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May 7, 2024

European rivers represent one of the most celebrated and frequented destinations in the realm of river cruises, with a high number of operators offering fleets, some very large, on various itineraries. We recently had the opportunity to board the MS Edelweiss, a ship operated by the tour operator Thurgau Travel, on a portion of the itinerary from Strasbourg to Amsterdam.

Pioneering spirit, expertise, strong relationships with shipping com-panies, and years of experience are the key factors behind the success of the relatively young travel provider. Together with its team of around 30 individuals, the Kaufmann family, owners of Thurgau Travel, consistently manages to offer cutting-edge novelties in the world of river cruises and to explore previously unknown waterways. Among these achievements are the first river cruises on the lower Mekong, the first Western river ship in Kaliningrad/ Königsberg, Russia, the inaugural river and coastal cruises in Dalmatia, or our own ships in Burma and Prague, where we’ve also been able to open up new sailing areas. Today Thurgau Travel is a renowned Swiss tour operator specializing in luxury travel and exclusive adventures. Its history began with a passion for exploration and the desire to offer authentic and memorable travel experiences to its clients. Since its early days, Thurgau Travel has stood out for its attention to detail, meticulous trip organization, and personalized service offered to its travelers.

Over the years, it has built a reputation as a leader in the luxury tourism sector, offering a wide range of tailor-made travel experiences worldwide. From cultural tours to river cruises, from exotic adventures to wellness vacations, what distinguishes Thurgau Travel is its careful approach to travel design. Each itinerary is carefully curated to ensure a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Aspects that are also found on board the Edelweiss, a ship on long charter that is particularly appreciated both by established clientele and new guests who have the opportunity to try it out.

In addition to tailor-made travel experiences, Thurgau Travel actively commits to sustainability and social responsibility. It collaborates with local suppliers, promotes environmental respect, and supports community projects in the destinations where it operates. 

The MS Edelweiss, one of the gems of Thurgau Travel’s fleet, embodies luxury, elegance, and comfort in every detail. Designed to offer unforgettable river cruise experiences along Europe’s most iconic rivers, this ship has been meticulously crafted to ensure a first-class journey for its guests. The story of the MS Edelweiss is steeped in charm and tradition. Built with craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, the ship was first launched in 2013. Its reputation for excellence has been solidified over the years, making it one of the most renowned and admired river ships in the cruise industry.

The elegance of the MS Edelweiss is reflected in its classical architecture and refined interiors. The common areas, adorned with exquisite furnishings and carefully designed details, welcome guests in an atmosphere of warm hospitality and refined comfort. From the luxurious lounges to the main restaurant with panoramic views, every environment has been designed to offer a cruise experience like no other.

The cabins of the MS Edelweiss are a haven of tranquility and sophistication. tastefully furnished and equipped with every modern comfort, they offer guests an oasis of relaxation and well-being during their journey. From spacious suites with private balconies to cozy standard cabins, there is accommodation option to suit every preference and budget. The ship’s layout follows the classic 4-deck pattern of European river units, with a variety of cabin types located from deck 1 Emerald to deck 3 Diamond. All are quite spacious, equipped with excellent amenities and comfort. Those with full-height exterior windows give the feeling of being immersed in the cities and countryside that you pass through, comfortably seated in the relaxation of your private environment.

On board the Edelweiss, the culinary offer is curated, proposing European-inspired menus with regional specialties that take into account the cities visited during the itinerary. The main restaurant, open for all meals, is divided between deck 1 and deck 2, joining the two areas with a spiral staircase in the bow area. The menu and service are naturally the same, although from the upper deck you can enjoy a wider view of the outside.

The lounge is instead located in the bow area of deck 3, also played on two different levels that give greater dynamism to the ship compared to the classic structures of decks closed in on themselves. At the extreme bow, slightly lower, is the Bar with a series of seating and access to the outdoor bow area. Slightly further back and higher up is the lounge area that hosts other seating with tables and a buffet setup, used for informal lunches during city stops, or for excellent afternoon snacks, like the one we had the opportunity to taste, rich in pastries and delicacies of all kinds.

At the stern of deck 3 Emerald is a second bar, with beautiful windows overlooking the river, board games, and magazines. It also has an outdoor area where smoking is allowed, and from which you can go up externally to the Sundeck. The latter offers a wind-protected area in the bow area, thanks to panels that cut out a part of the area behind the bridge offering shelter and shade. Along the external deck are further tables, seating, and deck chairs, and a small heated pool available to guests. Onboard entertainment is lively and offers many leisure activities, mainly in German. But all staff are naturally available to speak English as well and are attentive to making guests of all nationalities feel at ease.

The itineraries are well planned, so as to leave guests the right amount of time to visit the cities but also to enjoy the relaxation that on board river ships is really an integral part of the experience. In our case, the Rhine itinerary started from Strasbourg, France, on a warm spring afternoon after a comfortable transfer from Zurich. The Swiss city, especially in the evening, seems truly magical and suspended in time, with its narrow streets and cobblestone streets. Strasbourg is instead a small gem located in the heart of Alsace, almost on the border with Germany, which offers countless attractions for guests of a river ship. Other stops on this itinerary were Cologne, Germany, and Schoonhoven in the Netherlands. During our excursion to Cologne, we visited the historic center, just steps from the Edelweiss’ berth. The imposing cathedral is truly fascinating, for its external majesty and the austerity of its medieval interiors. The entire area around it is very lively, full of shops and activities. Just north of the river, a charming neighborhood brings back memories of the oldest Cologne, with many breweries where we also had the opportunity to stop thanks to an excursion by Thurgau Travel.

Schoonhoven welcomed us with a light autumn rain but temperatures were quite mild for March. The company offered excursions to Rotterdam and Dordrecht, thus giving numerous alternatives to visiting this small but pretty little town. For our part, we preferred to spend time discovering the Edelweiss and visiting the town, which is very welcoming despite being small and intimate in atmosphere. Continuing along the river and crossing further north in the Netherlands, you then reach Amsterdam where the Edelweiss offers an overnight stay that certainly enriches the itinerary. The Dutch capital exudes all its charm at night, with illuminated canals and squares crowded with young people from all over the world. An evening walk is inevitable, made easier by the proximity of the ship to the center, practically adjacent to the main train station. The next day, the company offers excursions both in the city, with its countless attractions, from neighborhoods to canals to museums, but also to the famous Keukenhof, the quintessential place to admire tulips and understand their importance for Dutch tradition and economy. But it is also time to disembark for us, certainly satisfied to have known a truly valid product in the Rhine cruise panorama.

Recently the operator launched its own ship, the Thurgau Gold, which embodies elegance, comfort, and style. Designed to offer unforgettable travel experiences along Europe’s most picturesque rivers, this exclusive ship promises a perfect mix of luxury and adventure. Designed to accommodate a limited number of passengers, the Thurgau Gold offers an intimate and refined atmosphere, where guests enjoy personalized service and detailed attention from the experienced crew. All with a special focus on sustainability and environmental protection which, as demonstrated by Thurgau Travel’s commitment, also plays a particularly important role in the river sector.

Thurgau Travel‘s river cruises represent a very interesting product, with an excellent quality-price ratio. Our experience gave us the clear perception that it can be an international product although focused, as is natural for the tour operator itself, on a primarily German-speaking audience. French, Italians, and Northern Europeans we found on board certainly confirmed this hypothesis. The itineraries, as mentioned, are a well-crafted combination of interesting stops and relaxation on board, with long times and flexibility in meals. The organized excursions show the desire to go beyond simple visits to the cities scheduled by the stops, allowing repeaters and connoisseurs of the main European cities to have alternatives for discovering always new places. A decidedly advisable choice, to conclude, for anyone who wants to discover the wonder of the Rhine and European cities in the comfort and hospitality of a modern and elegant ship, where instead of the most flashy luxury, the substance of good service and hospitality towards guests is preferred.

Don’t miss updates, news, information and reviews from Thurgau Travel on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer. 

Gabriele Bassi

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