Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam with the whole day ahead before your cruise ship check-in at 5 pm. Head to Zaanse Schans if you want to see the historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses, or just wander around soaking in the Christmas atmosphere around the city. Either way, make sure you're back in time to get on board.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses
Landmarks/POIs Zaanse Schans - Day 2
Amsterdam to Cologne
Start with a guided canal cruise through Amsterdam's waterways, where you'll see the stately homes that date back to the city's 'Golden Age.' After that, you'll head to the ship and sail toward Cologne as the day winds down.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals - Day 3
Cologne
Take a guided walk through Cologne to see the twin-steepled Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. You'll have free time to check out the Christmas markets and grab lunch or coffee. Later in the evening, there's live entertainment on board the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk of Cologne with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral
Optional Activities
- Spend free time enjoying Cologne's festive Christmas markets
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral - Day 4
Rüdesheim
The ship sails through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you'll see ancient castles and the famous Rock of the Lorelei from the deck. During the day, visit the Mechanical Music Museum and try an authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. You can also browse the Christmas markets, and there's live entertainment on the ship in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of the Mechanical Music Museum
- Tasting of authentic Rüdesheimer coffee
Optional Activities
- Browse tantalizing treats and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Rock of the Lorelei Mechanical Music Museum - Day 5
Heidelberg or Gutenberg Museum
You have a choice today. Either join a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the Renaissance ruins and the World's Largest Wine Barrel during the Christmas season, or take a different city walk that includes the Gutenberg Museum and other historical sites. After exploring, the ship heads toward Kehl.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime with views of the Great Vat (World's Largest Wine Barrel)
- Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle Gutenberg Museum - Day 6
Strasbourg
Join a city sightseeing tour in Strasbourg to see the Gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, then walk through La Petite France District. Spend time browsing the French winter markets. If you want, there's an optional excursion to Alsace's wine country that you can add on.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- City Sightseeing Tour including Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral with celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District
Optional Activities
- Spend free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg
- Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace's wine country
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg Cathedral La Petite France - Day 7
Black Forest or Freiburg
Pick between a full-day guided tour to the Black Forest to experience local traditions and holiday atmosphere, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. There's also an option to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning if you'd rather do that instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and vibrant Christmas mood
- Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning with its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings
Landmarks/POIs Black Forest Freiburg Colmar - Day 8
Mount Pilatus and Lucerne
After disembarking, head to Mount Pilatus for views across central Switzerland from nearly 7,000 feet (weather dependent; you'll visit the Swiss Transport Museum if conditions aren't right). From there, explore Lucerne with a guided walking tour that shows you Thorvaldsen's Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus with journey to nearly 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) for spectacular views over central Switzerland
- Guided Walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne, including Thorvaldsen's Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit the Swiss Transport Museum (in case of bad weather)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Pilatus Chapel Bridge Lion Monument Swiss Transport Museum - Day 9
Lucerne
You have a free day in Lucerne to do whatever you'd like. Walk around the different squares and churches to see how the city blends tradition with modern life, or spend your time shopping in the city center and having lunch at local spots.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Discover the many squares and churches of Lucerne
- Shopping in the city center
- Day 10
Lucerne
Your trip ends this morning. You'll have breakfast before heading out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
