Begin your European Christmas journey with a visit to two of Switzerland’s loveliest cities, Zürich and Lucerne, where you will enjoy a lake excursion, magical Christmas markets and pristine Alpine vistas. In Basel, embark upon an enchanting 7-night Rhine River cruise that takes you through the fabled Black Forest and the Alsace region. You will also visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for their majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Conclude your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings.
Activities
River Cruises
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Day 2: Amsterdam
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour that will show you many key sights, including a photo stop at the windfall famously painted by Rembrandt. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. The ship departs this afternoon, en route to Germany.
Day 3: Cologne, Germany
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The ship arrives in Cologne around lunch time. You will have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. During your free time, browse the festive Christmas Market in Cathedral Square – one of Europe’s best – or explore the city on your own. The ship cruises overnight.
Day 4: Rüdesheim
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. The ship moors here tonight.
Day 5: Heidelberg
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Speyer around lunchtime. Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a tour of Medieval Speyer or a half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle and its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have free time to wander what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the “Haupstrasse,” or some of the city’s colorful Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship cruises to Strasbourg, France.
Day 6: Strasbourg, France
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the German border. After arriving this morning, you will visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market – said to be the oldest and best of its kind in the country. You will also take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets, see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 7: Breisach, Germany
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. A third option is a guided bike tour of Breisach (capacity controlled). Tonight, the ship cruises to Switzerland.
Day 8: Basel, Switzerland - Lucerne
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and head off on a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. 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. You will have free time for lunch on your own, then depart for Lucerne, stopping to visit the Lion Monument en route. After arriving mid-afternoon and checking in to your hotel, you may wish to visit Basel’s fantastic Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz.
Day 9: Lucerne
1 Breakfast
Situated on Lake Lucerne, this city is truly 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 fresco-covered buildings. You will have free time in the afternoon to shop for watches, knives, and delicious Swiss chocolates. As an alternative, you may take an optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain that dominates the city. The return trip down the mountain is via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, an engineering marvel.
Day 10: Lucerne - Zürich
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town or visit Zurich’s enchanting indoor Christmas Market (located inside the city’s main train station).
Day 11: Zürich
1 Breakfast
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include the Grossmünster and St. Peter, which has the largest church clock face in the world. You will also see the Old Town, the Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own or visit Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market or the markets on Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center.
Day 12: Zürich
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Dates & Prices
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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.6 | 105 reviews
TrustScore 4.6 of 5
Based on 105 reviews on
4 hours ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
7 hours ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
Danny
22 hours ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!
Aana Rivlin
1 day ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
1 day ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.