Are There River Cruises in Switzerland?
Switzerland is famous for its mountains and beautiful landscapes, and the peculiarity of its beauty exploration is river cruises. Although the river cruises are often associated with such countries as France or Germany, Switzerland also has a few options for the devotees of the sea travelling. In this article, we will get to know a lot about a fascinating world of river cruises in Switzerland and appropriate destinations.
1. The Rhine River
The Rhine river is one of the destinations in Switzerland on river cruise. It’s one of the longest rivers in Europe and it gives some fantastic views of castles, vineyards and charming towns. Here goes some of the waterfall features on the Rhine River along the Swiss portion:
- Basel: Take a river cruise adventure tour starting your journey from the vibrant city in the border of Switzerland, Germany and France, Basel. Take a look at its beautiful old town before boarding your cruise.
- Rhine Falls: Watch a beautiful Rhine Falls, the biggest European waterfall. The massive power and sheer beauty of the falls will simply amaze you.
- Schaffhausen: Go to the Schaffhausen, a lovely town which is known for its well-preserved gothic architecture, quaint streets as well as the beauty of the landscape.
- Stein am Rhein: Be amazed by the Stein am Rhein half-timbered houses and colored frescoes. This is a gem of a town and ideal for lazy walking.
- Zurich: Conclude your river expedition in Zurich which is the biggest city in Switzerland. Experience its active urban environment; take a look at the famous museums and taste mouth-watering Swiss cuisine.
2. The Rhône River
The western part of Switzerland is traversed by Rhône River which provides breath-taking sceneries and cultural explorations. Below are the highlights of Rhône River cruise:
- Geneva: Begin your trip from Geneva, a cosmopolitan city that is famous for its diplomatic role. Stop a moment to admire Lake Geneva before going on your cruise.
- Lausanne: See the picturesque city of Lausanne with its medieval old town and take in wonderful views over Lake Geneva.
- Martigny: Discover Martigny, a town located in the Rhône Valley. The rich history as well as the archaeological sites make this town popular.
- Montreux: Find out Montreux, lovely town famous for the top-of-the-line jazz festival and the world-renowned Chillon Castle.
- Swiss Alps: While sailing in the Rhône River, you should be ready to be amazed by the spectacular Alpine scenery
3. Practical Tips for River Voyage in Switzerland
If you are planning on taking a river cruise in Switzerland, here are few tips which would help you to have better experience.
- Choose the Right Season: Switzerland is beautiful throughout the year but the best period for a river cruise is normally when it is spring and summer. The weather is mild, and the scenery reveals its beauty.
- Research Different Cruise Lines: Spend enough time researching cruise companies that offer a river cruise within Switzerland. Every cruise line has the different itineraries, ships, and amenities. Choose whether to eat out or not depending on your choices and the budget.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring proper clothes for different weather conditions such as comfortable walking shoes to tour the towns and cities as one travels.
- Try Local Cuisine: Do not miss the opportunity to taste national dishes while having a river cruise. Switzerland is famous for mouth-watering chocolates, cheese, and fondue. Indulge in these culinary delights!
- Take Advantage of Shore Excursions: Shore excursions are provided by the majority of the river cruises at different stops. These excursions give you the freedom to explore the areas around in more details. Make use of such opportunities to experience the local culture and history.
Conclusion
There is a brilliant choice of river cruises in Switzerland, which will introduce you to the country’s incredible nature, cute towns and exciting cities. You can never go wrong whether you decide to break onto the Rhine or the Rhône River because both are full of life to offer an unforgettable journey. Therefore, pack your bags, go for river cruise in Switzerland and prepare to have a vacation like no other!
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