Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

Start your journey of wonder with an overnight stay.

Switzerland’s largest city is full of treasures, and you’ll discover them first hand on a guided walking tour of Zurich. Later, explore Lucerne before arriving in the Swiss capital of Bern for an overnight stay.

Ascend the Swiss Alps to the charming alpine village of Gstaad. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your hotel, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva.

Enrich Today, delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Œx. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in your private demonstration, the cheesemaker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes.

Journey to neighbouring Vevey, once home to Charlie Chaplin. Learn about one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin’s World Museum. From there, it’s on to Basel to board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. Afterwards, during free time, you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärkt, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a popular spa town famous for its Roman baths. Freechoice: Join a guided tour of this picturesque town and learn of its rich heritage, or take an active hike to Hohenbaden Castle for scenic views of the Black Forest. Alternatively, visit the Mercedes-Benz factory and learn about the fascinating history of this luxury brand, or relax with a visit to a rejuvenating thermal spa. Enrich Enjoy a private evening concert at a fine Baroque palace. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other and a chance to create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Freechoice: Join a local guide on a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit the Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Or, join a guided orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by free time.

One of Germany’s oldest cities is turned into a Christmas paradise in the advent season. Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Koblenz, which straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Six tranquil places in the old part of the city offer more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands and Lebkuchenherzen – traditional gingerbread hearts – to create a magical European Christmas experience. Alternatively, discover Cochem, a true medieval gem on the banks of the Moselle River. You’ll feel as if you’re stepping straight into a fairy tale on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle.

Stroll through Cologne on a guided city tour and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Enjoy free time and perhaps visit Cologne Cathedral markets, home to the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Immerse yourself in all the magical scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine.

Freechoice: Experience an iconic cruise of Amsterdam’s canals, or take to the streets with a local guide on a walking tour including a tasting of the Dutch favourite, herring. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour outside of the city, or discover charming Volendam before visiting the equally lovely village of Edam. Afterwards, you may wish to visit one of the many Christmas markets in the city. Perhaps sample delicious Dutch treats such as Olibol and Poffertjes, peruse the stalls for some last minute traditional gifts, or simply wander the streets taking in the magic of Amsterdam at this special time of year.

Say farewell to Amsterdam after breakfast, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.