Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into your hotel for a comfortable start to your stay.

Follow your guide through the picturesque streets of Amsterdam, exploring its iconic canals, charming bridges, and unique architecture.

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses, and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you can see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then, visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, you can taste Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions worldwide. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola, followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. Before visiting the Christmas Market, you may also join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee.

You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you can see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. 

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside. 

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel.

Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you can find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. 

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