2022 Amsterdam > Zurich

Christmas markets delight

Admire festive decorations and twinkling lights along streets and squares – even your Scenic Space-Ship will be decked out in all the Christmas finery.

Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine. Visit charming Strasbourg, take in the spa resort town of Baden-Baden and Heidelberg Castle. Marvel at the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, explore Cologne’s Christmas markets, and discover the canals of Amsterdam. Throughout your journey, you will be enchanted by the magical traditions of Christmas, including the fragrant aroma of glühwein, roasted chestnuts and bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.

Tour Code:: XAMW
Duration:: 12 days
Departure City:: Amsterdam
Return City:: Zurich

Selected Itinerary

12 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam. Your luxury cruise is about to begin, raise your glass to the occasion at the evening’s welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam

Freechoice

Experience an iconic cruise of Amsterdam’s canals or take to the streets with a local guide on a walking tour including a tasting of the Dutch favourite, herring. Or if you’re feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour. Alternatively, discover charming Volendam before visiting the equally lovely village of Edam.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Stroll through Cologne on a guided city tour and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Enjoy free time and perhaps visit Cologne Cathedral markets, home to the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Koblenz

One of Germany’s oldest cities is turned into a Christmas paradise in the advent season, ideal for romantic strolls.

Freechoice

Take a guided tour of Koblenz, which straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Six tranquil places in the old part of the city offer more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands and Lebkuchenherzen – traditional gingerbread hearts – to create a magical European Christmas experience. Alternatively, discover Cochem, a true medieval gem on the banks of the Moselle River. You’ll feel as if you’re stepping straight into a fairytale on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Heidelberg

Freechoice

Uncover the fascinating history of Heidelberg, including a visit to its fine Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, enjoy an orientation tour of Heidelberg’s quaint old town, followed by time at leisure.

During your free time why not explore the city’s Christmas markets. Heidelberg’s Old Town radiates with Christmas spirit, walk past decorated wooden stalls, smell wafts of spice in the air from the warming glühwein and taste delicious delicacies such as traditional Gingerbread and the popular local treat of Germknödel – a spiced jam filled dumpling drizzled with a decadent vanilla sauce.

Enrich

Enjoy a private evening concert at a fabulous Baroque Palace in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a chance to create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Baden-Baden

Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a popular spa town famous for its Roman baths. Freechoice: Join a guided tour of this picturesque town and learn of its rich heritage or take an active hike to Hohenbaden Castle for scenic views of the Black Forest. Alternatively, visit the Mercedes-Benz factory and learn about the fascinating history of this luxury brand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Strasbourg

Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where you’ll discover La Petite France and stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. During your free time you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Basel > Montreux

Disembark and transfer to Vevey, home to Charlie Chaplin once he’d fled the United States. Enter the world of Charlie Chaplin as you meet one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin’s World Museum. This afternoon you’ll get the chance to luxuriate at your hotel located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, where you’ll be enjoying a two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Montreux

Enrich

Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Œx. Upon arrival witness traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The cheesemaker will transform milk into a hard cheese right in front of your eyes. At the end of the demonstration you’ll have an opportunity to taste the freshly made cheese.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Montreux > Bern

Ascend the Swiss Alps to the breathtaking village of Gstaad. Then continue to the Swiss capital, Bern for your overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11 - Bern > Lucerne > Zurich

Journey to Lucerne, overlooked by the magnificent Swiss Alps and discover this charming town on an orientation tour with your Tour Director before continuing to Zurich. Repeatedly named the city with the best quality of life, Switzerland’s largest city is home to a host of treasures, and you will enjoy them first hand on a walking tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Zurich

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Zurich airport for your onward or homebound flight.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Meals Included: Breakfast