Riviera Rhine River Gastronomic Cruise
Emma boarding the Geoffrey Chaucer Ship in Basel
Experience the ultimate Rhine river cruise with me, Emma, as an invited guest of Riviera Travel. Over a week aboard the Geoffrey Chaucer river cruise ship, I explored Switzerland, Germany, and France, discovering charming medieval towns, scenic landscapes, and local culinary delights. This Riviera Travel gastronomy cruise offered the perfect mix of European sightseeing, gourmet dining, and onboard luxury, ideal for anyone looking for a memorable Rhine river cruise itinerary in 2025/26.
Arrival in Basel: First Impressions on Board the Geoffrey Chaucer
Good morning from Basel, Switzerland! 🇨🇭 I flew in from London to Zurich, then enjoyed a short coach transfer to the Geoffrey Chaucer. As an invited guest of Riviera Travel, I was welcomed with a delightful afternoon tea – fresh scones, savory treats, and a glass of bubbly.
My cabin, 316 on Diamond Deck, had everything I needed: a sliding door for fresh air, British plug sockets, a coffee machine, and a welcome bottle of fizz. Dinner that evening included cream of cauliflower soup with cheese and apple, grilled salmon, and pears with ice cream and Chantilly cream, accompanied by Basel’s National Day fireworks.
Enjoying my first afternoon on the Geoffrey Chaucer, an invited guest of Riviera Travel.
Life on Board: Comfort, Style, and Sun-Deck Views
Life aboard the Geoffrey Chaucer is a blend of relaxation and entertainment. The sun deck has loungers, rattan sofas, a plunge pool, and a mini putting green. There’s a bar and lounge for coffee, cocktails, and evening entertainment.
Breakfast offers cooked meats, cheeses, pastries, fruit salads, or a full English breakfast. Afternoon tea includes homemade cakes, scones, muffins, and sandwiches – perfect for a classic European river cruise experience.
Relaxing on the sun deck while cruising the Rhine with Riviera Travel.
Excursions: Exploring Lucerne and Stanserhorn
Our first excursion was to Lucerne. The Kapellbrücke, a 650-year-old wooden bridge, is stunning. Despite a fire in 1993, it’s been lovingly restored. Lake Lucerne offers beautiful photo opportunities and charming cafés.
Next, we headed to Stanserhorn, taking a funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit. The revolving restaurant served a Swiss specialty: cheesy, potato-filled macaroni fondue. Panoramic views over snow-capped mountains and valleys made this one of my favorite Rhine river excursions.
Stunning views over the Swiss Alps from the Stanserhorn mountain
Discovering the Black Forest: Breisach and Titisee
From Basel, we sailed to Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Our guides, in traditional costumes with red pom-poms, led us through vineyards, orchards, and charming villages.
In Titisee, we explored the lake, sampled Black Forest gateau, and admired intricate cuckoo clocks – some costing over $1,700! Back on board, we celebrated with a welcome drinks reception with the captain and crew, followed by a dinner showcasing local flavors like Turkey Escalope and Pork Schnitzel.
Charming Titisee Lake, nestled in Germany’s Black Forest.
Medieval Charm in Strasbourg: Food, History, and Culture
Next, we visited Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site. Colourful 16th-century buildings, narrow alleys, and the Notre Dame Cathedral created a picture-perfect scene.
Our gastronomy tour included kougelhopf cake, tarte flambée, and local cheeses like Munster. Folk dancers in the square added authentic charm. Lunch back on board featured cheese and beer soup and moules with frites, perfectly paired with wine.
Tarte flambée or Flammenkuche, a speciality of the region of Alsace
The stunning Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, France.
Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge: Cable Cars, Vineyards, and Coffee
In Rüdesheim, we wandered Drosselgasse Street, then took a cable car over vineyards to panoramic viewpoints. Sampling the famous Rüdesheim coffee, with cream and chocolate sprinkles, was a treat.
We then sailed through the Rhine Gorge, enjoying dramatic cliffs and scenic landscapes with ice cream in hand – a highlight of the Riviera Travel Rhine cruise experience.
Culinary Adventures: Vinegar Tasting, Chocolate, and Onboard Dining
Further along the Rhine, we visited a vinegar manufacturer in Speyer, where we donned cloaks and learned about historic vinegar-making. In Cologne, the Lindt chocolate factory offered tastings and souvenirs.
Onboard dining was exceptional. Highlights included lobster bisque, jumbo tiger prawns, and specialty dishes in the intimate bistro restaurant. House wine and cocktails are included, making every meal a memorable river cruise culinary experience.
Enjoying gourmet dining onboard the Geoffrey Chaucer river cruise.
Reflections: A Week of Scenic Cruising, Culture, and Gourmet Delights
This week on the Rhine with Riviera Travel was a perfect blend of scenic cruising, cultural excursions, and gourmet dining. From watching the ship navigate locks to exploring medieval towns, tasting local delicacies, and enjoying live music onboard, every day was an adventure.
As an invited guest of Riviera Travel, I am grateful for this magical European river cruise experience. Sitting on the sun deck, watching the river drift by, I’m already dreaming of my next Rhine river cruise adventure.
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