Europeanbarging, specializes in short European river cruises. We have two 5-day short Rhine river cruise itineraries that offer the chance to experience a Swiss rail train. These are 2 of the most popular train experiences in Switzerland.
Panorama train cruises: Glacier Express & Jungfraujoch
Discover our itineraries including a panoramic train ride. The Glacier Express is a train unlike any other… Its comfortable carriages, equipped with large picture windows, allow you to contemplate the magnificent and varied panoramas of the Swiss Alps.
Marvel at the magnificent spectacle of high mountain ice, snow and rock on an excursion to the Jungfraujoch, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and sparkling glaciers, 365 days of snow and ice guaranteed. So many gems to discover!
“Before specializing in short European river cruises, I specialized in Swiss Rail travel, so have experienced both of these train rides many times. They are a great way to experience the Swiss landscape – valleys and ice-mountains of the Glacier Express and the high peaks, cog train and ice palace of the Junfraujoch. Jan Baumgartner”
The additional benefits on these short Rhine River cruises, is that they start in Strasbourg, France and include some of the charming Alsace towns of Mulhouse or Colmar with their half-timbered houses, and the Black Forest town of Brisach. Plus, all excursions are included.
Please do try to plan a few days before the cruise or after to explore the great town of Strasbourg – maybe spend a little more time in the charming towns of Colmar and Mulhouse.
GLACIER EXPRESS ITINERARY
With the Rhine cruise and Glacier Express train journey, you travel amid snow-capped mountain passes, dizzying viaducts, and mountain villages frozen in time, this legendary train offers one of Europe’s most spectacular panoramas—all from the comfort of a first-class seat reserved for the first registrants.
You, also get the added experience of a visit to the island of Mainau— on Lake Constance (optional excursion). Mainau is a garden oasis and great for walking, hiking cycling around the island. Included excursion is the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse – the world’s largest car museum. The car museum is REALLY BIG. They have a free tram you can take that shows you some highlights, but you do miss a lot of the cars.
JUNGFRAUJOCH CRUISE ITINERARY
On the Rhine cruise and Junfraujoch, This extraordinary cruise elegantly combines the charm of Alsace with the majesty of the Swiss Alps. As you cruise along the Rhine, Strasbourg with its half-timbered houses, the Alsatian vineyards, and picture-perfect villages provide a familiar and welcoming backdrop before the journey takes you higher into the mountains.
The highlight of the itinerary is a ride aboard a Swiss panoramic train, whose large windows frame landscapes of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and strikingly beautiful alpine meadows. Two worlds that are polar opposites, yet this cruise brings them together for an unforgettable journey, between river and mountain, plains and peaks. Visit Colmar’s charming streets and absorb the captivating artwork at the Hansi Village and its museum.
Strasbourg, the European capital with an exceptional architectural heritage, charming canals, their famous cathedral and its astronomical clock. Beautifully decorated shops catch your eye with every step. If you manage you stay a few days in Strasbourg before or after your cruise, be sure to take one of the sightseeing canal boats – at night the lights are spectacular.
CROISI EUROPE RIVER CRUISES
The experience on the Swiss trains is great, but the Croisi Europe short Rhine River cruise is also a great experience.
On the Glacier Express itinerary, you cruise on the 154 passenger La Boheme. It is the title of an opera by Giacomo Puccini and a song by Charles Aznavour, but also the name of a historic region of central Europe, famous for its crystal. The MS La Bohème sails on the Danube and the Rhine, taking cruise passengers to meet the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers. The beautifully decorated cabins in blue and yellow, feature a TV, internal ship telephone, en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, individual AC controls and Wi-Fi.
Meals are served on the upper level and feature served main courses with salad and soup as a buffet. The lounge and bar are located on the upper deck as well. The cruise price also includes a beverage package with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included. On the sundeck, there are covered and uncovered loungers, and morning exercise classes are offered.
On the Jungfraujoch cruise itinerary, the ship is the 154-passenger Monet. Renovated in 2025, she is named after one of the most famous impressionist painters, Claude Monet. This elegant ship sails on the Rhine and the Danube. It takes cruise passengers to discover the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers. In addition to twin bedded cabins, there are 4 triple cabins (with a bunk bed) and 2 single cabins, located on the lower deck. The ship features the same amenities as the above listed La Boheme.
Croisi Europe is a French, family-owned cruise line, offering French and English language cruises. We have worked with them since 1999. They are one of the oldest and largest river cruise lines in Europe. In addition to their river cruise vessels, they have 6 22-passenger barges and 2 small ocean cruising vessels.
For more information, please contact us at jan@europeanbarging.com or 713-240-6753