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Christmas Markets on the Rhine
2 Nights Hotel Accommodations in Zurich, 2 Nights Hotel Accommodations in Lucerne, 7-Night Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam (or reverse)

Zurich to Amsterdam - 12 Days -or- Amsterdam to Zurich - 12 Days	For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539
Ship - Amaprima, Amaserena , Amastella, Amakristina, Amamora	Ask about our Travel Insurance

Detailed Itinerary: Zurich to Amsterdam

Skip to Amsterdam to Zurich itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland
Arrive in Zürich 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.

Day 2: Zurich
Your morning walking tour of Zürich 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 Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own. Options include Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market located in the town’s main railway station or the markets at the Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center. (B)

Day 3: Zurich - Lucerne
After breakfast, continue to on to Lucerne via Einsiedeln Monastery. In Lucerne, 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, where you will find yourself surrounded by the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas confectioneries. (B)

Day 4: 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 5: Lucerne - Basel (Embarkation Day)
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. 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. 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 Cocktail and Dinner. (B,D)

Day 6: Breisach - Colmar, France or Freiburg, Germany
Today, choose between 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. Your tour will include a stop at a Cuckoo Clock factory and to 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 remarkable half-timber 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. Tonight, the ship set sails for Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Strasbourg, France - Speyer, Germany
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, revealing the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Then take a tour through this charming 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. Dating back to the 16th century, the market is the oldest in France, and features hundreds of stands selling arts and crafts, decorations and holiday treats. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). Depart at lunchtime for Speyer, where your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour after dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Speyer - Heidelberg, Germany - Worms
Depart from Speyer for your 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. Return to the ship at Worms, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The city is known for its many excellent examples of Romanesque architecture, including the majestic 12th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral. During your tour, visit the impressive monument to Martin Luther and other leaders of the Reformation along the “Luther Trail.” You will also see the 11th-century “Heiliger Sand,” one of the largest and oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. During your free time, visit Worms’ Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 9: 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. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vintner and - visit the Christmas Markets where you will find 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. The ship moors overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Koblenz - Cologne
This morning, 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 to browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Market. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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 the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Amsterdam (Disembarkation Day)
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

Departures & Pricing

Detailed Itinerary: Amsterdam to Zurich

Skip to Zurich to Amsterdam itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Embarkation Day)
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam
After breakfast, 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 the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. Enjoy an information briefing as you cruise towards Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Cologne, Germany - Koblenz
Arrive in Cologne for a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own. Perhaps, return to the cathedral to browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Market offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Here, you will find an assortment of delicacies and watch artisans at work. Continue to 2,000-year-old Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel rivers. Arrive in Koblenz late this evening and take an after dinner walk through this charming town. The ship moors overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Koblenz - Rüdesheim
Today, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Enjoy a wine tasting with a local vintner. During your free time, explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, or visit the Christmas Markets where you will find more than 120 stands from 12 nations offering their distinctive holiday products. The ship moors here tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Worms - Heidelberg 
This morning, arrive in one of Germany’s oldest cities, Worms, renowned for its great historical and cultural significance. Surrounded by lush vineyards, Worms is noteworthy for its famous white wine, Liebfraumilch, and as a location described in the ancient Nibelungenlied (The Song of the Nibelungs), an epic poem from the Middle Ages. The city is also known for its many excellent examples of Romanesque architecture, including the majestic 12th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral. During your tour, visit the impressive monument to Martin Luther and other leaders of the Reformation along the “Luther Trail.” You will also see the 11th-century “Heiliger Sand,” one of the largest and oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe with some tombstones dating back nearly a millennium. Enjoy lunch onboard the ship before disembarking for your excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, as well as the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have time to leisurely browse through the town’s traditional Christmas Markets, extending over five squares, and offer a wide array of crafts and tasty regional delicacies. (B,L,D)

Day 6: 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, revealing the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Then take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps, take a stroll through Strasbourg’s historic city center, the “Grande Île” (“Grand Island”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or sample the local cuisine and wine that merges the best of French and German influences. Around the cathedral, you will find one of Europe’s oldest and finest Christmas Markets, selling specialties including “Bredele,” small Alsatian biscuits, delicately crafted toys, jewelry and ceramics. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Breisach - Colmar, France or Freiburg, Germany
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or Freiburg. If you decide to travel to Freiburg, you will visit its historical city center and visit the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic minster cathedral constructed of red sandstone, noted for its towering spires. The town is bordered by the Black Forest mountains, Rosskopf and Bromberg, and is known for meticulous wood carvings and cuckoo clocks. After your city tour, visit Freiburg’s Christmas Markets located in the heart of the town’s beautiful historical quarter, where you will find an array of traditional arts and crafts from the Black Forest. Or, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and is self-proclaimed as the “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses, the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns, canals and the Launch River. Colmar is beautifully decorated with stunning illuminations during the Advent period and offers five Christmas Markets, each in different areas of the city. Late tonight, the ship set sails for Basel, Switzerland. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation Day) - Lucerne
Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. 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. Enjoy lunch own your own or visit Basel’s Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz where you will find ultra-modern as well as vintage and traditional gifts, colorful toys and typical Swiss crafts. Depart for Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route. Arrive mid-afternoon to check into your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Lucerne
Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is 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 frescoed buildings. The afternoon is free is free to explore the town’s enchanting Christmas Market located at the train station where you will find yourself surrounded by the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas confectioneries. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. The return trip from the mountain will be via a cog rail train. (B)

Day 10: Lucerne - Zurich
This morning, check out of the hotel. Prior to leaving Lucerne, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. The mountains that loom over the city provide breathaking scenery. There is time for lunch in Lucerne before departing for a scenic drive to Zurich via the Einsiedeln Monastery. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

Day 11 : Zurich
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zürich will include Grossmünster, St.Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the town on your own. Perhaps, explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall or visit the markets at the mile-long Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center. (B)

Day 12: Zurich
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Advisements:

• A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Most Christmas Markets begin opening as early as Nov. 25 and remain open until approximately Dec. 21. Check with each country's tourist office for more information.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.

Prices Include:

• 7 nights Deluxe Cruise in selected cabin category
• Life enriching tours and excursions daily with personal headset included
• Entertainment on demand iin all Staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Fine Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Free -flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• 2 nights hotel in Zurich at Zurich Hotel Continental (or similar; subject to change) including daily buffet breakfast; morning walking tour in Zurich
• 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Radisson Blu (or similar; subject to change) including daily buffet breakfast ; boat ride in Lake Lucerne; morning walking tour
• Transfer from the hotel in Zurich to ship in Basel on Embarkation Day
• All local Taxes

Prices Do Not Include:

• Individual arrival and departure (airfare; transfers)
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Port charges
• Personal expenses

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