Christmas on the Rhine

Journey on the Rhine River

7 night Amsterdam to Basel
and 4 nights land tour of Switzerland

 

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland's glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world?s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glehwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of No l," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg's majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world's largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

 

Day 1 DEPART USA/CANADA

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.

Day 2 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION

Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 3 AMSTERDAM

After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the "Venice of the North." See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam, including the brewery windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam on your own before returning to the ship. We depart early this afternoon for Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 4 COLOGNE, GERMANY

The ship arrives in Cologne around lunch time. You will have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled 13th- century Gothic Cathedral. During your free time, browse the festive Christmas Market in Cathedral Square – one of Europe's best – or explore the city on your own. The ship cruises overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM

This morning, we cruise through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing dozens of castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim in time to visit the historic Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and its collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments, made during the 18th- 20th centuries. Explore the town's Christmas Market during your free time, or the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. The ship departs very late tonight and cruises to Speyer. (B,L,D)

Day 6 SPEYER - HEIDELBERG

Arrive in Speyer around lunchtime. Speyer is one of Germany's oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a tour of Medieval Speyer or a half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle and its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have free time to wander what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the "Haupstrasse," or some of the city's colorful Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship cruises to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Day 7 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Capital of the Alsace region in France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the German border. Enjoy a panoramic tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town's oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely "La Petite France" neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You will also visit Strasbourg's famous Christmas market – said to be the oldest and best in all of France. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

Day 8 BREISACH, GERMANY

The ship arrives in Breisach after lunch today. Choose one of two exciting excursions: A visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the Middle Ages, or a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town that houses one of Europe's largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Freiburg's Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Rejoin the ship in Breisach. This evening, we set sail for Basel, Switzerland. (B,L,D)

Day 9 BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LUCERNE

Disembark after breakfast and head off on a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and old, elegant homes. You will have free time in Basel for lunch on your own. Later, we will depart for Lucerne, stopping en route to visit the Lion Monument, built to honor the Swiss Guards who fought for King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. After arriving mid-afternoon and checking in to your hotel, the remainder of the evening is yours to spend at your leisure, perhaps visiting Lucerne's Christmas Market. (B)

Day 10 LUCERNE

Situated on Lake Lucerne, this city is truly a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city's famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful fresco-covered buildings. You will have free time in the afternoon to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives, and delicious chocolates. As an alternative, you may take an optional tour and cable car ride to the top of a Swiss mountain, which offers incredible views of scenic Alpine vistas. (B)

Day 11 LUCERNE - ZURICH

Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town or visit Zurich's enchanting indoor Christmas Market (located inside the city's main train station). (B)

Day 12 ZURICH

Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include the Grossmünster and St. Peter, which has the largest church clock face in the world. You will also see the Old Town, the Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own or visit Europe's largest indoor Christmas Market or the markets on Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center. (B)

Day 13 DEPART ZURICH

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

 

7 night Basel to Amsterdam

 

 

 

 

DAY 1, DEPART USA/CANADA

Board your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Arrive in Zurich and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for you to start exploring this beautiful town. Perhaps visit the Old Town or shop along the Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf.(B)

DAY 3, ZURICH

Your morning walking tour of Zurich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own or visit Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market located in the town’s main railway station or the markets on the Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center.(B)

DAY 4, ZURICH – LUCERNE

After breakfast, continue on to Vitznau where you will enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. The looming mountains surrounding the lake provide a breathtaking view. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town on your own or visit the enchanting Christmas Market located at the train station.(B)

DAY 5, LUCERNE

Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval jewel. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon brings free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or,you can join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. (B)

DAY 6, LUCERNE – BASEL – EMBARKATION

This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before embarking your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. After settling into your stateroom this afternoon, you may wish to visit Basel’s Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 7, BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE OR FREIBURG, GERMANY

Today, choose either a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, you will drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Visit the historical Freiburg city center and Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your tour will also include the Christmas Markets of Freiburg. In the alternative, travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see half-timbered framed houses, the German-influenced Old Quarter and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine tasting. Colmar is beautifully decorated with stunning illuminations during the Advent period and offers five Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber- framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Then take a walking tour through town. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You will also visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, SPEYER – HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

Early this morning, cruise to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Arrive after lunch time and choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or an excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Heidelberg also contains what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the “Haupstrasse,” where you can enjoy free time to explore the festive Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ

This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants before wine tasting at a local vintner. You will also visit the Christmas Markets with more than 120 stands from 12 nations. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle. Arrive in Koblenz late this afternoon. Your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour through this charming town. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, KOBLENZ – COLOGNE

This afternoon, the ship cruises to Cologne for a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. During your free time, return to the cathedral square to browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Market or explore the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Admire beautiful 17th century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat tour. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at a windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARK

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)