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Jungfrau Express and Rhine Cruise (Basel-Amsterdam)

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3.8 stars(6 reviews)
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Climb to the highest railway station in Europe and uncover the majesty of the Rhine.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
11 days From £2,395 £2,145 per person
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No Single Supplement

No Single Supplement subject to availability on selected departures. 

2023 Tour code: MER23

About the tour

Before you set sail on the magical waters of the Rhine, venture to the top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the continent's highest railway station. Experience the majesty of the Swiss Alps by rail, as the mountains serenade you with spectacular views across the peaks below.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary: Basel - Amsterdam

Some departures run a reversed itinerary – View reversed Amsterdam - Basel itinerary (EMR23)

Itinerary: Amsterdam - Basel

You are viewing the reversed itinerary – switch back to Basel - Amsterdam itinerary (MER23)

Day 1 - To Interlaken

Meet your Tour Manager at our departure office in London St Pancras to board the Eurostar service to Paris. From here, we continue to Basel where we overnight.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Interlaken

Today we continue to Interlaken by rail, we check into our hotel, the 4-Star Hotel Metropole, arriving in time for dinner. You may wish to head out on an evening stroll into the town. Interlaken is set between lakes Thun and Brienz, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains is on full display as they stand guard over the calm waters below.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Journey on the Jungfrau Express

We begin today's journey travelling along the Bernese Oberland Railway. Trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, we pass flower-filled pastures and pretty villages. We then join the Wengernalp Railway, continuing our ascent through ever-changing scenery to Kleine Scheidegg. Here we join the Jungfrau Railway.

Climbing further from Kleine Scheidegg, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', situated 11,332 feet above sea level. You have plenty of free time at the summit to explore the Ice Palace and its many sculptures.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Boarding your ship

We depart Interlaken today, travelling to Basel by rail, where you'll be met by a Great Rail Journeys representative who will escort you to the ship, the Amadeus Silver III. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious Swiss themed meal.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming French city of Strasbourg today. Strasbourg's position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive in Speyer this morning, where there's free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately-owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit.

Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful university town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle that stands guard over the riverbanks, proudly looking over the town below.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

We sail into the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production, especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk along the river during your free time here this morning, before our ship departs for Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz; you may wish to visit one of the famous wine taverns here.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - The Lower Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

After an evening in Koblenz, we depart and discover the marvellous Lower Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages.

Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

We arrive in Amsterdam this morning where we have a choice of two excursions, the first is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through enchanting Dutch scenery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Homeward bound

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship and here your cruise concludes. Make your way back to the railway station with your Tour Manager to board your train back to London St Pancras.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 1 - Amsterdam

Today, meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at London St Pancras before travelling on the Eurostar service to Amsterdam, where you'll be escorted to the ship. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

After Breakfast this morning, we have a choice of two excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through splendid Dutch scenery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - The Upper Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Cologne this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability).

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

You have free time here this morning to explore Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer river banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. Weather permitting we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. 

This evening we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive into Speyer this morning, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - To Interlaken

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel and transfer by rail to Interlaken. On arrival in Interlaken check into our hotel, the 4-Star Hotel Metropole, where we enjoy dinner tonight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - The Jungfrau Railway

We travel on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station. We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway, trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and passing flower-filled pastures and past pretty villages. We then join the Wengernalp Railway, continuing our ascent through ever-changing scenery to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway. Climbing further from Kleine Scheidegg, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', located 11,332 feet above sea level. With free time at the summit station, you have plenty of time at the summit to explore the Ice Palace and its many ice sculptures.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Homeward bound

After breakfast, we make our way by rail to Paris where we catch the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

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.

Hotel

Hotel Metropole Interlaken, Interlaken

Hotel Metropole Interlaken, Interlaken

View hotel

Trains

Drachenfels Railway
Eurostar
Jungfrau Railway
TGV

Ships

MS Amadeus Queen
MS Amadeus Imperial
MS Amadeus Cara

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage upgrade from £80

Reviews

3.8 stars3.8 / 5 · 6 reviews

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

Mr David Dewdney

4 stars

Submitted 12 Oct 2022

We both really enjoyed our first cruise of any type. Our tour guide for the Jungfrau Express part of the trip, Ian Boyle, was the best we have experienced whilst travelling with your company. Organised and adaptable, he provided all the information we required and more; for example, we would have been unlikely to discover the boat tour of Strasbourg which we greatly enjoyed. We enjoyed our hotel in Strasbourg, being pleasingly large and situated near the station. Whilst we found some of the fittings in the hotel in Interlaken a little tired, we enjoyed the experience of eating on the 14th floor with its stunning views. The cruise ship was excellent and we can't speak too highly of the staff. The cabin was excellent and spacious and we enjoyed being able to unpack the suitcase, but being able to visit different places and will go on another river cruise in the future. The only negative was on the last day when we had to get up very early to travel on a coach to Brussels rather than a train from Amsterdam. Whilst we fully understand the problems of obtaining the train tickets, we were first told that this issue was a one-off, but later discovered it had been a problem all summer. Yet, this was not mentioned at all in the information pack received a fortnight before the trip.

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Barbara S

5 stars

Submitted 11 Oct 2022

A thoroughly enjoyable trip by rail and boat, with high standards throughout.

Collected by Trustpilot

Roger

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2022

Very good, trouble free.

Collected by Trustpilot

Alan Hall

3 stars

Submitted 29 Jul 2022

Fantastic trip on Junfraujoch, but Rhine cruise very disappointing. Whole holiday was not as expected - very poorly organised at times.

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customer

1 stars

Submitted 29 Jul 2022

Too short stays in ports of call. Use of coaches wherever possible to save money. Lack of organisation and tour managers that you can't believe. Should be called "Great Coach Journeys".

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P Johnson

5 stars

Submitted 10 Jun 2022

Lovely holiday I would recommend to anyone well organised, nice hotels and ship the places were very nice

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Jungfrau Express and Rhine Cruise (Basel-Amsterdam)

Climb to the highest railway station in Europe and uncover the majesty of the Rhine.

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