Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich

Be met on arrival in Amsterdam and transferred to your premium river ship. Perhaps take a stroll to the Ice Village Christmas Market and pick up some traditional Dutch Christmas treats, before meeting your Cruise Director and fellow passengers during a Welcome Reception.

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’ll 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 before saying goodbye to Amsterdam. Later on tonight, enjoy a special Captain's Welcome Dinner on board.

Having entered Germany, arrive in Cologne and be met by the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) on the bank of the Rhine. You will disembark your ship here, learning on a guided tour about the famous twin spires of this landmark cathedral, which took over six centuries to complete.

Insider Experience – Cologne Christmas Market

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

Sit back and soak up the scenery as your ship gently meanders through some of prettiest stretches along the Moselle River. Pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills, and disembark in the pretty town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley.

Explore the narrow alleyways with their half-timbered houses and visit the magnificent Cochem Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Moselle River, this castle could be straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Cochem’s Christmas market is just as idyllic as the town itself. The town goes to great length to decorate festively and create seasonal flair for those that visit.

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge – considered the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Dock in Rüdesheim  and ride the Winzerexpress mini-train through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover a magnificent collection of automated musical instruments. Follow the scent of gingerbread to the Old Town, where you’ll find  Rüdesheim’s charming Christmas market in full swing. Be sure to call in on the famous  Käthe  Wohlfahrt Christmas store for decorations and gifts. 

Arrive in Strasbourg, the Alsatian city that straddles the border between France and Germany. Discover the picturesque sites on a guided tour and enjoy the pretty scenery.

Insider Experience - Explore France's oldest Christmas market

You will also have time to explore the Christkindelsmärik Christmas market. More than 300 chalet-style stalls are strung throughout the city’s historic district with a towering Christmas tree at its centre.

Afterwards, return to your river ship for a Farewell Dinner.

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 will enjoy a gingerbread tasting. 

Return to your river ship where the gourmet delights continue as you indulge in a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and join a guided tour of Basel. Later, travel to Lucerne and check in to your hotel. This evening, you may wish to enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss folklore restaurant (additional expense).

With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. Enjoy a magical Christmas walking tour and 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.

Enjoy a memorable Insider Experience this morning before continuing to Zürich, where the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Mount Pilatus

Ascend to the summit of Mount Pilatus by gondola and the spectacular Dragon Ride aerial cableway. As you climb, sweeping views unfold across Lake Lucerne, forested slopes and rugged alpine peaks.

Today is at your leisure to explore Zurich. This evening, discover Zurich on a guided tour. Visit one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets and the famous Singing Christmas Tree.

Following your tour, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

Be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

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.