Switzerland is your entry into a pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming landscape of soaring mountains and tranquil valleys. It's a destination that allows you to be at one with nature, with scenery that enchants and delights. Among this spellbinding beauty, you’ll also find romantic medieval villages where picturesque cobbled streets are filled with charming shops and an abundance of cultural delights. The larger cities seamlessly blend modernity, history, and nature, where skyscrapers and old church steeples stand perfectly together against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
HIGHLIGHTS
Landmarks
Among Switzerland’s renowned beauty stands Zurich, whose Old Town is a time capsule of medieval architecture. Its famed Grossmünster Cathedral, with its two towers, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich. In Basel, Basel Münster sits perched upon a hill overlooking the Rhine. This church is beloved for its unique architecture, which is a perfect marriage of Romantic and Gothic design.
Cuisine
Snuggled between Germany, Austria, Italy, and France, Swiss cooks have learned to embrace their neighbors’ cuisine and create their own flavorful dishes, such as geschnetzeltes, Zurich’s popular version of wiener schnitzel. Nibble your way through Basel with a Basler Läckerli (a gingerbread cookie) and regional treats. Of course, you can’t think of Switzerland without thinking of Swiss chocolate. If you opt for a Masterpiece Collection excursion in Zurich, you’ll sample local chocolates from three different chocolate producers.
Beer
Switzerland, like nearby Germany, appreciates a tall glass of beer. Lager is preferred by almost 70% of Swiss beer drinkers and the crisp, clean taste of Feldschlösschen is the most popular beer in the country. During our Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland itinerary, embark on a private Nights Out experience at Feldschlösschen Brewery, a stunning Swiss landmark with 145 years of history. Appreciate the building’s castle-like exteriors and original copper brewing barrels, sampling some of the country’s most popular brews along the way.
Landscapes
The Alpine section of the Rhine flows through some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Rolling hills adorned with oak, elm, and aspen surround most towns, and in winter and spring, the Alps are flecked with snow. Birds like to play tourist too, and it’s common to see mallards, ospreys, cormorants, and swans make their home on the river before migrating to warmer climes.
TRAVEL TIPS
When to go: We sail from March to November with Christmas Market sailings in December. Visit in the spring for fresh blooms and cooler weather, in the summer for some of the warmest and brightest days of the year, or in autumn when the trees are adorned with red and gold leaves. Colder temperatures in December call for cups of chocolate (made with Swiss chocolate, of course).
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Spring
MAR–MAY
Avg. Temp. 60º F / 15º C
Summer
JUN–AUG
Avg. Temp. 76º F / 24º C
Autumn
SEP–NOV
Avg. Temp. 59º F / 15º C
Winter
DEC–FEB
Avg. Temp. 44º F / 6º C
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF, ₣)
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Official Language
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Electricity
230V/50 Hz
Plug types C and J
What Our Guests Have to Say
An inside look at the Uniworld experience in Switzerland Verified reviews by 
“We loved the entire trip. The hotel in Switzerland was amazing...nice way to end the trip!!”
– Lynne B. (Zurich & the Rhine River Valley)
“It was wonderful! We were on a gorgeous River Cruise, seeing and experiencing four beautiful countries. We were being waited on by friendly and caring people from all over the world. It was the trip of a lifetime!”
– Trusted Customer (Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland)
“Wonderful choices of cities with delightful Christmas markets and good guides.”
– Roberta S. (Rhine Holiday Markets)
“The cruise and the ports were wonderful; one more beautiful than the next. And our tours of the different cities were great. Very knowledgeable tour guides and the choices were great.”
– Trusted Customer (Grand Central Europe)
FEATURED CRUISES
Amsterdam to Basel | 11 days
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. ...
Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.6/5 (273 reviews)
From €3,999 per person
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Passau to Venice | 15 days
Embark on a river cruise down the shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River, where our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region,...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy
River: Danube
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Budapest to Venice | 16 days
Begin your journey in the stunning cities of Budapest and Vienna, from which you’ll ascend into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Your days will be filled with...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy
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Basel to Amsterdam | 8 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.7/5 (1883 reviews)
From €2,199 per person
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Vienna to Basel | 15 days
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...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria
Rivers: Danube, Rhine
4.7/5 (17 reviews)
From €6,199 per person
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Nuremberg to Basel | 8 days
Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries and enjoy...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland
River: Rhine
3.7/5 (15 reviews)
From €2,399 per person
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Zurich to Vienna | 17 days
Cruise between the picturesque city of Basel and imperial Vienna. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France,...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria
Rivers: Danube, Rhine
4.2/5 (6 reviews)
From €6,999 per person
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Nuremberg to Zurich | 10 days
Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries and enjoy...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (18 reviews)
From €3,199 per person
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Basel to Cologne | 8 days
Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to ...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (134 reviews)
From €3,999 per person
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Basel to Brussels | 15 days
Soak in as much of Central Europe’s fantastic cities and culture as possible in just two weeks. Snack on classic Dutch treats in the Netherlands, enjoy the fruits of Germany’s excellent...
Ship: S.S. Victoria
Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland
Rivers: Moselle, Rhine
From €7,829 per person
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