| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for you to start exploring this elegant and bustling metropolis. Perhaps visit the Old Town or shop along the Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf, lined with posh boutiques and cafés. (B) |
| Day 3 | ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of Zurich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter (which boasts the world’s largest church clock face), Old Town, Town Hall, and Fraumünster, with its exceptional 360° panoramic view of the city. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own, to visit Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market or shop for gifts in the many small holiday markets found throughout the city. An optional excursion to the spectacular Rhine Falls is also available. (B) |
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| Day 4 | ZURICH - LUCERNE
After breakfast, continue on to Vitznau for a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. The snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake provide truly breathtaking views. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town on your own. (B) |
| Day 5 | LUCERNE
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this medieval jewel, with its cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. You will also visit Lucerne’s enchanting Christmas Market, followed by free time in the afternoon to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives and delicious chocolates. Or, if you prefer, take an optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. (B) |
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| Day 6 | LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
Depart from Lucerne this morning and stop at the Lion Monument en route to Basel. You will have a city tour of this very cosmopolitan locale – situated at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany – and visit Basel’s Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz before boarding your luxurious river cruise ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. The ship moors overnight in Basel. (B,D) |
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| Day 7 | BREISACH, GERMANY
You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Rejoin the ship in Breisach, where we moor overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
After arriving this morning in the Alsace region of northeastern France, you will have a guided tour of its capital city, Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock, and visit Strasbourg’s popular Christmas Market, said to be the oldest and best market in the country. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors in Strasbourg overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
The ship departs early this morning for medieval Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, many churches, and the Altpörtel (“Old Gate”) dating from the 13th-century. Arrive after lunch and choose either a city tour of 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 city below. Heidelberg has what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the Haupstrasse, and you will have ample free time to explore this and the city’s festive Christmas Market. The ship moors overnight in Speyer. (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 heading to a wine tasting with a local vintner. You will also visit the town’s massive Christmas Market, with more than 120 stands of German delicacies and unique gifts that are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. This afternoon your ship departs for Koblenz, passing through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river with numerous vineyards, castles, and picturesque hamlets. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will lead you a walking tour through this charming town. We overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | KOBLENZ - COLOGNE
This morning the ship cruises to Cologne. You will have a walking tour in the afternoon through the old part of the city and visit the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. During your free time, you may return to the cathedral square to browse through the Cologne’s impressive Christmas Market or explore other areas of the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive around noon and take a guided canal boat tour past the city’s beautiful bridges, churches and centuries-old merchant houses. Later, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam, stopping for photos at an iconic Dutch windmill once painted by Rembrandt, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at a lively Farewell Dinner. The ship moors in Amsterdam overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 13 | AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION
Say farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| 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 a photo stop at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam 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 castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim in time for an early afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the town’s Christmas Markets during your free time, or the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. This evening, 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. 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 northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the German border. After arriving this morning, you will visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market – said to be the oldest and best of its kind in the country. You will also take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets, see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | BREISACH, GERMANY
The ship arrives in Breisach after lunch today. You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of 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 exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. You will have free time for lunch on your own, then depart for Lucerne, stopping to visit the Lion Monument en route. After arriving mid-afternoon and checking in to your hotel, you may wish to visit Basel’s fantastic Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz. (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 watches, knives, and delicious Swiss chocolates. As an alternative, you may take an optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain that dominates the city. The return trip down the mountain is via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, an engineering marvel. (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) |
| Day 1 | BASEL - EMBARKATION
Embark your cruise in Basel. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D) |
| Day 2 | BREISACH, GERMANY
You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Rejoin the ship in Breisach, where we moor overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
After arriving this morning in the Alsace region of northeastern France, you will have a guided tour of its capital city, Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock, and visit Strasbourg’s popular Christmas Market, said to be the oldest and best market in the country. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors in Strasbourg overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
The ship departs early this morning for medieval Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, many churches, and the Altpörtel (“Old Gate”) dating from the 13th-century. Arrive after lunch and choose either a city tour of 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 city below. Heidelberg has what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the Haupstrasse, and you will have ample free time to explore this and the city’s festive Christmas Market. The ship moors overnight in Speyer. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | 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 heading to a wine tasting with a local vintner. You will also visit the town’s massive Christmas Market, with more than 120 stands of German delicacies and unique gifts that are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. This afternoon your ship departs for Koblenz, passing through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river with numerous vineyards, castles, and picturesque hamlets. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will lead you a walking tour through this charming town. We overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | KOBLENZ - COLOGNE
This morning the ship cruises to Cologne. You will have a walking tour in the afternoon through the old part of the city and visit the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. During your free time, you may return to the cathedral square to browse through the Cologne’s impressive Christmas Market or explore other areas of the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive around noon and take a guided canal boat tour past the city’s beautiful bridges, churches and centuries-old merchant houses. Later, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam, stopping for photos at an iconic Dutch windmill once painted by Rembrandt, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at a lively Farewell Dinner. The ship moors in Amsterdam overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION
Say farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | 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 2 | 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 a photo stop at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. We depart early this afternoon for Germany. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | 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 4 | RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
This morning, we cruise through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim in time for an early afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the town’s Christmas Markets during your free time, or the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. This evening, 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. The ship departs very late tonight and cruises to Speyer. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | 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 6 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the German border. After arriving this morning, you will visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market – said to be the oldest and best of its kind in the country. You will also take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets, see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | BREISACH, GERMANY
The ship arrives in Breisach after lunch today. You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of 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 8 | BASEL - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your cruise in Basel. (B) |
