Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and head to your hotel for the night. Get settled in and take some time to adjust before things get going tomorrow.
- Day 2
Lucerne - Bern
Start with a guided walk through Zurich's pedestrian streets and historic bridges. Then you're off to Lucerne for a city tour along the waterfront, where you can check out the Christmas Markets. After that, continue to Bern to see the medieval old town and visit Bear Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Zurich with local guide
- Guided tour of Lucerne with waterfront promenades
- Guided tour of Bern
- Visit Bear Park
Optional Activities
- Explore Lucerne Christmas Markets during free time
Landmarks/POIs Bear Park River Aare - Day 3
Gstaad - Montreux
Head to the alpine village of Gstaad for a brief tour and lunch on your own schedule. From there, travel to Montreux on Lake Geneva, a quieter spot known for its jazz heritage and relaxed atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Brief orientation tour of Gstaad
Optional Activities
- Relax and enjoy lunch in Gstaad at your own pace
- Explore jazz culture in Montreux
Landmarks/POIs Lake Geneva - Day 4
Montreux
Morning is free in Montreux to do as you like. Later, you'll take a scenic train to Château-d'Oex for a traditional cheese-making demonstration and fondue lunch. Spend your afternoon exploring the Christmas Markets back in Montreux.
- 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 in the morning
- Relax in hotel and enjoy amenities
- Explore Montreux Christmas Markets during free afternoon
Landmarks/POIs Château-d'Oex - Day 5
Basel
Leave Montreux for Basel, where a walking tour shows you Rhine views, Basel Minster, and City Hall. Walk through the Christmas Markets before boarding your river cruise ship for the next phase of your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Basel
- View Rhine and Basel Minster
- View City Hall
Optional Activities
- Explore Basel Christmas Markets during free time
Landmarks/POIs Basel Minster City Hall (Basel) Rhine River - Day 6
Breisach
Start the morning on your cruise ship with breakfast in the dining room. This afternoon you'll cruise to Breisach and choose either a Colmar tour with Christmas Markets or a Freiburg tour with Christmas Markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast in Crystal Dining
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets
- Guided tour of Freiburg with Christmas Markets and 13th Century Freiburg Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Freiburg Cathedral - Day 7
Strasbourg
Wake up in Kehl and take a walking tour of Strasbourg, seeing the mix of French and German architecture throughout the city. Spend the afternoon checking out the Christmas Markets scattered around town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Strasbourg with local guide
Optional Activities
- Explore Strasbourg Christmas Markets during free time
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg - Day 8
Mannheim
Arrive early in Mannheim, known for its grid-style street layout. You can choose between an orientation tour of Heidelberg or a historical tour that includes Heidelberg Castle. Later, there's a private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace with welcome drink)
Included Activities
- Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace with welcome drink
Optional Activities
- Orientation tour of Heidelberg with brief walking tour and free exploration
- Historical tour of Heidelberg including Heidelberg Castle, courtyard, balcony views, and the Heidelberg Tun wine barrel
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle Bruchsal Palace - Day 9
Rüdesheim
You'll dock in Rüdesheim, surrounded by steep vineyards. Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see 350 instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, then wander the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mini-train from pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Optional Activities
- Wander through Rüdesheim town
Landmarks/POIs Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 10
Cologne
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge early in the morning with views of vineyards and ancient castles. You'll arrive in Cologne for a walking tour of the cathedral and Christmas Markets. The ship leaves after dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Walking tour of Cologne
- Visit Cologne Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Explore Cologne Christmas Markets during free time
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Rhine Gorge - Day 11
Düsseldorf
Arrive early in Düsseldorf for a walking tour with a local guide through the festive Christmas season. Explore the Old Town and Königsallee, then have free time to check out the Christmas Markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf with local guide
Optional Activities
- Explore Düsseldorf Christmas markets during free time
Landmarks/POIs Königsallee - Day 12
Bruges
You'll disembark your cruise ship and take a coach to Bruges, a historic Flemish city founded back in the 9th century. Check into your hotel when you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Bruges - Day 13
Bruges
Take a walking tour of Bruges' medieval center with a local guide, moving through cobbled laneways to charming squares. You'll see the Belfry, then enjoy a Flemish dinner with other travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Flemish cuisine)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bruges medieval centre with local guide
- Visit Belfry of Bruges
- Dinner featuring Flemish cuisine
Landmarks/POIs Belfry of Bruges - Day 14
Bruges
Pick between a scenic canal cruise through Bruges or a beer and chocolate tasting tour. The afternoon is yours to use however you like, whether that's climbing the Belfry Tower for views or grabbing Belgian waffles.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Canal Cruise through Bruges canals
- Beer & Chocolate tasting with local guide
Landmarks/POIs Belfry Tower - Day 15
Brussels
Have breakfast in Bruges, then transfer by coach to Brussels Airport for your flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
