Switzerland and Treasures of the Rhine - Crucevita (2025)

Day 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Day 2

After breakfast, we’ll include a panoramic tour of Geneva, a city on the shores of Lake Geneva that hosts numerous international organizations. We’ll see the Palace of Nations, the beautiful English Garden with its famous flower clock, and admire the “Jet d’Eau,” the tallest fountain in Europe. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch.We’ll continue along the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through landscapes of vineyards and snow-capped mountains, until we reach Lausanne, a city in western Switzerland that is home to the International Olympic Committee. We’ll stop at the Olympic Park, located by the lake, an iconic space dedicated to sports and Olympic culture. Then, we’ll head to the walled town of Gruyeres, world-famous for its cheese. Nearby, you’ll find some of Switzerland´s top chocolate makers (including Nestlé and others). We’ll visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory, with a tasting included! We’ll then continue to Fribourg, a bilingual French/German city with a charming old town.Note: Occasionally, accommodation may be in a nearby city.

Day 3

We’ll depart along a small, scenic road through the Bern canton, passing hills, forests, and green fields. We’ll make a photo stop along the way, either at Schwarzenburg Castle or, depending on accommodation, at the viewpoint overlooking Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. We’ll then continue to Interlaken, a tourist town nestled between two lakes. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Aare Gorge, where we’ll explore its impressive ravines (tickets included), followed by an included lunch. Next, we’ll journey toward one of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain passes, the Susten Pass, with its eternal snow and glaciers. We’ll stop en route to take in the majestic glacier scenery. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, we’ll continue toward the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, passing through the famous Gotthard Tunnel and stopping in Gandria, a charming lakeside village on Lake Lugano, known for its traditional narrow and steep streets. From there, we’ll board a boat (tickets included) to Lugano, the main city in Italian-speaking Switzerland, famous for its mild climate and beautiful lakeside promenade. Finally, we’ll head to Chiasso, arriving in the late afternoon.Note: -From late May to early October, the Susten Pass may be closed due to snow; in this case, we’ll travel through the equally stunning Brünig Pass.-Occasionally, accommodation will be in the Como metropolitan area.

Day 4

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Bellinzona, the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, renowned for its three medieval castles which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center. We’ll then head back toward the German-speaking region of Switzerland, crossing the Gotthard Pass, where we’ll stop for a photo at a stunning viewpoint. Our next stop will be Altdorf, the capital of the Uri canton, known as the birthplace of William Tell and one of the founding cantons of independent Switzerland. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll head to Lucerne, where you can visit the famous Kapellbrücke, the Lion Monument, the iconic cathedral, the Jesuit Church, and the beautiful old town. Lucerne is considered the tourist capital of Switzerland.

Day 5

Embarkation: We’ll depart from Zurich for Basel, a vibrant city on the banks of the Rhine, located at the intersection of Germany and France. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll through its charming old town, where the Town Hall Square stands out, and visit its impressive cathedral overlooking the Rhine.Afterward, we’ll transfer to the port to board the MS Crucevita and begin your cruise. Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. However, if you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage at the reception desk and explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. Overnight stay in Basel.

Day 6

Cruise with full board included:In the morning, we’ll visit Basel, the oldest university city in Switzerland. Key landmarks include the Market Square with its lavishly decorated red sandstone Town Hall and the city’s cathedral, a stunning example of late Romanesque and Gothic architecture. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll set sail towards Strasbourg, cruising through the night.

Day 7

Cruise with full board included: We’ll enjoy the charm of Strasbourg, the capital of French Alsace and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, nestled in a region of splendid landscapes. In the morning, we’ll take a tour of the city, starting with a panoramic drive and continuing on foot through its historic center to explore its most significant landmarks. After lunch, you’ll have free time or the option to delve deeper into the heart of French Alsace with a visit to one of its most iconic villages, Colmar. We’ll sail through the night.

Day 8

Cruise with full board included:We’ll wake up in Mannheim, the university city at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, where Karl Drais built the first two-wheeled vehicle in 1817 and Carl Benz’s first automobile rolled through its streets in 1886. After a panoramic tour of the city, you’ll have free time or the option to visit Heidelberg and its famous castle. By mid-afternoon, we’ll depart for Mainz, a city we’ll explore in the evening. Overnight stay in Mainz.

Day 9

Cruise with full board included:In the morning, we’ll visit the charming village of Rüdesheim. After lunch, we’ll resume cruising along the most picturesque section of the Rhine, the Romantic Rhine, a 65-kilometer stretch recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance.Upon arrival in Koblenz, a major city located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, we’ll take a guided tour. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city on your own. Following dinner, we’ll set sail for Cologne, gliding through the night along the Rhine.

Day 10

Cruise with full board included:Cologne is one of the most remarkable cities in Germany. The city’s cathedral serves as the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese, while its university is among the oldest in Europe. During our visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks and monuments. After lunch, we’ll resume our journey, sailing into Dutch waters.

Day 11

Cruise with full board included:By mid-morning, we’ll arrive in Amsterdam, one of the most vibrant and unique cities in Europe. Known as the "Venice of the North" for its numerous bridges and canals, you’ll have the chance to explore its charming streets during the tour we’ve arranged. Enjoy free time afterward and an overnight stay in Amsterdam.

Day 12

Breakfast & disembarkation:Disembarkation is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Guests must vacate their cabins but may leave their luggage on board and enjoy the common areas or head out to explore the city before their departure.IMPORTANT INFORMATION: - The cruise is subject to river water levels; in the event of rising or falling water levels or any other force majeure event, the captain may be required to modify the program for safety reasons. This will not be considered grounds for claims.- Navigation times are approximate and may be subject to change.- For optimal trip organization, the order of visits may be adjusted.