Grand Cruise of the Rhine Gorge, Medieval Germany & Switzerland

Grand Cruise of the Rhine Gorge, Medieval Germany & Switzerland

Cruise

Overview

Duration 17 Days
Supplier Riviera Travel
Ship MS George Eliot
Destination Basel

Description

Pack your sense of adventure (and camera, you’ll want to document this!) as we embark on a classic journey through the Rhine valley, where the cities you visit are only surpassed by the river scenery.  From Switzerland’s most distinguished cities to timber-framed towns, the Rhine’s prettiest spots are revealed in all their glory on this classic river adventure. Embark on a leisurely mountain rail journey into the dazzling alpine landscapes of the Bernese Oberland and experience some of the world’s most cinematic scenery as we sail in five-star style through the famous Middle Rhine Valley, where a tapestry of castles, vineyards, and panoramic views create the perfect cruising backdrop.?  We’ll explore historic Koblenz and its old town, and experience the natural drama of the Rhine Gorge where the valley walls tower over 400m above. Step into Rüdesheim, straight from the pages of a fairytale and one of the region’s most famed wine towns and discover medieval Speyer with its beloved Romanesque Basilica as well as the Alsatian city of Strasbourg as you wander the cobbled alleys of its old town, all in the insightful company of a local guide.  We’ll drive through the typical rolling tree-clad massif of the Black Forest and visit the charming town of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its namesake lake, and moor in the vibrant Swiss city of Basel.??Sail the great engineering feat of the Main-Danube Canal to discover medieval surprises off the tourist trail – timber-framed Wertheim and resplendent Würzburg for starters – then sit back for a scenic drive on the legendary Romantic Road through some of Germany’s most exceptional winelands scenery – and some seriously good grapes!?

Highlights:
Explore some of Europe’s most interesting towns and cities, including Strasbourg, Koblenz, Cologne, Andernach, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Lucerne. Admire the natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge and Boppard river bend, and the engineering feat of the Main-Danube canal with its series of locks. Drive through the folkloric scenery of the Black Forest on a visit to the idyllic Titisee, and along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg.? See stunning mountain vistas on a railway journey up the Bernese Oberland Mountain range.? Enjoy a live violin soloist and a folk music performance on board the luxury ship.

What’s Included:
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:   All nights of your cruise in your choice of luxury cabin or suite All meals on board, including welcome cocktails and the Captain’s Dinner (except one lunch if choosing the full day excursion) Complimentary on-board tea and coffee Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)? All visits and excursions as mentioned Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge? Please note: Due to locks and low bridges the main part of the sun deck will be closed between Frankfurt and Nuremberg. The other outside areas in front of the lounge, the Riverview Kitchen and the lower section of the sun deck are still accessible.

Ship Details

Facilities

Facilities

  • Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers
  • Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views
  • Main restaurant on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
  • Bistro on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner
  • Small boutique for lovely souvenirs.
  • Wellness centre
  • Hair salon (small additional fee)
  • Laundry service
  • An elevator operating to all accommodation decks
  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour self-service station for tea and coffee
  • Air-conditioned public areas and cabins

Decks

The Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.

The Diamond (Upper) Deck
The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.

At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.

Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.

The Ruby (Middle) Deck
The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty range of buffets at breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service.

The Emerald (Lower) Deck
The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.

An elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Decks, while the Sun Deck is accessed by staircase.

Why Book With Riviera Travel?

Unbeatable Value for Money & Honest Pricing
With 40 years of experience as the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, we can offer remarkable value on our vacations; our scale and the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers enables us to negotiate exceptional rates – and we pass those savings straight back to you. Our prices are fair and straightforward, with no hidden extras. Unlike many of our competitors, with us there’s no smoke and mirrors with our pricing and promotions – we just offer amazing value for money, all the time.

We’ll look after you – no matter what
We’ll always go above and beyond to make sure you can enjoy the vacations you’ve looked forward to. Almost all of our itineraries run without any issues, but occasionally we’ll be impacted by circumstances outside of our control. If this happens, rest assured that our team will take care of it; finding alternative travel options, organising hotels, and keeping you informed. We’re there for you every step of the way – so all you need to worry about is your packing.

Your vacation the Riviera Travel way – Three great reasons to choose Riviera Travel
Here are a few reasons why you can feel confident when booking a vacation with us:

1. Handcrafted vacations with authentic experiences

Like you, we love to travel. Our team of experts personally selects every aspect of your vacation so that it is thoughtfully balanced and honed to perfection. Between our exceptional fleet of ships and our handpicked hotels, you can rest assured that you'll be exploring the world in comfort.

While you travel, you're lookied after by our talented team of Tour Managers and Cruise Directors. Together, we ensure that you'll get fascinating perspectives on the culture, history, gastronomy, art and architecture of the places you visit. You'll step off the tourist trail and beyond the pages of a guide book, discovering hidden gems, mingling with the locals, and exploring lesser-known but equally beautiful places.

2. Your vacation – your way

We give you the flexibility and choice to enhance your vacation and make it your own.

Everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation is different and we like to give you the freedom to customise your travel experience. You can add on extras to your trip, such as hotel upgrades, or even extend your getaway with a Tour Extension.

On many of our vacations we also offer thoughtfully crafted itinerary choices and you may wish to personalise your trip further with one of these fascinating experiences. Just get in touch with our friendly reservations team for more information.

3. So much included

At Riviera Travel, we include everything you need for an exceptional vacation in the price. All our trips come with the services of an experienced Cruise Director on hand to ensure your getaway runs smoothly and take care of you, and unlike some of our competitors, all the guided tours, visits to attractions and experiences described in the itineraries are fully included. Plus of course, accommodation on luxury ships.

River Cruises for Solo Travelers

Solo River Cruises in Europe for Independent Travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone. On a Riviera Travel solo-exclusive European river cruise, you’ll enjoy your own double-occupancy cabin without paying a single supplement, plus expertly guided tours and a friendly onboard atmosphere designed to help independent travelers feel right at home. It’s the perfect way for senior US travelers to explore Europe in comfort, confidence, and great company.

Why Choose a Solo River Cruise?
Solo tours can sometimes feel rushed or isolating — not here. Riviera Travel removes the stress and expense of traveling alone:

  • No single supplement on selected solo cruises
  • Double cabin to yourself, with stunning river views
  • Daily guided excursions included
  • Relaxed social atmosphere with other solo guests
  • Dedicated Cruise Director to support your journey

Explore iconic European destinations with the reassurance that every detail is taken care of.

Designed for Senior Solo Travelers
Our trips are crafted for comfort and ease, making them ideal for travelers who want enriching experiences without unnecessary effort:

  • Ships dock close to town centers — minimal walking to explore
  • Smaller, boutique ships for a calm and friendly onboard environment
  • Elevators, level access, and helpful crew
  • Free time built into every itinerary for personal space

You choose how much you want to socialize — or enjoy peaceful time to yourself.

Where Can You Travel Solo?
Enjoy unforgettable views and rich cultural experiences on Europe’s most iconic rivers:

  • Danube – Vienna’s imperial beauty, Budapest’s grand boulevards
  • Rhine – Castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns
  • Douro – Sun-soaked Portugal and world-famous wine regions

Each itinerary offers a balance of guided exploration and relaxed sailing time.

What’s Included
One price covers everything you need:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Daily shore excursions
  • Comfortable transfers and port-to-city access
  • All taxes and charges

No hidden surprises. No paying more because you’re traveling solo.

Day by Day Itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1: Basel, Switzerland

  2. 2

    Day 2: Basel, Switzerland

  3. 3

    Day 3: Breisach, Germany

  4. 4

    Day 4: Strasbourg, France

  5. 5

    Day 5: Speyer, Germany

  6. 6

    Day 6: Rüdesheim, Germany

  7. 7

    Day 7: Koblenz, Germany

  8. 8

    Day 8: Cologne, Germany

  9. 9

    Day 9: Cologne, Germany

  10. 10

    Day 10: Andernach, Germany

  11. 11

    Day 11: Rhine Gorge, Germany

  12. 12

    Day 12: Mainz, Germany

  13. 13

    Day 13: Miltenberg, Germany

  14. 14

    Day 14: Würzburg, Germany

  15. 15

    Day 15: Rothenburg, Germany

  16. 16

    Day 16: Bamberg, Germany

  17. 17

    Day 17: Nuremberg, Germany

  18. 18

    Day 18: Munich, Germany

Available Dates & Pricing

Pricing Details

Travel Date Sep 30, 2026
Return Date Oct 17, 2026
Book By Sep 29, 2026
Price Per Night $376.41
Cabin / Category Emerald Deck (Lower) • EDSLD
Refundable Unknown

Cabin Pricing

Price History

Lowest Price

  • Jul 29, 2025 $6,399
  • Feb 11, 2026 $7,549
  • Mar 26, 2026 $6,399

Suite

  • Jul 29, 2025 $6,399
  • Feb 11, 2026 $7,549
  • Mar 26, 2026 $6,399

Gallery

About Riviera Travel

We are a business operated in North America, owned by Riviera Travel, the UK's biggest river cruise and tour operator. For 40 years our experts have been bringing to life the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Like you, we love to travel, and we are passionate about what we do. We personally select every aspect of your holiday, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the content and detail of each itinerary is thoughtfully balanced, so there’s time for you to explore at a relaxing pace. We offer you a superb choice of holidays, but we also ensure each of these has been honed to perfection. Our focus is on quality not quantity.

View Supplier Details Watch on YouTube
  • Phone: (888) 759-7820
  • Email: info@rivieratravel.com
  • 200 E Las Olas Blvd, Suite 1400, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301, USA

River Cruises for Solo Travelers

Solo River Cruises in Europe for Independent Travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone. On a Riviera Travel solo-exclusive European river cruise, you’ll enjoy your own double-occupancy cabin without paying a single supplement, plus expertly guided tours and a friendly onboard atmosphere designed to help independent travelers feel right at home. It’s the perfect way for senior US travelers to explore Europe in comfort, confidence, and great company.

Why Choose a Solo River Cruise?
Solo tours can sometimes feel rushed or isolating — not here. Riviera Travel removes the stress and expense of traveling alone:

  • No single supplement on selected solo cruises
  • Double cabin to yourself, with stunning river views
  • Daily guided excursions included
  • Relaxed social atmosphere with other solo guests
  • Dedicated Cruise Director to support your journey

Explore iconic European destinations with the reassurance that every detail is taken care of.

Designed for Senior Solo Travelers
Our trips are crafted for comfort and ease, making them ideal for travelers who want enriching experiences without unnecessary effort:

  • Ships dock close to town centers — minimal walking to explore
  • Smaller, boutique ships for a calm and friendly onboard environment
  • Elevators, level access, and helpful crew
  • Free time built into every itinerary for personal space

You choose how much you want to socialize — or enjoy peaceful time to yourself.

Where Can You Travel Solo?
Enjoy unforgettable views and rich cultural experiences on Europe’s most iconic rivers:

  • Danube – Vienna’s imperial beauty, Budapest’s grand boulevards
  • Rhine – Castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns
  • Douro – Sun-soaked Portugal and world-famous wine regions

Each itinerary offers a balance of guided exploration and relaxed sailing time.

What’s Included
One price covers everything you need:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Daily shore excursions
  • Comfortable transfers and port-to-city access
  • All taxes and charges

No hidden surprises. No paying more because you’re traveling solo.

Why Book With Riviera Travel?

Unbeatable Value for Money & Honest Pricing
With 40 years of experience as the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, we can offer remarkable value on our vacations; our scale and the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers enables us to negotiate exceptional rates – and we pass those savings straight back to you. Our prices are fair and straightforward, with no hidden extras. Unlike many of our competitors, with us there’s no smoke and mirrors with our pricing and promotions – we just offer amazing value for money, all the time.

We’ll look after you – no matter what
We’ll always go above and beyond to make sure you can enjoy the vacations you’ve looked forward to. Almost all of our itineraries run without any issues, but occasionally we’ll be impacted by circumstances outside of our control. If this happens, rest assured that our team will take care of it; finding alternative travel options, organising hotels, and keeping you informed. We’re there for you every step of the way – so all you need to worry about is your packing.

Your vacation the Riviera Travel way – Three great reasons to choose Riviera Travel
Here are a few reasons why you can feel confident when booking a vacation with us:

1. Handcrafted vacations with authentic experiences

Like you, we love to travel. Our team of experts personally selects every aspect of your vacation so that it is thoughtfully balanced and honed to perfection. Between our exceptional fleet of ships and our handpicked hotels, you can rest assured that you'll be exploring the world in comfort.

While you travel, you're lookied after by our talented team of Tour Managers and Cruise Directors. Together, we ensure that you'll get fascinating perspectives on the culture, history, gastronomy, art and architecture of the places you visit. You'll step off the tourist trail and beyond the pages of a guide book, discovering hidden gems, mingling with the locals, and exploring lesser-known but equally beautiful places.

2. Your vacation – your way

We give you the flexibility and choice to enhance your vacation and make it your own.

Everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation is different and we like to give you the freedom to customise your travel experience. You can add on extras to your trip, such as hotel upgrades, or even extend your getaway with a Tour Extension.

On many of our vacations we also offer thoughtfully crafted itinerary choices and you may wish to personalise your trip further with one of these fascinating experiences. Just get in touch with our friendly reservations team for more information.

3. So much included

At Riviera Travel, we include everything you need for an exceptional vacation in the price. All our trips come with the services of an experienced Cruise Director on hand to ensure your getaway runs smoothly and take care of you, and unlike some of our competitors, all the guided tours, visits to attractions and experiences described in the itineraries are fully included. Plus of course, accommodation on luxury ships.

The Holiday Travel Agent USA
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