The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe

Welcome to Switzerland. Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Later, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome reception. Stay: Zurich Marriott Hotel

• 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.

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Basel.

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. Set out on an orientation tour of Montreux and discover the magical Christmas markets. Stay Two Nights: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, in a guaranteed Lake View Room (B/D)

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 that depicts the final 25 years of Chaplin's 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)

Today you will board the Golden Pass train and 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, reboard the Golden Pass to Zweisimmen where you will travel by coach to the quintessential Swiss resort village of Grindelwald. Here you'll stay in a traditional hotel with rooms offering stunning views over Eiger mountain. Stay Three Nights: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald (B/D)

• Make the most of the fairy-tale 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: Lucerne, Art Deco Hotel Montana (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 Lucerne's Christmas markets. You'll be sure to feel the magic of the festive spirit come alive. (B)

Today you will travel to 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. Enjoy a light traditional lunch and later journey to the ski resort town of St Moritz. Stay Two Nights: Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains (B/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure today. You may like to explore St Moritz or relax at your luxurious hotel and savour a spa treatment (own expense). (B/D)

Travel to the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a guided tour. Return to Zurich and browse the enchanting Christmas markets.

This evening, a farewell dinner awaits. Stay: Zurich Marriott Hotel (B/D)

Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Budapest.

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)

• Perhaps take a guided discovery of Budapest and delve into its most fascinating sights. Or get into the festive spirit with a visit to two of the city's charming Christmas markets, where you'll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies.

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)

• Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the traditional Christmas market in the Parade Court. Or tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava.

• 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.

Enjoy free time to explore Durnstein, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world. (B/L/D)

• Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a ‘Sound of Music' show.

Discover Regensburg today. 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. (B/L/D)

Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg's history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites.

Afterwards, explore the Christmas market, one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the world. You'll also have the opportunity to sample gluwhein, traditional German spiced wine. (B/L/D)

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer. (B/L/D)

• Embark on a tour of Wurzburg Residence, or perhaps journey to Rothenburg. Alternatively, join a hike to Marienberg Fortress.

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town's enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

• Enjoy a gondola ride or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines.

• Visit Namedy Castle for a morning tea and piano recital.

• Cruise the canals on a glass-top boat, or visit Zaanse Schans. Otherwise, stay on board and relax and unwind.

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