merge, and heighten as your ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake while pondering the depth of the water that has flowed through the Alps for thousands of years.
ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME
SMALL PLEASURES Relax at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere. Feel your spirits rise with merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as you indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7
LUCERNE Lion Hearts Join your guide for a walking tour of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant awaits.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.
ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME
EPIC RIDE Climb soaring Mount Pilatus on a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with an incline of 48 degrees, this silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondola reveal a panorama of unmatched beauty. The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages with countless tales of mythical encounters with a dragon inhabiting the surrounding caves. As you ride higher, it’s easy to imagine the dragon soaring back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne. The trip back down is just as inspiring with irresistible photo opportunities!
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8
LUCERNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Transfer to Basel to embark your Avalon Suite Ship®.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
Day 9
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Accommodations
Accommodations| Lake Geneva | Zermatt | Zermatt | Interlaken | Lucerne | Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
Moevenpick Hotel Lausanne
Superior First-Class
4 Avenue de Rhodanie Ouchy Lausanne Switzerland
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne offers stunning views over the French Alps. Its two restaurants offer a wide choice of culinary experiences, based on local products and seasonal ingredients. The bar is the perfect meeting place for a sundowner or nightcap. The fitness centre and sauna are perfect for some relaxation. All 337 guestrooms are fully air- conditionned and complimentary high speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Superior First-Class
4 Avenue de Rhodanie Ouchy Lausanne Switzerland
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne offers stunning views over the French Alps. Its two restaurants offer a wide choice of culinary experiences, based on local products and seasonal ingredients. The bar is the perfect meeting place for a sundowner or nightcap. The fitness centre and sauna are perfect for some relaxation. All 337 guestrooms are fully air- conditionned and complimentary high speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
