Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam with flights needing to land by 3:30 pm, then board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. After settling in, you have the rest of the day to wander around Amsterdam's Christmas traditions on your own, or you can join an optional guided excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses. Either way, it's your choice how to spend this first evening.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses
Landmarks Zaanse Schans - Day 2
Amsterdam
This morning starts with a guided canal cruise through Amsterdam's waterways, where you'll float past elegant homes dating back to the Golden Age. Later, you'll head back to the ship as it departs for Cologne. You'll have meals onboard as you settle into your cruise routine and head toward Germany.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal Belt - Day 3
Cologne
Once you dock in Cologne, a guided city walk takes you through the center to see the soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, which dominates the skyline. After that, you have free time to check out Cologne's festive Christmas markets and grab what you'd like. Later this evening, you'll head back to the ship for live entertainment as it sets sail toward Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk of Cologne with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 4
Rüdesheim
You'll sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing ancient castles perched high on cliffs and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. In Rüdesheim, you can visit the Mechanical Music Museum to see and hear unique historical instruments, then try local treats around town. Browse the Christmas markets before returning to the ship for live entertainment this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sailing through Rhine Gorge (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Guided Tour of the Mechanical Music Museum
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Rock of the Lorelei Mechanical Music Museum - Day 5
Heidelberg
You'll choose between two experiences: either explore the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the history of printing, or head to Heidelberg Castle to see the Renaissance ruins and the famous 'World's Largest Wine Barrel.' After your morning activity, you'll have time in town before the ship departs for Strasbourg in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk with visit to the Gutenberg Museum (option 1)
- Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle including the Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel' (option 2)
Landmarks Gutenberg Museum Heidelberg Castle - Day 6
Strasbourg
A city sightseeing tour shows you Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, then takes you through the charming La Petite France District. From there, you have free time to walk through the French winter markets, taking in the lights and seasonal atmosphere. If you're interested, there's an optional guided excursion to Alsace's wine country.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- City Sightseeing Tour including Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral with ancient murals and astronomical clock, and La Petite France District
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace's wine country
Landmarks Strasbourg Cathedral La Petite France - Day 7
Breisach
You'll pick between two full experiences: visit Badischer Winzerkeller, Europe's largest German wine producer, to learn about winemaking and taste local wines, or join a guided tour to the Black Forest to see local traditions and Christmas festivities. After your first activity, you can optionally head to Colmar to see medieval half-timbered buildings. The ship then cruises toward Basel in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller with German winemaking instruction and wine tasting (option 1)
- Full-day Guided Tour to the Black Forest to experience local traditions and Christmas mood (option 2)
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to the charming village of Colmar with medieval and early renaissance buildings
Landmarks Badischer Winzerkeller Black Forest Colmar - Day 8
Basel to Lucerne
You'll leave your ship this morning and travel by motorcoach to Mount Pilatus, where you'll ride up nearly 7,000 feet for views over central Switzerland (or visit the Swiss Transport Museum if weather doesn't cooperate). Then you'll head to Lucerne and join a guided walking tour, checking out the beautiful city including Thorwaldsen's Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer by motorcoach to Mount Pilatus
- Special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus with spectacular views over central Switzerland (or Swiss Transport Museum as weather alternative)
- Guided Walking tour of Lucerne including Thorwaldsen's Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
Landmarks Mount Pilatus Swiss Transport Museum Thorwaldsen's Lion Monument Chapel Bridge - Day 9
Lucerne
You have a full day at leisure in Lucerne to spend how you'd like. Walk through the different squares and churches to see how tradition and modern life mix together, or spend time shopping in the city center. It's entirely up to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 10
Lucerne
Your vacation ends this morning after breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
