Day 1 - Welcome to Zürich
| Check in to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your day free to relax or explore on your own. You can visit the Old Town or shop along the Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. |
Day 2 - Walking tour of Zürich
| This morning's guided walking tour of Zurich will showcase the highlights of Old Town, including Town Hall and St. Peter's, famous for its enormous clock. From the historic Fraumünster Abbey, you'll enjoy an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore on your own, a delightful opportunity to discover Europe's largest indoor Christmas Market - located in the town's main railway station. You'll find other festive holiday markets along the Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center. Meals B |
Day 3 - Travel to Lucerne
| Depart your hotel after breakfast and travel to Vitznau for a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. The looming mountains surrounding the lake provide a breathtaking backdrop for this unforgettable excursion. After checking in to your hotel in Lucerne, the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy as you wish. You certainly might wish to visit the town's enchanting Christmas Market located at the train station. Meals B |
Day 4 - Explore Lucerne
| Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval jewel. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city's cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon brings free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. Meals B |
Day 5 - Welcome aboard in Basel
| This morning, depart from Lucerne and visit the famous Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before embarking your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland's second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. After settling into your stateroom this afternoon, you may wish to visit Basel's Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. Meals B,D |
Day 6 - Your choice of excursion: Colmar or the Black Forest
| Today you'll be able to enjoy the included excursion of your choice: General Tours Black Forest Tour explores one of Germany's most scenic regions. Driving through these forested landscapes, you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Visit the historic Freiburg city center and Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg's Münster, a gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your tour will also include the Christmas Markets of Freiburg. General Tours Colmar Excursion takes you along the Alsatian Wine Route in France to the "Capital of Alsatian Wine." During your city tour of medieval Colmar, you will see half-timbered framed houses, the German- influenced Old Quarter and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine tasting. Colmar is beautifully decorated with stunning illuminations during the Advent period and offers several festive Christmas Markets. Meals B,L,D |
Day 7 - Discover charming Strasbourg
| Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise in this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. On your guided walking tour through town, you'll explore the charming Petite France district and marvel at the town's handsome gothic cathedral, home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas Markets. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. Meals B,L,D |
Day 8 - A choice of sightseeing… Speyer or Heidelberg
| Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Speyer. This is one of Germany's oldest cities and it's known for its imposing Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel, a 13th-century gate tower. Arriving after lunch, you'll have your choice of either a city tour of medieval Speyer or an excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Heidelberg also contains what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the "Haupstrasse," where you can enjoy free time to explore the festive Christmas Markets. Meals B,L,D |
Day 9 - Through the Rhine Gorge from Rüdesheim to Koblenz
| This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a charming alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vintner and visit the Christmas Markets where you will find more than 120 stands from 12 nations. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz. Navigating through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, you will be awed by the scenery, dotted with castles and laced with vineyards. Arrive in Koblenz late this afternoon. Your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour through this charming town. Meals B,L,D |
Day 10 - Ashore in Cologne
| This afternoon, the ship cruises to Cologne where you will enjoy a walking tour through the historic heart of the city and a visit to Cologne's impressive 13th-century gothic cathedral. During your free time, return to the cathedral square to browse through the city's most impressive Christmas Market or explore the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. Meals B,L,D |
Day 11 - Amsterdam by water and land
| Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and splendidly preserved merchant houses on this morning's guided boat tour along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of the city, including a photo stop at a windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. Meals B,L,D |
Day 12 - Depart Amsterdam
| Your holiday Rhine cruise comes to an end this morning upon your disembarkation here in Amsterdam. Meals B |