Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
8 Days Starting in Basel, Switzerland and ending in Cologne, Germany
Visiting: Basel, Lucerne, Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Cologne
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS Geoffrey ChaucerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
167
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
We’ve given our popular Rhine Cruise to Switzerland cruise a delicious foodie twist. Scenery and gastronomy are the perfect pairing as you glide along this enchanting river and experience the glorious flavours of the Rhine.
Taste superb Swiss mountain cheeses and indulgent Black Forest treats (perhaps washed down with a delicious glass of Alsace wine or a decadent Rudesheimer coffee) and take your tastebuds on a sweet adventure at one of Europe’s finest chocolate museums. Meet vintners and artisans who are passionate about the production of the finest food and wine and enjoy authentic culinary experiences in the most traditional of surroundings.
This holiday is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxing way to explore the gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Basel
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Basel - You have a couple of options for getting to Basel – fly into Basel or Zurich, or opt for train and catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris then the connecting TGV (France’s famous high-speed train) to Basel and transfer by coach to the ship. Either way, you’ll be met in your destination and transferred by coach to the ship which will be your home for the next seven nights.
Our dedicated crew will be there waiting to welcome you on board, and ensure you settle in. There’ll be time to familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel before dinner in our stylish restaurant. On the first night, there’s always an exciting sense of expectancy and conversation with your fellow adventurers is sure to revolve around the journey ahead.
Day 2
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lucerne & Stanserhorn - Our first stop today is Stanserhorn - one of the mountains near Lucerne - where we’ll take the cabrio cable car high up to the peak. This naturally beautiful area is almost 1,900m above sea level, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh mountain air while you take in the amazing views of the Swiss Alps.
Not content with treating just your sight, you’ll also be indulging your tastebuds with a visit to the revolving restaurant that sits atop the mountain. Specialising in Swiss food, you’ll get the chance to sample a local favourite - Älplermagronen, the Swiss Alpine version of macaroni and cheese. This delicious mix of pasta, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions is a true comfort food!
After a mountain-top feast, you’ll make your way back down the mountain and make the short journey by coach to Lucerne.
Spectacularly nestled in the mountains, providing epic landscapes, it is by far Switzerland’s most beautiful city and has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, one of the most famous of which being our own Queen Victoria. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city – including where to get the best local pastries – and, after that, you’re free to explore at leisure.
We recommend taking an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge: this symbol of the city is a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts, lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. It’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s rather regal atmosphere.
Arriving back to our ship, you’ll have time to refresh before another splendid dinner in the excellent restaurant.
Day 3
Location: Breisach
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breisach & The Black Forest - Relax this morning on board whilst we sail to the ancient town of Breisach. After a leisurely breakfast why not find a comfortable chair and catch up on some reading, play chess or watch the rolling kaleidoscope of scenery from the Sun Deck?
After lunch, we’ll drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. It goes without saying, that this area isn’t just famous for its natural beauty, it also instantly brings to mind a decadent Black Forest gateau! While here, we’ll stop to sample this iconic dish, washed down with some traditional schnapps or a classic coffee.
As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle, enjoy the views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows during tonight's excellent dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist, before we slip our moorings to commence our cruise towards Strasbourg, arriving later tonight.
Day 4
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Strasbourg - This morning, we have crossed over into France to arrive in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour of this picturesque 16th-century old town – a maze of narrow streets and canals lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals. Unforgettable sights include the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses which line the canals.
As we wander Strasbourg, we will also have a chance to enjoy a traditional Alsace treat or two – local delicacies include tarte flambee, Munster cheese and kugelhopf (sweet bun). Enjoy a bite as you explore, and maybe even pick up a treat to enjoy in your cabin this afternoon as we cruise!
During lunch, our elegant vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Head up to the sun deck and take in the views from a sun lounger or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends.
As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal inspired by traditional Alsace cuisine to round out the day perfectly.
We’ll arrive at Speyer this evening, where we’ll be moored overnight.
Day 5
Location: Speyer
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Speyer - We remain moored in Speyer this morning but will be venturing out to a nearby vinegar manufacturer. Here, we’ll be able to enjoy a tour of the cellars, learning about the history of vinegar – in particular its use as Posca, an ‘energy drink’ drunk by Roman legionaries. Wandering the herbal chamber and candle-lit cellar rooms, you’ll be reminded of the winemaking processes as you view the centuries-old barrels where the vinegar is fermented. The tour finishes, of course, with a vinegar tasting. See if you can spot the differences!
If learning about artisanal vinegar doesn’t tickle your fancy, you have the choice instead to spend the morning exploring Speyer, where you’ll find many historic sites including the imposing Imperial Cathedral and the neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche.
Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards - home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region - and oxbow lakes, which are long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.
Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the Captain’s Dinner, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise.
During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally.
Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards - home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region - and oxbow lakes, which are long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.
This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise.
During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally.
Day 6
Location: Rüdesheim am Rhein
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz - This morning we moor in Rüdesheim, with its crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. This pretty town is surrounded by vineyards, and as such is an ideal stop for wine enthusiasts – or oenophiles if you’re feeling fancy – as the vineyards here have been producing the Riesling sold in the local shops and taverns for centuries. During the delightful land train tour, witness the vignerons hard at work in their vineyards, the bustling marketplace, the iconic half-timbered Klunkhardshof building, and Bromserburg Castle, which dates from 1275.
This afternoon we’ll experience a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops, towering over 1,000 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, you get a real sense of the myths of this historic river coming alive around you. No legend is more famous than that surrounding the Loreley Rock, where beautiful nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in the treacherous waters. This experience provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a famous Rüdesheimer coffee – a sweet brandy coffee topped with whipped cream and chocolate.
Relax on the sun deck as our captain skilfully navigates the ship through the huge looping bend at Boppard – one of the most impressive on the river. Keep an eye out for the mighty Marksburg Castle too, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century.
It’s not long before we arrive in picturesque Koblenz; founded by the Romans, the city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister, the Moselle.
Here we'll discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.
On our guided tour of this delightful town, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn: see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use.
If you manage to resist the tempting cakes on offer from the beckoning pavement cafés, then you’ll be ready for your meticulously prepared dinner on board and afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.
Day 7
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cologne - Early risers will witness our departure from Koblenz as we set sail towards Cologne today.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland, and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White.
When we arrive in historic Cologne, we’ll embark an indulgent journey of exploration through the world of chocolate at the Schokoladenmuseum, where you can learn about the 5,000-year history of cocoa, from its beginnings in Central America, all the way to the well-loved treat we know today.
Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city. Perhaps visit the superb cathedral, the largest Gothic structure on earth. It has Europe’s most stunningly intricate stained glass, which took 600 years to finish and when work was finally complete, it was the largest building on earth, remaining so until eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower.
Tonight is the last night of the cruise, so after you last delicious dinner in our elegant restaurant, why not linger in the ship’s bar to swap stories with your like-minded travel companions or bid a bittersweet farewell to our friendly, five-star crew.
Day 8
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return Home
Ship Details
MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Ship Overview
After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Geoffrey Chaucer.
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
premium
Ship Type:
river
Ship Kind:
Riverboat
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en
Ship Capacity:
167
Ship Crew Count:
44
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
88
Ship Launch Year:
2019
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
BarPanorama LoungeSouvenir ShopTravel DeskReception BistroSuperior SuiteDeluxe Balcony SuiteDiamond Deck SuiteSuperior Stern Suite
Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)
Fitness/Wellness AreaHairdresserEmerald Deck Suite
Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)
KitchenRestaurantSuperior SuiteRuby Deck Suite
Sum Deck
Sun DeckSplash PoolPutting GreenWheelhouseTerrace Area
Cabins
Your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.
Suites (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level! The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure. The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly. You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!
Superior Suites (Grade RSS DSS SSS )
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite available on the Ruby (middle) and Diamond (upper) decks. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Emerald Deck Suites (Grade ES )
Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement and are subject to availability.
Suites (Ruby Deck) (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer! Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Deluxe Balcony Suites (Grade DBS )
If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond (upper) Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort. In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Suites (Emerald Deck) (Grade ES )
Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement and are subject to availability.
Suites (Ruby/Diamond Deck) (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Dining
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Bistro
At the Bistro with its open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience. (complimentary)
Main Restaurant
The ship’s restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order. (complimentary)
Restaurant
Stunning restaurant on the Main Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and four-course dinner
Entertainment
A daily programme is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities.
Lounge and Bar
Lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast
Panoramic Lounge & Bar
The superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view.
Kids and Teens
Please note: There are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
More information coming soon
Fitness Centre & Salon
On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!
Spa and Wellness
Spa and wellness area featuring Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service
Sun Deck
Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on holiday!
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning.The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
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Free Superior drinks package
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Return flights or Eurostar & TGV
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
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English-speaking expert guides
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The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
One LunchOne lunch is not included in the package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with options to fly into Basel or Zurich, or take the Eurostar from London to Paris and connect via TGV to Basel. Transfers by coach to the ship are included, along with scenic cruising along the Rhine River.
Accommodation
Enjoy a luxurious stay aboard the MS Geoffrey Chaucer, a first-class floating hotel with stylish cabins and a dedicated crew ensuring your comfort throughout the seven-night journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the transportation options to get to the starting point of the tour?
You can fly into Basel or Zurich, or opt for a train journey by catching the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris and then the connecting TGV to Basel. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by coach to the ship.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
All meals on board are included, from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day. This includes welcome cocktails, the Captain's dinner, and a variety of local specialties such as Swiss Älplermagronen, Black Forest gateau, and Alsace treats like tarte flambee and Munster cheese.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a cable car ride up Stanserhorn with lunch in a revolving restaurant, a drive through the Black Forest with a tasting of Black Forest gateau, a guided tour of Strasbourg with food stops, a visit to a vinegar distillery, a vineyard tour in Rüdesheim, a cruise through the Rhine Gorge, and a visit to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne.
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What kind of activities are available during the stops in different towns and cities?
Activities include guided walking tours, exploring historic sites like Saint Stephan's Cathedral in Breisach, sampling local delicacies, visiting a vinegar manufacturer, a land train tour in Rüdesheim, and a guided tour of Koblenz. You can also enjoy free time to explore cities like Lucerne and Cologne at your leisure.
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Are there any special performances or events on board the ship?
Yes, there are special performances and events on board, including a live classical quartet recital, a live performance of popular music spanning the years, and a local folk performance after dinner in Koblenz.
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What kind of scenery can I expect to see during the cruise?
You will see a variety of stunning landscapes including the Swiss Alps, the Black Forest mountains, the dramatic Rhine Gorge with its steep vineyards and rocky outcrops, and the picturesque towns and cities along the Rhine River. Highlights include the Loreley Rock, Marksburg Castle, and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Koblenz.
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What is the Captain's Dinner and when does it take place?
The Captain's Dinner is a special event featuring delicious specialties from the countries and regions visited during the cruise. It takes place on the evening of Day 5.
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What options are available for exploring Cologne?
In Cologne, you can either join a visit to the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of cocoa or enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city, including visiting the superb cathedral, the largest Gothic structure on earth.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Range
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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