November 28-December 5, 2024 | SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary allows you to cruise along the Rhine in grand European style.
SWITZERLAND | GERMANY | FRANCE | NETHERLANDS
THE ITINERARY
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR IN SWITZERLAND
November 25, 2024
Zurich, Switzerland
Arrive in Zurich, upon arrival, our local representative will meet the group after you have cleared customs and collected your luggage. Today, the group will enjoy a City Tour by bus and walking tour (3 hours). The cosmopolitan city by the water combines creative urban life with nature in
all its glory. Discover the most beautiful corners of the city: the old town, the clock of the Church of St. Peter with the largest sphere of Europe, the world famous Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmatquai and the picturesque Guild houses. Visit the harbour and take in the beautiful views of the lake, the
city and the surrounding Alps.
Overnight at Hotel Ibis Style Zurich City Centre (or similar) – Standard room
November 26, 2024
Zurich - Lucerne, Switzerland
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning, the bus will take the group from Zurich to Lucerne (approx. 1h driving time). Upon arrival in Lucerne, check into the hotel and meet your guides for a walking City Tour to Lucerne (2 hours). Set against the backdrop of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, Lucerne is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. The old city features some of the oldest covered bridges in Europe, charming cobblestone streets, baroque churches and historic buildings decorated with lovely frescoes. Visit the luxurious Concert Hall on the lake shore and stroll across the Kapellbrücke bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Europe and a symbol of this beautiful city. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the restaurant Stadtkeller (drinks not included). (B, D)
Overnight at Hotel Drei Konige (or similar) – Standard room
November 27, 2024
Lucerne - Mount Rigi – Lucerne
After breakfast at the hotel, the bus and guides will pick the group up for an excursion to Mount Rigi (tour depends on weather conditions). After a short drive by bus along Lake Lucerne, take the panoramic gondolas and aerial cableway to the summit of Mount Rigi Kulm & Scheidegg.
Time at leisure for lunch (optional) or to hike to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking view over the Swiss Alps and the lake. Descent back down the mountain on the cogwheel train and drive back to Lucerne. (B)
Overnight at Hotel Drei Konige (or similar) – Standard room
November 28, 2024
Lucerne - Basel
Breakfast at the hotel this morning. Today the group will be privately transferred from the hotel in Lucerne to Basel for embarkation. (B)
Day 1: Basel, Switzerland (November 28, 2024)
Embarkation: board the ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
Day 2: Breisach, Germany (November 29, 2024)
From our port of Breisach, Germany, you'll be able to visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Strasbourg offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will have free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Ludwigshafen - Rüdesheim (December 1, 2024)
You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Cologne, Germany (December 3, 2024)
Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Amsterdam, Netherlands (December 4, 2024)
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)