18 Day Tastes of Switzerland with Rhine River Cruise 18 Day Tastes of Switzerland with Rhine River Cruise
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- Day 1DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for SwitzerlandTue, Sep 15, 2026Depart for Switzerland
- Day 2DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in BaselWed, Sep 16, 2026Arrive in Basel, nestled on the banks of the Rhine River. Transfer to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Basel - Day 3DAY 3, Thursday - Basel Walking TourThu, Sep 17, 2026This morning, take a walking tour of Basel. Begin at the Munster Cathedral, and pass by the Basel Historical Museum, housed in a series of historic buildings. Next, view the City Hall, and stroll along the Munster Pfalz, a scenic lookout, offering panoramic views of the Rhine River. Conclude the tour at the Tinguely Fountain, a whimsical masterpiece created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, and witness the fountain's captivating spectacle. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation walk around the hotel
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast - Day 4DAY 4, Friday - Explore Lucerne, or Optional Mount Pilatus TourFri, Sep 18, 2026Depart Basel, and travel to the city of Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Arrive, and begin an orientation tour through Lucerne starting at the Lion Monument. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape, and the covered Spreuer Bridge with its macabre paintings of skeletons, and reapers, depicting the "Dance of Death." Remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Board a cogwheel railway* which takes you to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7,000 feet. Later, descend by aerial cableway. Drive back to Basel, and arrive at the hotel late afternoon
*From November to May and in the event of adverse weather, the cogwheel will be replaced by the aerial cable car.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (PM)
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast - Day 5DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Basel, or Optional Rhine Falls Boat Trip with Medieval Town of SchaffhausenSat, Sep 19, 2026Today is free for you to explore Basel at your own pace, or participate in the optional Rhine Falls Boat Trip with Medieval Town of Schaffhausen. Embark on a journey to the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Feel the power of the cascading waters up close on a boat trip, where you'll cruise toward the heart of the falls for a spectacular view. Next, travel to the medieval town of Schaffhausen, famous for its well-preserved Old Town. Take a walk through its streets, admiring historical buildings adorned with intricate frescoes and oriel windows. Afterward, spend free time exploring and have lunch on your own before returning to the hotel
Optional: Rhine Falls Boat Trip with Medieval Town of Schaffhausen
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast - Day 6DAY 6, Sunday - Black Forest, Lake TitiseeSun, Sep 20, 2026Take a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its dense forests of thick pine trees. Arrive at the Black Forest Museum Vogtsbauernhof. Explore this open-air museum*, and learn how people lived in the Black Forest region hundreds of years ago. Watch as craftsmen demonstrate how cuckoo clocks are made, and observe a pastry chef create the famous Black Forest cake. Indulge yourself with a decadent Black Forest cake. Spend free time for souvenir shopping, before departing for Lake Titisee. Arrive in time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, choose to relax along the shores, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Depart for Basel, arriving in the late afternoon
*For Feb, Mar & Nov departures, Black Forest Open Air Museum will be replaced with Black Forest Museum Triberg, due to its closure.
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast - Day 7DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Basel, or Optional Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-KoenigsbourgMon, Sep 21, 2026Spend the day at leisure to explore Basel at your own pace, or participate in the optional Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Travel through the Alsatian countryside to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, perched atop a rocky outcrop. Tour the castle, and learn about its storied past. Afterward, head to Ribeauville, located on the Wine Route. Free time to discover this delightful town, and have lunch on your own. In the afternoon explore Colmar, nestled in the heart of the Alsace region. Begin the walking tour in the heart of Colmar's Old Town. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-adorned canals. Visit the Unterlinden Museum, showcasing a renowned collection of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artworks, including the masterpiece Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald
Optional: Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast - Day 8DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Basel, or Optional Bern Tour with Cheese Museum VisitTue, Sep 22, 2026On your last day at leisure in Basel, choose the optional Bern Tour with Cheese Museum Visit. Embark on an delightful excursion to the countryside of Emmental, where you will visit a local dairy farm. Explore the showroom, and witness the tradition of cheese making firsthand. Gain insight into the production of this renowned cheese, and sample a variety of cheeses. Afterward, continue to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take an orientation walk of the Old Town, and view the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, and the majestic Gothic cathedral. Free time to explore, and for lunch on your own, before heading back
Optional: Bern Tour with Cheese Museum Visit
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 9DAY 9, Wednesday - Travel to Zurich, City TourWed, Sep 23, 2026This morning, depart Basel and travel to Zurich, Switzerland's financial center. Start the city tour with a panoramic drive through the trendy Zurich West district and then straight into city center of Zurich. Passing the National Museum, you will catch a glimpse of the famous shopping street "Bahnhofstrasse" and enjoy a magnificent view over Zurich. The tour concludes with a short leisurely walk through the picturesque Old Town with sights such as the Fraumünster, St. Peter's Church, the Grossmünster, and the Limmatquai. After lunch on your own, transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Breakfast - Day 10DAY 10, Thursday - Full Day in Zurich, or Optional St. Gallen with Abbey Library TourThu, Sep 24, 2026Spend the day at leisure to explore Zurich or join the optional St. Gallen with Abbey Library Tour. Discover the charm of St. Gallen with a guided tour through its historic Old Town. View colorful frescoed buildings and intricate oriel windows showcasing the city's medieval heritage. Visit the Cathedral with its beautiful interior and towering spires before exploring the iconic Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the Baroque splendor of its hall, home to over 170,000 rare and ancient books, some dating to the 9th century. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: St. Gallen with Abbey Library Tour
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 11DAY 11, Friday - Lindt Chocolate Factory Visit, Cruise Embarkation in BaselFri, Sep 25, 2026This morning, visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you'll witness the artistry of Swiss chocolate making. Indulge in chocolate tastings before heading to the port in Basel for your cruise embarkation. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 12DAY 12, Saturday - Breisach Walking TourSat, Sep 26, 2026Arrive this morning in the small town of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Strasbourg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 13DAY 13, Sunday - Strasbourg City TourSun, Sep 27, 2026A lovely day awaits you in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city, and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail toward Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 14DAY 14, Monday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in RudesheimMon, Sep 28, 2026This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans, or alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. The ship will continue sailing this morning and passengers joining the tour will rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rudesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. Perhaps take a leisurely walk through town, or visit a quaint wine tavern
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 15DAY 15, Tuesday - Afternoon in KoblenzTue, Sep 29, 2026This morning, take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour and spend free time exploring the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year-old city. Or, choose the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 16DAY 16, Wednesday - Cologne City TourWed, Sep 30, 2026Today the ship will dock in Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 17DAY 17, Thursday - Amsterdam City TourThu, Oct 01, 2026Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 18DAY 18, Friday - Depart the NetherlandsFri, Oct 02, 2026This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
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Inclusions
Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Stay & Explore Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
River Cruise Features & Amenities
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Not Included: Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: . Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of our chartered ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.
Optional tours, optional shore excursions, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
David was great. He helped me find a great cruise at a great price, which was a challenge considering that I was booking two single rooms.
Adam was excellent. Very helpful.
The Gate 1 River Cruise was absolutely amazing.
Simple process and nice to have your own rep. Had travelled on viking before, and found our gate one tour very good compatible for better value
Gate 1 Danube River cruise exceeded our expectations and provided terrific service AND value! Beautiful ship and fabulous staff. Don't let their 'travel for less' slogan mislead you: they deliver FULL VALUE and service. We would travel with them again in a heartbeat.
We had a wonderful time on this trip (14 day Danube with Budapest and Prague). One thing we noticed in the cabin: 1. Lack of outlets/USB ports at bedside tables 2. WiFi was really too basic. Dining room: While the breakfast and desserts were good, the lunch and dinner items left much to be desired. There was a lack of vegetable variety. The soups were very salty and the fish was fishy.
Greatly appreciated the sessions that included information on the next days ports. Also found the on site mini tours of each port very enjoyable. Although we elected to go on much of the optional paid tours, it was great to learn some background information of each site.
I will only book Gare 1 going forward. This was an excellent experience.
Although we had to cut our trip short due to an illness. Shannon was there to make sure everything was taken care of.
GateOne did a great job in every detail. We were pleased with the food, events, tours and staff. The complete tour was delightful. Thanks for a great experience!
The operator's staff was friendly, efficient, and professional. Would definitely travel with them again.
An amazing trip in every way--staff, crew, and, in fact, all who worked on the boat gave A+++ service--have raved about the trip to all my friends. On-land accommodations were also commensurate with ship accommodations, including guides, bus drivers, and hotels and hotel staff. .
We loved the casual atmosphere on the river cruise portion of the trip. Our guides throughout were exceptional in their knowledge and personal relations. The entire staff was always friendly and helpful. There were so many good experiences and trips. We were exhausted by the last day. Maybe too many good experiences with too little time to explore on our own. We were able to see so much for a very reasonable cost. Hopefully, another Gate 1 trip is in our future.
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Great trip,all went smoothly,great tour, lovely sites , great food and drinks. Will go again!!!