Join me in April 2027 for an unforgettable European adventure combining the very best of Switzerland's scenic rail journeys with a relaxing Rhine River cruise.
Travel aboard three of Switzerland's most iconic trains—the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express—while exploring stunning alpine landscapes, picturesque mountain villages, Lucerne, Zermatt and glamorous St. Moritz. Marvel at views of the Matterhorn, pristine lakes and some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery.
Then unwind on an 8-day Avalon Waterways Rhine River cruise through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, visiting charming towns, historic cities, vineyard-covered valleys and the spectacular Rhine Gorge.
With magnificent scenery, world-class rail journeys, a luxury river cruise and the company of like-minded travellers, this promises to be a truly memorable holiday.
SCENIC SWITZERLAND BY TRAIN & ROMANTIC RHINE
23 April 2027 - 09 May 2027
The Scenic Switzerland by Train tour is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes—all while you relax aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. Continue on to one of Europe’s most legendary rivers on this exciting journey along the Rhine River which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany and Holland.
DAY 1, 23 APRIL 2027
ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Zurich with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Dinner
DAY 2, 24 APRIL 2027
ZURICH–LUCERNE
Board the train for your journey from Zurich to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snow-capped Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the delights of this charming city such as the famous wooden bridge or the picturesque town centre.
Breakfast Today’s Distance: 37 mi/ 60 km
DAY 3, 25 APRIL 2027
LUCERNE–INTERLAKEN–GOLDENPASS EXPRESS TRAIN TO MONTREUX–LAUSANNE
Depart Lucerne on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. Cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken and spend some time strolling through the quaint streets or aim a little higher with an optional excursion by funicular to the Harder Kulm for lunch and magnificent views of the legendary Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. From Interlaken, take the GoldenPass Express train for your unforgettable journey to Montreux, then continue to Lausanne.
Breakfast Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km
DAY 4, 26 APRIL 2027
LAUSANNE–MONTREUX–TÄSCH–ZERMATT AREA
Discover the delightful Swiss mountain region of Zermatt. En route, stop to visit the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Enjoy some free time or consider an optional guided excursion to Chillon Castle. standing as solid as its rocky island on which it has endured on the water’s edge for nearly four centuries. Enjoy a wine tasting of local wine before continuing by train to Zermatt.
Breakfast, DinnerToday’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km
DAY 5, 27 APRIL 2027
ZERMATT. GORNERGRAT EXCURSION
An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat, traveling on board Europe’s highest rack railway. The views of the Matterhorn from its summit are nothing short of spectacular. The rest of the day is at leisure in Zermatt—with a variety of interesting shops, cafés, bars, and picturesque streets to explore.
Breakfast
DAY 6, 28 APRIL 2027
ZERMATT AREA–GLACIER EXPRESS–ST. MORITZ
The train journey today aboard the spectacular Glacier Express is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour. Enjoy unforgettable views as you make your way through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alps on the direct route to the world-famous mountain resort of St. Moritz. This picture-perfect town is more than just a holiday resort. It was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (in 1864) and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Stretch your legs this evening, and admire the beautiful chalets decorated with gorgeous geraniums.
Breakfast, DinnerToday’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km
DAY 7, 29 APRIL 2027
ST. MORITZ. BERNINA EXPRESS EXCURSION TO TIRANO, ITALY
Take the Bernina Express train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano and back for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides. Travel across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina, witnessing an array of beautiful mountain streams, glaciers, and alpine scenery along the way.
BreakfastToday’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km
DAY 8, 30 APRIL 2027
ST. MORITZ–ZURICH
Leave St. Moritz for the journey back to Zurich. Enjoy some time at leisure and take a stroll around the city centre. Perhaps indulge in some chocolate tasting or follow the course of the river Limmat until it reaches the banks of Lake Zurich. Tonight enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel to say goodbye to your independent travel companions
BreakfastToday’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km
DAY 9, 1 MAY 2027
ZURICH
Our rail itinerary ends today after breakfast. A complimentary transfer will be provided to the Avalon hotel and the remainder of the day is free
Breakfast
DAY 10, 2 MAY 2027
ZURICH to BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Complimentary transfer from hotel to ship. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, 3 MAY 2027
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 Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
CLASSIC 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, 4 MAY 2027
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, 5 MAY 2027
LUDWIGSHAFEN, 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 Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.
This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, 6 MAY 2027
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; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
CLASSIC 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, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
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 CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, 7 MAY 2027
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:
CLASSIC 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16, 8 MAY 2027
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Canals of Colourful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC 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. 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17, 9 MAY 2027
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
YOUR COSMOS TOUR INCLUDES
• GoldenPass Express train to Montreux
• Orientation tour of Montreux, the “Swiss Riviera”
• Scenic Glacier Express train
• Bernina Express train from St. Moritz to Tirano
• Orientation walking tour of Lucerne
• Gornergrat cog railway ride
• Scenic orientation tour of Interlaken
THE AVALON ADVENTURE IS UP TO YOU
From action-packed experiences and interactive discoveries to traditional sightseeing with expert Local Guides, you can tailor your trip to suit your preferences and pace with a choice of Active, Discovery and Classic onshore excursion options.
There’s also plenty of optional excursions available and ample free time to explore on your own. Grab a packed picnic basket lunch and take a complimentary bike for a spin, check out a variety of outdoor gear from your onboard Adventure Host, or simply relax on the Sky Deck.
ROOM TO DREAM
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite ShipsSM. Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream.
Avalon’s Panorama SuitesSM feature river cruising’s only Open-Air BalconySM, with beds turned to face the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for the widest views on the water.
Throughout the ship, there’s never a shortage of spots to watch the world go by – from relaxing with round-the-clock cappuccinos in the Club Lounge, or feeling the breeze over the bough on the Sun Deck.
FROM VIEW TO TABLE
On an Avalon cruise, great food is all part of the journey. Our talented chefs use the freshest local ingredients to create inspired menus that incorporate the perfect balance of regional flavour and worldly flair, served in your choice of venues on board.
Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled Panorama Dining Room, evening tapas in the cosy Panorama Bistro, or a breezy al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, you can choose the menu and venue that work for you.
CRUISE & TOUR INCLUSIONS:
■ Fully escorted by Julie from Exclusively Cruising (based on min of 10 passengers)
■ 9-day Cosmos Scenic Switzerland by Train tour from Zurich return
■ Iconic train journeys: GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express & Gornergrat Cog Railway
■ Professional Tour Director and Local Guides
■ Complimentary transfer between hotels and 1-night pre cruise accommodation in Zurich
■ 8-day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
■ Port charges and gratuities
■ Expert Cruise Director and knowledgeable local guides
■ Deluxe stateroom accommodation with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collective beds
■ A range of included shore excursions
■ 32 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 10 dinners
Tour & Cruise package (land only) | Twin share pp | Single |
Based on Cat E/D | $12486.00pp | $18534.00 |
Upgrade to Cat B | Extra $2199.00pp | Extra $3848.00 |
Upgrade to Cat A | Extra $2299.00pp | Extra $4023.00 |
Upgrade to Cat P | Extra $2349.00pp | Extra $4110.00 |
*Terms & conditions apply.
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due within 5 days of booking confirmation.
Progress payment of $3000.00pp by 01 November 2026
Final payment due by 1st February 2027. Further terms & conditions apply, see www.exclusivelycruising.com.au/
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About Julie O'Grady, CLIA Cruise Master, and Exclusively Cruising
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