Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich

Arrive in Zurich, where we’ll meet you on arrival. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight.

Today is at leisure to explore Zurich. Wander its picturesque alleyways and historical buildings that tell the fascinating history of this city. You might choose to indulge in a meal at the lively brasserie, where you'll find a menu of German-Swiss favourites accompanied by top-notch service.

This evening, discover Zurich and it’s Christmas Markets on a guided tour. You will visit one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets and the famous Singing Christmas Tree.

Following your tour, you will enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

This morning travel from Zurich to Lucerne. With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. Enjoy a magical Christmas walking tour. On your tour, hear about the seasonal traditions of Lucerne while wandering the many stalls of Lucerne’s Christmas markets. You’ll be sure to feel the magic of the festive spirit come alive.

This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore Restaurant.

Enjoy a special experience today, and tonight enjoy dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Insider Experience – Mt Pilatus

Travel to the peak of Mt Pilatus along the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway, enjoying views of rolling hills, rocky mountain ledges and snow-tipped peaks.

Today you will travel from Lucerne to Basel. Upon arrival to Basel enjoy a guided tour.

Later, check in to your river ship. Tonight, after enjoying some time to relax and settle in, enjoy a Welcome Reception on board. You will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and meet your crew.

Disembark in Breisach to explore the Black Forest region. Travel by coach, on a scenic drive through Kaiserstuhl and Karlsplatz to the Freiburg Christmas Markets, where you’ll enjoy a gingerbread tasting. Return to your river ship for a Welcome Dinner on board.

Arrive in Strasbourg, the charming Alsatian city that straddles the border between France and Germany. Fairytale houses line cobblestone streets, while canals weave through the city, with Strasbourg Cathedral dominating the World Heritage-listed city centre. Discover its picturesque sights on a guided tour, taking in the stunning scenery. You’ll also have time to explore Christkindelsmarik, the oldest Christmas market in France. Over 300 chalet-style stalls fill the city’s historic district, with a towering Christmas tree at its heart. If you're feeling peckish, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample a local treat.

Continue cruising through one of the highlights of your holiday – the Rhine Gorge, a stretch of river renowned by locals as the most beautiful section of the Rhine. Watch in awe as steep slopes, blanketed in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles, drift by. Your ship will then dock in Rüdesheim, a charming wine town nestled along the Rhine. Here, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany’s most fascinating collections of automated musical instruments.

Follow the scent of gingerbread to the heart of the Old Town, where Rüdesheim’s enchanting Christmas market is in full swing. Be sure to stop by the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, where you'll find the perfect festive decorations and gifts.

Sit back and soak up the scenery as you cruise through some of Europe’s prettiest stretches along the Moselle River. Disembark in the town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley for a special experience. Cochem’s Christmas market is just as idyllic as the town itself. The town goes to great lengths to decorate festively and create seasonal flair for those who visit.

Insider Experience – Schlagkamp Winery

Take a scenic drive to the Schlagkamp Winery. Upon arrival, enjoy a sampling of five typical wines of the region. The owner will take you through the intricacies of each wine and share insights into Moselle viticulture. Later, explore the in-house wine cellar museum and depart with a special souvenir.

Having entered Germany, arrive in Cologne and be met by the magnificent Cologne Cathedral on the banks of the Rhine. You will disembark here, learning on a guided tour about the famous twin spires of this landmark cathedral, which took over six centuries to complete.  Later on tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Insider Experiences – Cologne Christmas Market

Be immersed in the festive spirit with a visit to Cologne’s impressive Christmas market, backdropped by the iconic Kölner Dom Cathedral.  Here, you’ll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies.

With historic houses lining its banks and studded with low bridges, Amsterdam’s network of 17th-century canals lends the city its nickname – ‘The Venice of the North’. Today you will board a glass-top boat and glide past the city’s waterside sights with a local guide. Back on land, enjoy some free time to explore the city’s Ice Village Christmas market at your leisure. Pick up some traditional Dutch Christmas foods and marvel at the magical display of lights strung alongside the canals.

After breakfast, disembark and be transferred to Amsterdam airport for your onward flight.