Rhine, Main & Swiss Train Journey

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels, the onwards in First Class to the vibrant city of Basel, nestled at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Here, our transfer awaits to take us to board The Nobleman, our luxurious cruise ship and home for seven nights, and we enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and our evening meal on board.

DAY 2

Today, we experience Switzerland in motion as we step aboard our signature, chartered train and journey through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Departing from Basel, we will relax in our panoramic coach designed to frame the beautiful scenery of every valley, peak, and village that we pass. We enjoy a welcome drink on board, complemented by regional Swiss delicacies, carefully selected wines, and lunch served during our journey. On our return to Basel this evening, we enjoy our evening meal together on board The Nobleman.

DAY 3

This morning, we will have arrived in Breisach and will set out on a scenic coach journey from the banks of the Rhine into the enchanting Black Forest, an area steeped in folklore and natural beauty. Here, in the charming hillside villages, the 17th-century tradition of cuckoo clockmaking still thrives with each piece meticulously crafted and proudly certified. Our journey takes us through pine-covered valleys, past waterfalls, and into the heart of the region's sweetest legend - the Black Forest Cake! Alternatively, you may wish to spend your day in the picturesque town of Breisach, strolling its cobbled streets and discovering its historic charm before we reconvene on board The Nobleman for our evening meal.

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we explore Mannheim on our half-day guided tour through the 'City of Inventions', the birthplace of the bicycle, the automobile, and even the tractor which has shaped global mobility and modern life. A highlight of our tour is Mannheim Palace, an architectural masterpiece and a grand reminder of the city's royal past. This afternoon, we rejoin The Nobleman and set sail towards Mainz enjoying our evening meal together as the river slips by.

DAY 5

Today, we set out on an enriching vineyard experience in Mainz, the 'Great Wine Capital' of Germany, where wine is a way of life flowing through more than 2,000 years of history. The Romans first planted vines along the Rhine's gentle slopes and, today, Mainz shares its prestige with renowned regions such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley with most vineyards still family-owned and embracing organic farming. After exploring this celebrated region and its flavours, we will return to The Nobleman for our evening meal together.

DAY 6

Today, we wake in the historic town of Speyer, one of Germany's oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, we embark on a guided, walking tour of the Old Town discovering impressive facades, charming half-timbered houses, and romantic squares as we uncover layers of history and fascinating treasures. The afternoon is at leisure to explore further, visit the magnificent Cathedral, or browse the local shops before returning to The Nobleman for our evening meal together.

DAY 7

This morning, we arrive in the enchanting city of Strasbourg and enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in this picturesque town exploring a maze of half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. The historic city centre holds a special distinction as the first entire city in France to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its extraordinary heritage and beautifully preserved character. This afternoon, we rejoin The Nobleman for a farewell cocktail reception enjoying our final evening meal together on board as we return to Basel.

DAY 8

We bid farewell to Basel and to Switzerland as we disembark and return by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described excursions are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions/changes should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner