Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and check into your historic hotel. This is Switzerland's largest city and consistently ranks among the world's most liveable places. Settle in for the night and get ready to explore tomorrow.
- Day 2
Lucerne - Bern
A guided walking tour takes you through Zurich's highlights, including Bahnhofstrasse, the Old Town, St Peter's Church, and Grossmünster church. From there, you'll head to Lucerne to see its medieval architecture and the famous 685-year-old wooden footbridge. Later you'll arrive in Bern for an overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich
- Visit to St Peter's Church
- Visit to Grossmünster church
- Pass through Lucerne
Landmarks Bahnhofstrasse Limmat River St Peter's Church Grossmünster Lake Lucerne Lucerne Wooden Footbridge - Day 3
Gstaad - Montreux
Travel to the Alpine village of Gstaad, known for its upscale reputation and international visitors. You'll see Gstaad Palace and spend time shopping with mountain views surrounding you. After that, you'll head down to Montreux on Lake Geneva and check into a luxury hotel right on the water for two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Gstaad
- View of Gstaad Palace
- Explore Gstaad shopping district
Landmarks Gstaad Palace Lake Geneva Alps - Day 4
Montreux
Begin with a scenic walk along the Lake Geneva shoreline, taking in views of calm water and distant mountains. Later, board the scenic cheese train heading to Château-d'Oex. At Restaurant Le Chalet, you'll watch a cheesemaker demonstrate how milk transforms into hard cheese during a private session.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic panoramic train journey to Château-d'Oex
- Private cheese-making demonstration at Restaurant Le Chalet
Optional Activities
- Walk along Lake Geneva shore path
Landmarks Lake Geneva Château-d'Oex - Day 5
Montreux to Huningue/Basel
You'll transfer to Huningue/Basel where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship cruise vessel. Get settled in your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship before you set off on the river journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6
Strasbourg
The morning offers leisurely sailing toward Kehl. By afternoon you'll arrive at Strasbourg, the Alsace region's capital known for its colorful half-timbered houses and complex canal system. A guided walking tour covers the Cathedral, Petite France district, Grand Ile, and the canals. Later, free time lets you explore the Christmas markets on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Strasbourg
- Visit to Cathedral
- Visit to Petite France district
- Visit to Grand Ile
- Scenic cruise along Rhine
Optional Activities
- Explore Christmas markets of Strasbourg
Landmarks Strasbourg Cathedral Petite France Grand Ile European Parliament - Day 7
Baden Baden
After a hearty breakfast in Rastatt, you'll choose your own activities. Either join a guided walking tour of Baden Baden to see the elegant Kurhaus and Roman baths, or spend time at the Caracella Spa in naturally heated thermal waters. The afternoon brings Christmas Markets with 100 decorated stalls or ship relaxation. Evening features a private classical concert at a fine Baroque Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious, hearty breakfast at Crystal Dining), Dinner
Included Activities
- Breakfast at Crystal Dining
- Private classical concert at Baroque Palace with welcome drink
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Baden Baden
- Spa visit at Caracella Spa
- Christmas Markets visit
- Ice rink visit
- Gym workout on ship
Landmarks Baden Baden Kurhaus Baden Baden Caracella Spa Black Forest - Day 8
Heidelberg
You'll arrive in Mannheim, called the 'chessboard city' for its grid-laid streets and notable as the birthplace of automotive engineering. Choose an orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time, a historical tour including Heidelberg Castle and the world's largest wine barrel, or head to Bad Durkheim vineyard for wine tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time
- Historical tour of Heidelberg including Heidelberg Castle visit
- Excursion to Bad Durkheim with vineyard tour and wine tasting at Fitz Ritter
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Necker River Fitz Ritter Vineyard Heidelberg Old Town - Day 9
Mannheim to Koblenz
The ship cruises through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometre stretch with roughly 40 hilltop castles and fortresses from the past 1,000 years. After lunch, you'll arrive in Koblenz where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Pick a guided walking tour of the historic old town or an excursion to medieval Cochem with Reichsburg Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise through UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge
- Lunch (included)
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Koblenz
- Excursion to Cochem with guided tour of Reichsburg Castle
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Lorelei Rock Florinsmarkt Reichsburg Castle Cochem Moselle River - Day 10
Koblenz to Cologne
Arriving in Cologne, you'll see the city dominated by its Gothic cathedral. A walking tour takes you through the historical Old Town and its many breweries. Free time afterward lets you visit Cologne Cathedral and explore extensive Christmas Markets with around 100 wooden stalls. Look for the Rhineland's largest Christmas tree while you're there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom)
Optional Activities
- Explore Cologne Christmas Markets
- Visit breweries serving Kolsch beer
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town Rhine River - Day 11
Cologne to Amsterdam
This afternoon you'll arrive in Amsterdam, the Netherlands' capital, often called the Venice of the North with its 16th-century canals and narrow cobbled laneways. Choose between a one-hour canal cruise seeing The Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank's House, or a walking tour exploring the canal maze, bridges, and Dutch culture with a local herring tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise (one hour)
- Walking tour of Amsterdam with herring tasting
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal System The Skinny Bridge Anne Frank's House Gentleman's Canal Prince's Canal Brewer's Canal - Day 12
Amsterdam
Following breakfast, you'll transfer to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight, concluding your river cruise and Swiss adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast)
Landmarks Amsterdam Airport
