Switzerland reveals itself as you move through it—gliding past lakes, ascending into the Alps, and arriving in towns where mountain views feel close at hand. Scenic rail journeys and lakeside cities offer new ways to explore, inviting you to see the country from ever-changing vantage points.
Switzerland River Cruises
Sailing This Itinerary
Journey From Lakeside Cities to Charming Small Towns
Your time in Switzerland will take you from larger, modern cities like Zurich to charming small towns. Whether you’re in Lucerne, where the mountain backdrop is just as striking as the city itself, or art-filled Basel, Switzerland’s cities offer a wide range of experiences shaped by their setting.
Featured Experiences in Switzerland
Ride the Glacier Express Through the Alps
Travel aboard the panoramic Glacier Express, a classic and scenic train ride through Switzerland’s stunning alpine landscapes.
Walk Through Bern’s UNESCO-Listed Old Town
Explore the city of Bern on foot, where arcaded streets and river views reveal a remarkably preserved medieval center.
Explore Lucerne and Lake Lucerne
Discover Lucerne on a guided walk through the old town, paired with time along the shores of the beautiful Lake Lucerne.
Reach Alpine Viewpoints by Cogwheel Train
Ascend into the mountains by cogwheel train or cable car to enjoy panoramic views without strenuous hiking.
Taste Wines Along Lake Geneva
Sample regional wines in vineyard terraces overlooking Lake Geneva, where steep slopes shape local winemaking traditions.
Not sure where to start?
Let us help you choose the right cruise. Our river cruise experts are here to help you find the perfect journey, tailored to your interests and travel dreams.
Testimonials
“We’ve told so many people about how river cruising with AmaWaterways is the best-kept secret in travel, and we are already talking about what river we will experience next.”
MF
Meghan F.
“Hats off and a bow down to the AmaSiena crew for providing a wonderful experience. I want to give a special shout-out to our Cruise Director. She was there for us all the time including pre- and post-cruise experinces. She is the best Cruise Director of any cruise we have ever been on! ”
TC
Tom C.
“We had planned our river cruise during Christmas, but we didn’t even miss celebrating at home because AmaLucia was completely decked out with wreaths, ornaments, and lights and there were at least four Christmas trees on board. Our gift to the kids this year was the river cruise, but we did take advantage of the ship’s tradition of everyone putting their slippers out to sneak some trinkets into theirs. It was so fun; we may even start doing this at home! On board the ship, our family played a lot of board games in the lounge and danced to the live music each evening. We also spent some quiet time together in the stateroom watching Christmas movies. The gift of traveling with your family is that you don’t have constant distractions or activities to run to – you can just spend more time being together.”
JV
Jennifer V.
“As a slightly disabled 80-year-old, I missed out on many included excursions with other companies. Then I found AmaWaterways and their gentle walker options and my world opened up.”
PT
Patricia T.
“From the moment we landed in Amsterdam for the pre-cruise until the last day of the post-cruise in Zurich, our tour manager, Florentin, made us feel welcome and safe. He remained with us throughout the trip and was extremely professional, knowledgeable and resourceful. Florentin always had a smile on his face and interesting details about the cities on our trip.”
ER
Ernestina R.
Land Extensions
Spend Extra Time in Switzerland With a Geneva Excursion
Begin or end your journey with days in Geneva. Enjoy guided exploration of this charming city as well as nearby places like Chillon Castle and Annecy, for a graceful immersion into Switzerland and neighboring France.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hungary
Set along the Danube, Hungary offers exploration of grand architecture, café culture, and centuries-old traditions. Budapest anchors the experience with its architecture and energy, complemented by scenic stretches and historic towns like Esztergom and Szentendre.
Austria
While traveling in Austria, weave between refined cities and quaint river towns shaped by centuries of culture and tradition. Cruise its most storied river, the Danube, and discover Vienna, shaped by its enduring musical legacy, before continuing into the Wachau Valley, where vineyard-lined hills and historic villages offer a quieter pace.
Germany
Germany unfolds gracefully along its rivers, where medieval towns, vineyard-lined hillsides, and grand cities reveal centuries of culture and craftsmanship. Cruising the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle connects you effortlessly to historic castles like Burg Eltz and vibrant cities like Cologne and Munich—inviting you to explore at an unhurried pace.
Journeys That Move You.
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