Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and Christmas trees decorating historic squares. A wanderer’s delight, Amsterdam is steeped in history, art and an undeniable festive atmosphere.

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Please book your flight to arrive into Amsterdam prior to 06:00 PM.

Take the morning to enjoy the luxuries of your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining.

This afternoon you’ll arrive in  Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revelers and the famed Konigsallee is lined with traditional market stalls.

Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.

Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.

Today you will arrive in Cologne before lunch.

Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, thriving auto industry and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. 

Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas Markets, where local vendors sell delicious treats and decorations. 

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas like hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine.

Cruise into the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After passing spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. 

Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also  home to  some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz. 

Freechoice:
Today  you can choose from the following  Scenic Freechoice excursions on offer:

Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own.

Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel located in the castle’s Cellar.

Enrich
Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace: Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert. Your memorable performance will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

Kehl is a town located in southwest Germany on the River Rhine, across from the French City of Strasbourg. The town is not known as a tourist destination, however it benefits from idyllic landscape and a water-rich environment. Walk or cycle along the Reinpromenade or the garden of the Zweubüchter and enjoy a picnic at one of Kehl’s numerous excavation lakes. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting animals hiding along the rivers, lakes and bushes. Discover Kehl’s turbulent war and peace history with a guided tour of the centre and its surrounding villages. Visitors will also experience the town’s habitat and culture which is characterised through the half timbered houses and streets. Kehl town centre features a large pedestrian zone with many retail outlets, street cafes and outdoor dining to enjoy. A few minutes by public transport and visitors will find themselves in the centre of metropolitan Strasbourg.

Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this morning. Strasbourg, is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. After your guided tour you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe with the town squares and pedestrian zone coming alive with festive cheer.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

Wake up in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this morning.  

Freechoice:
Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice

Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.

Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Minster cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

Your extension begins in Basel, where a walking tour will reveal the highlights of the city. See spectacular views of the Rhine as well as the Basel Minster and City Hall. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover the city’s famous Christmas Markets, said to be some of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. 

Later you’ll travel to Montreux, the stunning lakeside town renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps. Check into your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.  

This morning, explore the mesmerising town of Montreux on your own or perhaps relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. For lunch, a quintessential Swiss experience awaits you.

Enrich
Train ride and fondue lunch: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in your private demonstration, the cheese maker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes.

Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Montreux Christmas Markets. 

After departing Montreux, ascend the Swiss Alps to the charming alpine village of Gstaad. Known as a premier ski resort, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the village, followed by some free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

This afternoon you’ll arrive at Bern, the Swiss capital. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed thanks to its medieval heritage. Your Tour Director will take you on a tour of this delightful city. See its many fountains, sandstone facades and narrow streets and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the riverbank since 1857.

Today you’ll depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval architecture. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets.

Afterwards, you’ll travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. Set off on foot for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with a flat centre, many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

Depart after breakfast for your onward journey, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland with you.

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 what is stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.