Switzerland River Cruises

Among Switzerland’s renowned beauty stands Zurich, whose Old Town is a time capsule of medieval architecture. Its famed Grossmünster Cathedral, with its two towers, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich. In Basel, Basel Münster sits perched upon a hill overlooking the Rhine. This church is beloved for its unique architecture, which is a perfect marriage of Romantic and Gothic design.

Snuggled between Germany, Austria, Italy, and France, Swiss cooks have learned to embrace their neighbors’ cuisine and create their own flavorful dishes, such as geschnetzeltes, Zurich’s popular version of wiener schnitzel. Nibble your way through Basel with a Basler Läckerli (a gingerbread cookie) and regional treats. Of course, you can’t think of Switzerland without thinking of Swiss chocolate. If you opt for a Masterpiece Collection excursion in Zurich, you’ll sample local chocolates from three different chocolate producers.

Switzerland, like nearby Germany, appreciates a tall glass of beer. Lager is preferred by almost 70% of Swiss beer drinkers and the crisp, clean taste of Feldschlösschen is the most popular beer in the country. During our Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland itinerary, embark on a private Nights Out experience at Feldschlösschen Brewery, a stunning Swiss landmark with 145 years of history. Appreciate the building’s castle-like exteriors and original copper brewing barrels, sampling some of the country’s most popular brews along the way.

The Alpine section of the Rhine flows through some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Rolling hills adorned with oak, elm, and aspen surround most towns, and in winter and spring, the Alps are flecked with snow. Birds like to play tourist too, and it’s common to see mallards, ospreys, cormorants, and swans make their home on the river before migrating to warmer climes.