Zurich - Lucerne & Christmas Markets on the Rhine

You will be transferred from the airport to the city of Zurich, one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. After settling to your hotel, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or strolling around its multiples small Christmas stalls and markets. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city which becomes even more charming during the Christmas season! Get yourself immersed into the many lights and handicrafts which decorate the old town and end the day at the small Christmas markets where mulled wine and other typical Christmas treats are yours to enjoy. (B)

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Zurich

The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower. (B)

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
• DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)

After breakfast, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (B/D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI.

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll also have the chance to see the postcard-worthy Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted regional products sold there. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Breisach
• EmeraldPLUS Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl, and you’ll be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets, where you can enjoy traditional Alsatian Christmas treats and shop for presents and stocking-fillers. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg and visit to the Christmas Markets
• DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg

Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz
• EmeraldPLUS Christmas traditions in Europe lecture
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

We sail towards Cologne, where you’ll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit Duesseldorf and its many Christmas markets, each having its unique name and personality – such as the Fairytale Market, the Handwerker (hand maker) Market and the Schadowmarket where any present wish could easily be fulfilled and more. All of that with a Christmas scent of roasted almonds and hot mulled wine floating in the air. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Cologne Christmas markets & beer experience
• Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf with Christmas Market visit
• DiscoverMORE Cologne Christmas market & beer experienceb (extra expense)

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was considered one of the most influential in the world. Throughout the city, you’ll explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and enjoying traditional festive foods. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Canal cruise
• DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas 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 that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)