Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and settle into your hotel for the evening. This gives you time to get oriented and rest up before the tour really kicks off tomorrow.
- Day 2
Lucerne - Bern
Start with a guided walk through Zurich's pedestrian streets and historic bridges. From there, head to Lucerne for a city tour along the waterfront where you'll see the colorful buildings, then check out the Christmas Markets on your own. Later you'll travel to Bern to walk through the medieval old town and visit Bear Park along the River Aare.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Zurich with local guide
- Guided tour of Lucerne including waterfront promenades
- Guided tour of Bern
- Visit to Bear Park
Optional Activities
- Explore Lucerne's Christmas Markets (free time)
Landmarks/POIs Bear Park River Aare - Day 3
Gstaad - Montreux
Travel to Gstaad in the Swiss Alps for a brief orientation, then you'll have free time to grab lunch at whatever spot appeals to you. After that, continue on to Montreux on Lake Geneva's shores where you can relax at your hotel or explore the local jazz culture and nearby attractions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Gstaad
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Gstaad (free time at own pace)
- Explore Montreux and its jazz culture
Landmarks/POIs Lake Geneva - Day 4
Montreux
Spend the morning in Montreux however you like, whether that's exploring around town or relaxing at your hotel. You'll take a scenic train ride to Châteaux-d'Oex for a cheese-making demonstration and fondue lunch at a traditional restaurant. Return to Montreux by evening and wander the Christmas Markets during your free afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Fondue lunch with traditional cheese-making demonstration)
Included Activities
- Scenic train ride to Château-d'Oex
- Traditional cheese-making demonstration at Restaurant Le Chalet
- Fondue lunch
Optional Activities
- Explore Montreux on your own
- Relax in hotel amenities
- Explore Montreux Christmas Markets (free time)
- Day 5
Montreux to Basel
After breakfast in Montreux, travel to Basel for a walking tour showing the Rhine views, the Minster, and City Hall. You'll have time to check out Basel's Christmas Markets, which are known as some of the nicest and largest in Switzerland. Later, board your river cruise ship in the afternoon to begin your voyage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Basel highlights
- View of the Rhine, Basel Minster, and City Hall
Optional Activities
- Explore Basel Christmas Markets (free time)
Landmarks/POIs Basel Minster Rhine - Day 6
Basel to Breisach
This morning explore your cruise ship's amenities including coffee service to your suite and breakfast in the dining room. By afternoon you'll arrive in Breisach and can choose between a guided tour of Colmar with its Christmas Markets or Freiburg with its 13th century Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets access
- Guided tour of Freiburg with 13th Century Cathedral viewing
Optional Activities
- Coffee and breakfast service in suite
- Breakfast in Crystal Dining
- Free time at Colmar Christmas Markets
- Free time to explore Freiburg
Landmarks/POIs Freiburg Cathedral Colmar - Day 7
Strasbourg
You'll wake in Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, where the town sits on the France-Germany border with architecture reflecting both cultures. Join a walking tour with a local guide, then spend free time exploring Strasbourg's Christmas Markets, which are among Europe's largest and most popular.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Strasbourg with local guide
Optional Activities
- Explore Strasbourg Christmas Markets (free time)
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg - Day 8
Heidelberg
Arrive early in Mannheim, known for its grid-like streets and ties to automotive history. Pick between an orientation tour of Heidelberg's old town with free exploration, or a historical tour that covers Heidelberg Castle with its Renaissance architecture and views over the town. There's also an optional classical concert at Bruchsal Palace in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Heidelberg
- Historical tour of Heidelberg including castle visit
- Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace
Optional Activities
- Coach transfer from Mannheim to Heidelberg
- Free time to explore Heidelberg on your own
- Visit Heidelberg Castle courtyard and balcony
- View the great Heidelberg Tun wine barrel
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle Bruchsal Palace - Day 9
Rüdesheim
You'll reach Rüdesheim, a town surrounded by steep vineyards with centuries of wine-making tradition. Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried's Museum of mechanical instruments with around 350 self-playing pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll have time to walk through the town before returning to your ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mini-train ride from pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Optional Activities
- Explore Rüdesheim town (free time)
Landmarks/POIs Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 10
Cologne
At dawn you'll cruise through the Rhine Gorge passing vineyards and ancient castles along the way. After arriving in Cologne, join a walking tour to see the Cathedral and explore the Christmas Markets. Your ship leaves after dinner, so you'll have the day and evening to soak in the festive atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Walking tour of Cologne
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral
- Access to Cologne Christmas Markets
Optional Activities
- Explore Cologne Christmas Markets independently
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Rhine Gorge - Day 11
Düsseldorf
You'll arrive early in Düsseldorf where Christmas markets, festive music, and mulled wine fill the streets. The Old Town is packed with people celebrating, and the famous Königsallee has traditional market stalls. A walking tour with a local guide shows you the festive traditions, then you'll have free time to explore the markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf with local guide
Optional Activities
- Explore Düsseldorf Christmas Markets (free time)
Landmarks/POIs Königsallee - Day 12
Amsterdam
After breakfast you'll transfer from Amsterdam to the airport for your flight home or onward travel. This wraps up your river cruise experience through Switzerland, France, and Germany.
- Meals
- Breakfast
