Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria.

You’ll visit the resort town of Baden-Baden and climb to the treetops of Bamberg, wander the palatial residences of historic rulers and venture into the Bavarian forest. Taste Rheingau wines and German beers at the source. Wonder at the Wachau Valley’s riverscapes and the equally incredible agricultural products grown there. This adventure is full of memorable moments from first to last.

Grand Central Europe is a combination of Rhine River Valley and Authentic Danube.

All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.

 Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $1900 flight credit per person
• Airport to cruise port transfer
• 14 nights Grand Central European cruise onboard River Princess, Vienna to Basel
• Includes all meals & unlimited beverages onboard, excursions, WiFi, gratuities plus more
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Basel to Zurich rail journey
• 3 nights accommodation in Zurich           
• 8 nights Best of Switzerland guided tour with Trafalgar, Zurich return

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 21 August to 15 September 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Cruise Itinerary:

DAY 1 VIENNA (EMBARK)

Transfer from Vienna International Airport to your ship. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

DAY 2 VIENNA

On this day, explore the “City of Waltzes” and dive into its vast artistic legacy. The city is known for its imperial palaces, famous residents and expansive art collections.

DAY 3 WEISSENKIRCHEN, MELK

Start your day in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through Weissenkirchen’s idyllic wine village while sampling mouth-watering apricot treats. Named for its white church that dominates the landscape, the city is flanked by vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. The Melk Abbey is a baroque monastery and sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.

DAY 4 ENGELHARTSZELL, PASSAU, VILSHOFEN

A new day brings new experiences in the forest-lined district of Engelhartszell. Experience Germany’s great outdoors by biking along the Danube River. Arrive in the afternoon at the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers join together, at one time bringing an influx of wealth and culture into the region.

DAY 5 DEGGENDORF, STRAUBING

Nestled between Regensburg and Passau sits a town surrounded by the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, Deggendorf. Journey deep into the alluring Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s first national park, and discover outdoor leisure at its best.

DAY 6 REGENSBURG

The nearly 2,000-year-old history of Regensburg begins with a Roman fort in 90 AD, from which Regensburg grew into the large and prosperous trade center that it became in the last few centuries of the Medieval period. This long history has been excellently preserved through Regensburg’s iconic architecture—particularly its many Gothic and Romanesque churches and Patrician houses.

DAY 7 NUREMBERG

The archetypal medieval German city, Nuremberg was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, housing many German kings in the Kaiserburg castle complex. Later, this city became the epicenter of the Nazi party. When the end of WWII left Nuremberg almost completely leveled, it was chosen to be the site of the war crimes tribunal—the Nuremberg Trials. Now, most of the city has been restored, including the old castle.

DAY 8 NUREMBERG

Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your journey! Take this time to head out and explore Nuremberg on your own. Your Cruise Manager will be full of suggestions on how to make the most out of this marvelous city.

DAY 9 BAMBERG

Bamberg in its entirety is not only described as beautiful but has often been regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, with its picturesque architecture, intersecting canals and rivers, and charming stores and restaurants, all framed by rolling hills.

DAY 10 WURZBURG

The opulent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a true sense of the region’s history through the European Renaissance. It even contains the world’s largest ceiling fresco by Tiepolo. Visit the Residence and its carefully restored gardens or get outdoors and enjoy a scenic hike around Festung Marienberg, a prominent landmark that was previously home to a long line of prince-bishops.

DAY 11 MILTENBERG

The perfect German town calls for a day full of quintessential German experiences. Resting on the left bank of the Main, Miltenberg is classically quaint with its charming squares, farmland, biking and pedestrian paths, impressive castles and one of Germany’s oldest inns.

DAY 12 MAINZ

Your day in Mainz includes a visit to one of Germany's most stunning locales: Heidelberg.

DAY 13 RASTATT (BADEN-BADEN), STASBOURG

Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops. While we’re docked here today, make sure to get out and explore this charming town—but you won’t want to miss our day trip to the blissful spa town of Baden-Baden.

DAY 14 BREISACH

Breisach is often referred to as the gateway to the Black Forest, which you will venture into on today's excursion.

DAY 15 BASEL (DISEMBARK)

Disembark the ship. 

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 | Welcome to Zürich

Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zürich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception in this beautiful lakeside setting. Meals: Dinner

Day 2 | Journey to Lake Geneva

We leave the bright lights of Zürich behind and stop in Bern with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Onwards to Chillon Castle and Zermatt

This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is the Lavaux region, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we’ll Connect With Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 | Zermatt Your Way

Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views. Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 | Venture to the Italian Lake Maggiore

Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laid-back lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens. Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 | Off to Alpine St. Moritz

We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we board the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rhaetian Railway to cross the Bernina Pass and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 | Journey to Lakeside Lucerne

Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zürich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and admire the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful façades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn. Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 | Admire Scenic Brienz and Interlaken

We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Homeward Bound

As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. Meals: Breakfast