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 24, 2024
Zurich, Switzerland
Arrive in Zurich. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Ibis Style Zurich City Centre (or similar) – Standard room
November 25, 2024
Zurich, Switzerland
"Little Big City" tour and Christmas Market: Join a walking tour of Zurich and experience the magic of the city dressed in her holiday best. You’ll visit Zurich’s Christmas markets, including the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe located in Zurich’s Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals.
Overnight at Hotel Ibis Style Zurich City Centre (or similar) – Standard room (B)
November 26, 2024
Vitznau - Lucerne, Switzerland
Enjoy a scenic cruise from Vitznau across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. While cruising, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery, marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. From there, check into your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Drei Konige (or similar) – Standard room (B)
November 27, 2024
Lucerne
Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem while wandering through its Christmas market, located at the Franziskanerplatz, and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)
Overnight at Hotel Drei Konige (or similar) – Standard room
November 28, 2024
Lucerne - Basel
Transfer to Basel by motorcoach and then go on a highlights tour of the city before boarding your ship for your river cruise. (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)