Rhine River Christmas Market Cruise | Nov 22 – Dec 4

Nov 22 | US to Zurich, Switzerland

Today board your overnight flight bound to Zurich.

Nov 23     | Zurich

Later this morning you arrive at the Zurich airport, where you will be met by your Tour Director and assisted with a transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for a special Swizz Fondue welcome to Switzerland dinner!

Overnight:  Zurich, Switzerland  – (D)

Nov 24| Zurich

After breakfast depart for a panoramic city tour of Zurich. Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future – all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches, and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. You will visit one of Zurich’s Christmas Markets before returning to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore Zurich further on your own. Overnight: Zurich, Switzerland – (B)

Nov 25 | Zurich to Lucerne

Check out of your hotel and travel to Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture. The centerpiece of the city is one of Europe’s oldest covered bridges and fresco-adorned historic houses line the streets. Upon arrival enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, your best opportunity to enjoy relaxing moments in the heart of the Swiss Alps.  Tonight’s  dinner is included.

Overnight: Lucerne, Switzerland – (B,D)

Nov 26     | Lucerne

This morning after breakfast, discover Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, and of course free time to explore the Christmas Markets.

Overnight: Lucerne, Switzerland  – (B)

Nov 27 | Lucerne to Basel 

Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Later, head to Basel for a panoramic city tour. Nestled on the Rhine river, the city is Switzerland’s third-largest town and, partly because of its proximity to France and Germany, has a strong sense of its own identity. Long an important university, banking, and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Early this afternoon embark on the beautiful AmaMora, your floating hotel for the next 7-nights. (B,D)

Nov 30 | Ludwigshafen, Germany & Ruedesheim 

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik           Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft, and even a submarine, or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time exploring the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.  – (B,L,D)

Nov 28 | Basel After a leisurely breakfast, explore the city by foot on your guided walking tour including a visit to one of Basel’s Christmas Markets. Your ship sets sails in the evening.  –  (B,L,D)

Nov 29     | Strasbourg, France | 

Strasbourg offers flavors 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. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Gengenbach and stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th-century town hall. – (B,L,D)

Dec 1       |Ruedesheim to Lahnstein

Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments, or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwald Denkmal. Afterward, enjoy free time in town, perhaps exploring the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.  –  (B,L,D)

Dec 2       |Lahnstein to Cologne

Today enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne  Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, and see other local sights. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and potato pancakes served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.  –  (B,L,D)

Dec 3 | Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. – (B,L,D)

Dec 4 | Amsterdam

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. Memories of your time spent at the Christmas Markets in Switzerland,  France, Germany and the Netherlands will last forever!  – (B)