April 24-May 5, 2027
Scenic Rhine, The Swiss Alps and Paris
Discover the best kept secrets in Europe on this 12 day breathtaking journey through France, Germany and Switzerland
Discover the best kept secrets in Europe on this 12 day breathtaking journey through France, Germany and Switzerland
From Moselle Rieslings to Swiss cheeses, and from verdant riverscapes to alpine views, this itinerary is for the connoisseurs of wine, food, and natural beauty. Savour freshly baked bread at a historic flour mill with an unexpected twist: one of the most beautiful private gardens in Germany. Embark on a riverside bike ride through the romantic landscapes along the Rhine River. Hike through the vineyards of Rüdesheim, marvel at Roman ruins in Trier, and immerse yourself in the glamour of Paris.
Arrive at Zurich Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Dolder Grand Hotel (or similar). Perched like a castle on the hill above Zurich, this hotel offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy its many bar and restaurant venues, excellent spa, or nature trails. And with its own funicular, private cars, and shuttle services, it’s as convenient a location for exploration as any in the city centre.
As Switzerland’s financial capital, Zurich boasts the highest population in the country. While it rivals any other European metropolis, the city has never lost its small-town charm. Historic and modern architecture mingle in the streets, beautifully framed by a serene lake and the snow-capped peaks of the alps.
Zurich’s Old Town cradles the Limmat River with a series of meandering alleyways and medieval buildings. Not only is this area historic, but it’s also the most popular neighbourhood in town for locals and visitors alike, with an excellent shopping, restaurant, and bar scene. Explore the Old Town with your local guide, making your way through the car-free streets of the Niederdof, crossing the bridge over the river, and stopping to try a Luxembergerli (mini-macaron) at a popular local sweet shop. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the twin towers of the Grossmünster church, one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks, as well as the clock tower of the St. Peter church. It boasts largest clock face of any tower in Europe.
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we’ll assist you with the checkout process and transfer you to the S.S. Audrey to begin your cruise of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Sandwiched between the Black Forest on one side and French Alsace on the other, Breisach is a picturesque city where the locals will take any opportunity to enjoy a good glass of wine or take advantage of the area’s plentiful hiking and biking paths.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
The Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany is known for its idyllic natural environment, rural charm, and expansive vineyards. Forge an authentic connection to this beloved area on one of two unique experiences, led by locals with unique passions. For your first option: meet an estate turning Palatinate winegrowing tradition on its head—where the vineyards don’t produce grapes for wine, but for specialty vinegar aperitifs. On the other, visit a mill-turned-collector’s-museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of items from around the world and a gorgeous garden.
• Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting
For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right— a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavoured with a variety of herbs and fruits. Most importantly, Wiedemann and his family run their farm and vineyards with the utmost care, tending to them with natural materials only.
• Secret Gardens & Collections
Drive out to the forest for a private tour at a unique old flour mill. Though the silos here are still used to store grain—and the delicious bread you’ll get to sample at the end of your visit is evidence of that—the mill itself is no longer active. Instead, it has been transformed into a beautiful little sanctuary by the owner. An avid world traveler and collector, the owner has filled the inside of the mill with mementos from his expeditions (not trinkets, either, but life-sized Buddha statues, gorgeous photography, and much more). The highlight though, is the award-winning garden he has curated.
Rüdesheim, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse.
• The Rüdesheim Mini Train
Board a little train for a charming ride through Rüdesheim. The train will pick you up outside the ship and begin a comprehensive drive through town, passing the famous Drosselgasse and other must-see sights along the way. Take note of your favourite spots as you go, because you’ll have free time to explore on your own at the end of the ride.
• Let’s Go: Vineyard Hike
Immerse yourselves in the vines today with a refreshing walk through the vineyards by Rüdesheim. Starting with a walk by the river, you’ll wind your way past the markets square and up through the Weinlehrpfad, the Wine Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass several historic buildings and monuments, learning their stories from your guide as you go, enjoy a glass of wine made from the vines around you, and discover some beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Nahe river with its Roman Bridge.
Originally known by the ancient Romans as “Villa Alcana,” the lovely village of Alken is one of the oldest settlements on the Moselle. Whether you opt to visit a peaceful, lakeside monastery or hike the forested surrounds of Alken, you’ll appreciate the undisturbed serenity of this quiet town.
• Maria Laach Monastery
• Let’s Go: Hiking Alken
Bernkastel sits peacefully in the Moselle Valley and is as picture-perfect as it gets. Explore its scenic streets, taverns, and vineyards on a walking tour complete with a tasting of the region’s exceptional wines.
• Moselle Wine Tasting
• Nights Out: The Riesling Library
• Bernkastel Village Walk
A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open-air cafés.
• Let’s Go: Biking the Scenic Middle Moselle
Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures.
Trier is no stranger to famous landmarks, stunning cathedrals, natural beauty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and architectural treasures. See Trier’s Roman heritage and Gallic charm as you stroll to some of the city’s most notable spots. Marvel at the stone Roman gate, Porta Nigra, the Karl Marx house, Imperial Baths, and more. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the small neighbouring country of Luxembourg. Experience a healthy dose of history with a visit to the expansive Luxembourg American War Cemetery and Memorial, where General George S. Patton is buried.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
• Trier Panoramic City Tour
Remnants of that Roman city still stand, despite taking part in centuries of warfare, earning it UNESCO protection. Start your visit at the Basilica of Constantine, one of two basilicas built by Emperor Constantine in AD 306. The throne room is the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times in Germany; it features two tiers of windows with high-rising arches that even now show some of the original wall paintings. The other basilica is St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Tunic, a sacred relic donated by Constantine’s mother, St. Helena. Your route to Porta Nigra, the great double-arched stone gate that is all that remains of the Roman wall that used to surround Trier, takes you through Market Square.
• Luxembourg with WWII Cemetery
Over the course of 900 years, Luxembourg grew into one of the greatest fortified sites in Europe because of its strategic geographical position and ever-changing political affiliations. Your panoramic city tour will introduce you to centuries-old battlements as well as to the gleaming high-rises that denote the city’s status as a 21st-century international financial centre. To best discover the heart of Old Town, though, you’ll want to walk with a local expert to Notre Dame Cathedral, a fine example of late-Gothic architecture, and the Grand Ducal Palace, where both Louis XIV and Napoleon resided. It has been the official residence of the reigning Grand Duke since 1890. Your tour ends at Place d’Armes, “the city’s sitting room.” Surrounded by shops and sidewalk cafés, with frequent free afternoon concerts, this is the lively heart of Luxembourg. You’ll have some free time to enjoy yourself on your own there.
Disembark the ship and transfer to a centrally located, five-star hotel in Paris for the final leg of your journey. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax at your hotel or explore the neighbourhood.
Paris, often dubbed the “City of Light,” is a mesmerizing blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance. From the cobbled alleys of Montmartre to the grand Champs-Élysées, Paris encapsulates a timeless allure.
• Opera Garnier Discovery Walk with Sacré-Coeur
Check out of your hotel this morning. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you’ll be taken to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
*We require proof of minimum Emergency Medical insurance with evacuation of $5-10 million coverage in the policy.
1) Are you someone who values flexibility, open-mindedness, and a positive outlook on life? Do you enjoy meeting new people and connecting with others while travelling?
2) If you are keen on experiencing a wide range of activities and are eager to be a better traveller by respecting different cultures and the environment, then this trip is for you.
If you would like some more information about this trip, fill out this form and we will be happy to answer all your questions!