Riviera Rhine Cruise to Switzerland

Join us for a wonderful 7-night Rhine Cruise Switzerland that takes you through the heart of Europe’s most scenic waterways. This Escorted Tour is designed for those who appreciate a well-organised holiday with a perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. From the majestic Swiss Alps to the historic cities of Germany and France, this journey offers exceptional value and comfort. Your holiday begins with a direct flight from Dublin to Zurich, followed by a transfer to the riverside city of Basel, where you will board your 5-star Riviera River Cruise ship. Your floating hotel ensures you stay in a well-equipped cabin while enjoying high-quality service throughout your trip.
The first highlight of your Rhine Cruise Switzerland is a visit to Lucerne and the spectacular Bernese Oberland. You can choose an early start to experience a mountain railway journey into the high Alps. Surrounded by the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you will witness some of the most impressive vistas in Europe. Alternatively, you can enjoy a guided morning tour of Lucerne, a city famous for its covered wooden bridges and medieval charm, followed by a free afternoon to explore Basel’s winding streets and world-class museums. This flexibility allows you to pace your holiday exactly how you prefer.
As the ship glides north, you will reach Breisach, the gateway to the fabled Black Forest. Here, you have the choice of driving through the pine-covered mountains to the historic town of Freiburg or following the Alsace wine route to the picturesque villages of Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Back on board, the atmosphere is warm and friendly, with live musical performances, including a violin soloist and folk music, providing evening entertainment. The panoramic windows in the restaurant and lounge ensure you never miss a moment of the passing river scenery.
In France, the tour visits Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. A guided walking tour takes you through the Petite France quarter and past the stunning Gothic cathedral. As the cruise continues, you will explore Speyer and its Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A memorable ‘Chef’s Dinner’ is served as you sail towards Rüdesheim, a classic wine village where you can sample local brandies. One of the most iconic stretches follows as you navigate the Rhine Gorge, where steep cliffs are topped with ancient castles. The cruise concludes with a visit to Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, and a final morning in the twin-spired city of Cologne. With return flights, transfers, and full board dining included, this Rhine Cruise Switzerland offers a straightforward and enjoyable way to see the best of Central Europe.
What excursions are included in the Rhine Cruise Switzerland?
Is this a full board cruise?
Are flights from Ireland included in the price?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- 7 nights onboard a 5-star Riviera River Cruise ship (MS Emily Bronte, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, MS George Eliot or MS Oscar Wilde) based on two sharing
- Full board including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Complimentary drinks and onboard Wi-Fi
- 10 included experiences and excursions
- Return flights from Dublin with 20kg check-in bag per person
- All airport taxes, charges, and transfers
Itinerary
1Arrival in Basel+
Fly from Dublin to Zurich and transfer to your ship moored in Basel. The English-speaking crew will welcome you on board, helping you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship's facilities before the first dinner of your Rhine Cruise Switzerland.
2Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland+
Choose between a full-day tour to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland or a morning tour of Lucerne with a free afternoon in Basel. The full-day option includes a mountain railway journey into the heart of the Alps to see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Lucerne features the iconic Chapel Bridge and stunning lakeside scenery.
3Breisach and the Black Forest+
Spend the morning cruising before arriving in Breisach. In the afternoon, choose to explore the fabled Black Forest and the town of Freiburg, or visit the Alsace wine route including the picturesque villages of Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. The evening features a live violin soloist on board.
4Discovering Strasbourg+
Enjoy a walking tour of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. Wander through the 16th-century old town, see the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Petite France quarter. In the afternoon, relax on the sun deck as the ship sails towards Speyer.
5Speyer and the Imperial Cathedral+
Join a guided tour of Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities. Visit the UNESCO-listed Imperial Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church in the world. After lunch, enjoy a scenic afternoon of sailing before the 'Chef’s Dinner' as the ship arrives in Rüdesheim.
6Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge+
Explore the wine village of Rüdesheim or stay on board to admire the passing landscape. The ship will navigate the famous Rhine Gorge, passing steep vineyards, ancient castles, and the legendary Lorelei Rock as you head towards Koblenz.
7Historic Koblenz+
Take a guided tour of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Discover the medieval Altstadt, the Four Towers, and several historic squares. Spend your final afternoon at leisure as the ship cruises past the Seven Mountains towards Cologne.
8Return Home+
After a final breakfast on board in Cologne, it is time to disembark and begin your journey back to Dublin, saying goodbye to the crew and fellow travellers.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,943 | Sold Out |
| 19 Sep 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,599 | Enquire Now |
| 25 Sep 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,599 | Enquire Now |
| 03 Oct 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,054 | Enquire Now |
| 16 Oct 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,399 | Enquire Now |
| 17 Oct 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,749 | Enquire Now |
| 24 Oct 2026 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,849 | Enquire Now |
| 03 May 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,449 | Enquire Now |
| 05 May 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,299 | Enquire Now |
| 12 May 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,249 | Enquire Now |
| 24 May 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,399 | Enquire Now |
| 01 Jun 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,449 | Enquire Now |
| 08 Jun 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,149 | Enquire Now |
| 14 Jun 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,299 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Jun 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,599 | Enquire Now |
| 19 Jul 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,949 | Enquire Now |
| 20 Jul 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,899 | Enquire Now |
| 26 Jul 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,749 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Aug 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,899 | Enquire Now |
| 11 Aug 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,999 | Enquire Now |
| 16 Aug 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €2,799 | Enquire Now |
| 07 Sep 2027 | Lower Deck (Twin) | €3,049 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Sep 2027 | Twin | €3,149 | Enquire Now |
| 28 Sep 2027 | Twin | €2,999 | Enquire Now |
| 11 Oct 2027 | Twin | €2,999 | Enquire Now |
| 19 Oct 2027 | Twin | €2,849 | Enquire Now |
| 26 Oct 2027 | Twin | €2,299 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RI

