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The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe

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 Trip Length
27 Days
 Trip Starts
Zurich
 Trip Finishes
Budapest
27 Day The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe Itinerary (APT)
Trip Operator
Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUMCCH27

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 27 Day The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe. Spend the festive season in Switzerland exploring the Christmas markets of Zurich, Basel and Lucerne. Finish with a Europe luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Itinerary

Welcome to Switzerland. Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Later, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome reception. Stay: Hotel Ambassador Zurich, a Small Luxury Hotel

Explore Zurich on a guided tour before travelling to Basel, where you will visit the Christmas market. Revel in the festive spirit at the Christmas markets, where twinkling lights and mulled wine are on display. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Basel, Hotel D (B/D)

Head underground to see the historic city walls of Basel, before a festive Signature Experience. Later, stop in the Swiss capital of Bern en route to Montreux. Here, your hotel the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is situated in a prime position overlooking Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Stay Two Nights: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, in a guaranteed Lake View Room (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • In Basel, delight in a leckerli cookie workshop. Originating in Basel, these traditional Swiss cookies were created by local spice merchants in the 1400s, and are now a popular treat and the pride of Basel. After learning how to bake like the locals do, indulge in sampling these chewy, nutty cookies flavoured with spices.

Call into the lakeside town of Vevey before a visit to Chaplin's World, dedicated to the film artist Charlie Chaplin. Here, embark on a cinematic journey through time as you enter the manoir, a beautiful home in which Chaplin spent the final 25 years of his life. You will also visit the museum's old Hollywood-style studio where you can immerse yourself in the world of silent film. Afterwards, take a stroll around the surrounding four-hectare garden estate. This afternoon, browse the displays of the Vevey Christmas markets. (B)

Journey to Gstaad where you will learn why Switzerland is renowned for having some of the finest cheese in the world. Visit Kase-Grotte (the Cheese Grotto), where you'll enter the magnificent cave that houses more than 3,000 cheese varieties, which of course is followed by a tasting. Later, arrive in the quintessential Swiss resort village of Grindelwald, where you will stay in a traditional hotel with rooms offering stunning views over Eiger mountain. Stay Three Nights: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald (B/D)

Today you will ascend 3,466 metres above sea level as you board a funicular train to Jungfraujoch. Affectionately known as the ‘Top of Europe', this climb up the Bernese Alps offers sensational views along the journey and at the summit. Here, we've organised a special Signature Experience. (B)

Signature Experiences:
  • Make the most of the fairytale winter setting with a private reception at the Glacier Bar.

We've set aside a full day for you to explore more of this Swiss resort village at your leisure. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Lucerne and explore this picturesque lakeside town. This evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional fondue restaurant. Stay Two Nights: The Hotel Lucerne, Autograph Collection (B/D)

Today, enjoy a magical Christmas walking tour. On your tour, hear about the seasonal traditions of Lucerne while wandering the many stalls of its Christmas markets. You'll be sure to feel the magic of the festive spirit come alive. (B)

Head to Andermatt, then journey aboard the Glacier Express in first class to Chur. During your remarkable train journey, you will glide through the Rhine Gorge and over the Oberalp Pass. Upon arrival in Chur, disembark your train and re-board your coach as you journey to the ski resort town of Flims. Stay Two Nights: Waldhaus Flims (B/L/D)

Today, travel along a series of picturesque trails on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Enjoy a progressive dinner this evening as you dine at different restaurants at your hotel. (B/D)

Travel to the wine region of Bad Ragaz, a region renowned for its thermal springs and wine. Here, visit a family run local winery to sample some of the wines produced on the estate, and gain an insight into how wine and other fresh produce was cultivated here over 1,000 years ago. Return to Zurich and browse the enchanting Christmas markets. This evening, a farewell dinner awaits. Stay: Hotel Ambassador Zurich, a Small Luxury Hotel (B/D)

Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. On arrival transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. Stay 14 Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

Spend today on your preferred activity. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps cruise the canals on a glass-top boat or visit Zaanse Schans – known for its windmills and specialty produce.

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here. In Koblenz this evening, perhaps join your cruise director for an evening stroll. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • On a visit to Namedy Castle, wander about the rooms and grounds, then enjoy a cocktail party in the ballroom.

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim and set out on your chosen activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • You might like to take a gondola ride or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Step ashore in Miltenberg and set out on a guided exploration before time at leisure. (B/L/D)

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Seize the day and walk to the 18th-century Wurzburg Residence. Alternatively, travel to Rothenburg. Or get to know the locals with a visit to a family-owned farm, where a home-cooked morning tea is on the menu.

Sail to Bamberg, where you'll join a guided exploration with a local expert. (B/L/D)

This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps journey through Nuremberg's history with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Or keep fit with a guided walk through the Schwarzach Valley.

Discover Regensburg on your choice of activities today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Or, you might prefer to get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany's past.

How you spend today is up to you with a number of options on offer. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • From Passau, head to Salzburg to visit some of the sites featured in The Sound of Music. Or set off into the Czech Republic, where Cesky Krumlov awaits. Either way, re-board your ship in Austria's Linz. Alternatively, explore the town of Passau, followed by a relaxing day on board cruising to Linz.

Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey. Then, it's up to you how you get to the next port of call. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you'll roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. Or perhaps take a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Durnstein.

Arrive in Vienna and set out on the activity of your choice. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens are another option. Or tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava. Otherwise, get active with a bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery. Perhaps take in the city's many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen's Cathedral. Otherwise, tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava.
Signature Experiences:
  • After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.

Take in Vienna's Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen's Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you'll come to realise that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore. (B/L/D)

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

APT's Ostara & Solara
APT's Ostara & Solara

Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Ostara and APT Solara in 2025 – APT's brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. Read more

All-inclusive. All taken care of.
All-inclusive. All taken care of.

From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more

Luxury Service
Luxury Service

An APT cruise or tour director is always present, while local experts join you along the way. Sit back and relax while APT take care of all the details. Read more

Freedom of Choice
Freedom of Choice

Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more

Signature Experiences
Signature Experiences

These are the stand-out moments. Carefully designed to help you experience Europe in far greater depth and normally unavailable to independent travellers. Read more

Live Fully
Live Fully

With every detail taken care of behind the scenes, you’re 100% free to be whoever you want to be. Every day is yours to design. Read more

Deck Plans

 
Category E
Twin Window
 
Category D
Twin Window
Piano Deck (Deck 1)
 
Category C
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Cello Deck (Deck 2)
 
Category B+
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Royal Suite
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck (Deck 3)
Sun Deck (Deck 4)

Cabins

Category E (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category D (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category C (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15.8 sqm) luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The room is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category B+ (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15,8 sqm) luxurious luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Royal Suite (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Discover the Royal Suite on the Violin Deck, a 300 sq. ft (27.9 sqm) haven featuring a French balcony and an outside balcony, complemented by in-room temperature control for optimal comfort.

This luxurious suite includes deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system offering complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, providing an exquisite stay.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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