• We have gathered these unique stories, recipes, interviews, and testimonials to enrich and inspire you before your journey with AmaWaterways. In anticipation of your upcoming river cruise, we hope you see how an unforgettable travel experience can truly be yours when sailing with us along the rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
• 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Marriott Zurich (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Transfer from Zurich to Lucerne via scenic Lake Lucerne cruise
• 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument and daily breakfast
• Transfer from Lucerne to Basel with highlights tour and then on to the ship

Stunning Zurich is an indulgent feast for the eyes – as much as the taste buds and other senses.

Visit the bustling city of Zurich on our Rhine River sailings and enjoy traveling in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Decadent chocolates, luxurious timepieces, grand banking centers, designer boutiques, a world-class art scene and a fascinating history – the largest city in Switzerland has quite a rich heritage to offer travelers. 

A Scenic City 

Settled even before Roman times, Zurich’s dramatic scenery of snow-capped Swiss Alps, lakes and rivers has always enthralled visitors and locals alike. Take a stroll along the water or any of the fabulous promenades for the perfect way to take in the mountainous city. In the summertime, enjoy a leisurely pace. In the winter, warm yourself up with a sip of mulled wine or hot chocolate – perhaps in one of the lovely cafés dotting the avenues.

Chock-Full of Chocolate 

Chocolate is king in Switzerland and confectionary powerhouses such as Läderach Chocolatier, Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli, Lindt and Teuscher all offer some of the most heavenly bites a chocolate lover could dream of. Chocolates freshly produced on site, Luxumburgerli Amaretti cookies, pralines, hot cocoa, champagne truffles and original gifts show off the delicious Swiss art.

Shopping in Luxury 

Bahnhofstrasse is the world-famous street where finance quite literally meets fashion. Particularly at the square known as Paradeplatz. One of the most expensive real estate areas in all Switzerland, it is the headquarters for both UBS and Credit Suisse. Several other affluent corporations, conglomerates and banking giants are also located here. So too is the main hub for chocolatier Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli. And along with it, more than 90 designer boutiques including Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Prada and Dior. It is a shopaholic and fashionista’s dream, rivaling Rodeo Drive, Madison Avenue, Savile Row and the Champs-Elysees. Restaurants and bars line the upscale boulevard. While shopping (or window shopping) take in the magnificent art and architecture also on display.

A Historic Stroll Through Zurich

A walking tour throughout the city will bring you to some of the most popular attractions and historical sites. Old Town is a virtual melting pot of medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Roughly half a million people visit the Fraumünster Abbey annually to admire its vivid stained glass windows by iconic artist Marc Chagall. Installed in 1970, each of the five windows has a dominant color scheme depicting Christian stories of Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion and Law. Augusto Giacometti created the thirty-foot-high stained glass window of the North transept.

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Zurich, dating back to before 900 AD. It has a magnificent clock face, the largest in all of Europe! Old Town Grossmünster Abbey (translation: Great Minister) is a medieval church with a history dating back to the days of Charlemagne, when the legendary king built a prior incarnation. Rebuilt around 1100 to 1220, this incarnation is the church which stands today. Along with the stunning views found, this church figures prominently in Swiss history as it is where Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger began the Swiss-German Reformation in the 16th century. The Town Hall (called Rathaus in Zurich) is still used for governing.

Clean Water for All!

Dotted throughout Zurich’s many piazzas, cobbled streets and popular attractions are over 1200 drinking water fountains. Locals take advantage of living in a city with more fountains than any city in the world – and often carry bottles around to fill up. Each fountain is a unique work of art, many with their own storied histories, and almost feature clean, pure spring water safe to drink (note: the few not drinkable will be marked with the words Kein Trinkwasser/Eau non potable/Non potable).

Stunning Zurich is an indulgent feast for the eyes – as much as the taste buds and other senses.

A Scenic City 

Settled even before Roman times, Zurich’s dramatic scenery of snow-capped Swiss Alps, lakes and rivers has always enthralled visitors and locals alike. Take a stroll along the water or any of the fabulous promenades for the perfect way to take in the mountainous city. In the summertime, enjoy a leisurely pace. In the winter, warm yourself up with a sip of mulled wine or hot chocolate – perhaps in one of the lovely cafés dotting the avenues.

Chock-Full of Chocolate 

Chocolate is king in Switzerland and confectionary powerhouses such as Läderach Chocolatier, Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli, Lindt and Teuscher all offer some of the most heavenly bites a chocolate lover could dream of. Chocolates freshly produced on site, Luxumburgerli Amaretti cookies, pralines, hot cocoa, champagne truffles and original gifts show off the delicious Swiss art.

Shopping in Luxury 

Bahnhofstrasse is the world-famous street where finance quite literally meets fashion. Particularly at the square known as Paradeplatz. One of the most expensive real estate areas in all Switzerland, it is the headquarters for both UBS and Credit Suisse. Several other affluent corporations, conglomerates and banking giants are also located here. So too is the main hub for chocolatier Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli. And along with it, more than 90 designer boutiques including Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Prada and Dior. It is a shopaholic and fashionista’s dream, rivaling Rodeo Drive, Madison Avenue, Savile Row and the Champs-Elysees. Restaurants and bars line the upscale boulevard. While shopping (or window shopping) take in the magnificent art and architecture also on display.

A Historic Stroll Through Zurich

A walking tour throughout the city will bring you to some of the most popular attractions and historical sites. Old Town is a virtual melting pot of medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Roughly half a million people visit the Fraumünster Abbey annually to admire its vivid stained glass windows by iconic artist Marc Chagall. Installed in 1970, each of the five windows has a dominant color scheme depicting Christian stories of Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion and Law. Augusto Giacometti created the thirty-foot-high stained glass window of the North transept.

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Zurich, dating back to before 900 AD. It has a magnificent clock face, the largest in all of Europe! Old Town Grossmünster Abbey (translation: Great Minister) is a medieval church with a history dating back to the days of Charlemagne, when the legendary king built a prior incarnation. Rebuilt around 1100 to 1220, this incarnation is the church which stands today. Along with the stunning views found, this church figures prominently in Swiss history as it is where Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger began the Swiss-German Reformation in the 16th century. The Town Hall (called Rathaus in Zurich) is still used for governing.

Clean Water for All!

Dotted throughout Zurich’s many piazzas, cobbled streets and popular attractions are over 1200 drinking water fountains. Locals take advantage of living in a city with more fountains than any city in the world – and often carry bottles around to fill up. Each fountain is a unique work of art, many with their own storied histories, and almost feature clean, pure spring water safe to drink (note: the few not drinkable will be marked with the words Kein Trinkwasser/Eau non potable/Non potable).

Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.

Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Continue to your hotel to check in. (B)

Lake Lucerne’s beauty and charm is unrivaled. You’ll discover this beauty on a walking tour, during which you will stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)