Rhine Christmas Markets with Bruges & Switzerland

Welcome to Belgium and the city of Brussels, where your European journey of wonders begins. Over the next three days, enjoy the country's vibrant atmosphere, well-preserved medieval architecture, world-renowned beer and exquisite chocolatiers. Upon arrival, check into your wonderfully located hotel.

Wake in Brussels today. The capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union, Brussels is a vibrant mix of history and cultures with world-class museums, lively outdoor markets and an ever-evolving dining scene. Though it's known as a bureaucratic hub, it also has its own quirky character.

Join a guided walking tour of the city. Wander Brussels' elegant boulevards and grand squares, including the magnificent Grand Place, a World Heritage site. Admire ornate guildhalls, Art Nouveau facades, and chic boutiques, while your expert guide reveals stories of royal heritage, diplomacy and indulgent Belgian delights, from the finest chocolate to its legendary beer.

Later, transfer to the city of Bruges. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is threaded with canals lined with gorgeous historic buildings and looks as if it has been pulled from a fairytale. Upon arrival, join a local guide for an immersive walking tour of the city. Meander through cobbled laneways to charming town squares, see sights such as the Belfry of Bruges, the medieval bell tower, and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient town.

Check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner at a local restaurant featuring delicious Flemish cuisine.

This morning join a local guide for an immersive walking tour of the city. Wander through cobbled laneways to charming town squares, see sights such as the Belfry of Bruges, the medieval bell tower, and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient town.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure. If you're feeling active, climb the 366 steps of the Belfry Tower for breathtaking city views or indulge in the irresistible flavours of Belgian waffles at a nearby eatery.

Spend the morning uncovering the charms of Bruges.

Scenic Freechoice: Immerse yourself in Bruges with Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Canal Cruise: Delight on a cruise through the canals of Bruges and see the sights of the city from a different angle. Admire medieval architecture at its best as you gently cruise under bridges and past the idyllic swans that grace these canals.
• Beer & chocolate tasting: Bruges is famous for many things, beer and chocolate chief among them. Join a local guide and gain an understanding of the city's storied history in crafting these delicacies.

This afternoon bid farewell beautiful Bruges and transfer to Amsterdam to board your Scenic Space-Ship for the next part of your journey, your unforgettable European river cruise.

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.

Today you will arrive in Cologne. 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. The stunning 65 kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden. Disembark in Rüdesheim, a quaint 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.

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.

Scenic 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. The town is particularly charming at Christmas, with elaborate decorations, a traditional market, ice skating rink and plenty of festive treats to try.
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, visit 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.

Scenic 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.

Arrive in Strasbourg today. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Over Christmas, the city is home to almost a dozen traditional markets as well as the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe, standing over 30 metres tall in Place Kléber.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:

• Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Join your local guide on a walking tour of the city, visiting the cathedral and the charming Petit France district. 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.
• Alsace Christmas beer - brewery visit: The cherished tradition of Christmas beer or Biere de Noel dates back to the Middle Ages and blends local brewing heritage with festive spirit. Learn about this regional tradition in the Alsace, considered to be Frances most prominent beer-producing region, during a tasting.

Arrive in Basel (Huningue) today, the cultural capital of Switzerland. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a picturesque riverside setting, it's one of the most charming cities in Europe at any time of year. Over Christmas, it is even more appealing – the beautifully decorated Old Town glows with twinkling lights, while the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifts from the traditional Christmas markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.

Scenic Freechoice: Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:

• Guided tour of Basel with market visit: Step into the festive charm of Basel on a guided walk through the Old Town, where cobbled streets twinkle with fairy lights and historic facades shimmer with seasonal cheer. Discover the majestic Basel Minster, wander past elegant boutiques and galleries, and admire the tree in Münsterplatz. Your tour culminates at the famous Basel Christmas markets – a feast for the senses with handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and warming mulled wine.
• Läckerli baking workshop: Immerse yourself in a sweet Basel tradition at a Läckerli baking workshop. Under the guidance of a local baker, you'll learn the art of crafting these iconic spiced honey cookies, a cherished treat dating back to the 15th century. Experience the rich aromas of cinnamon, cloves, candied peel and almonds as you roll, shape, and decorate your own batch.

After your river cruise concludes in Basel (Huningue), travel across the Swiss Alps to the picturesque lakeside resort town of Montreux. Take a short orientation tour of the town to admire the lakeside promenade, cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

This morning, visit Chillon Castle. Set on the shore of Lake Geneva, it was first built in the 11th century and is one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Join a tour with a local guide and learn how this iconic castle has inspired poets and writers like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.

Scenic Enrich:

• Chaplin Museum: Learn about the life and work of one of the most influential early film stars, Charlie Chaplin. Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the Chaplin Museum, set inside his former home.

This morning, travel to Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed thanks to its medieval Old Town, charming Renaissance fountains, and landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Bern Cathedral.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore Bern with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Orientation tour of Bern: Your Scenic Tour Director will take you on a short walk to explore 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 river banks since 1857.
• Swiss chocolate tasting: Switzerland is known for its chocolate, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. Enjoy a tasting of different praline and other varieties at a local producer as you learn about chocolate production and its importance for the local economy.

Today you'll depart for Lucerne. Its lovely Old Town, brightly coloured houses, covered bridges and cobalt blue lake make for the quintessential Swiss resort town. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved and highlights such as the Museggmauer and Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Hofkirche, and the Jesuit Church.

Afterwards, you'll travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland and a global financial centre, it hugs the shoreline of the spectacular Lake Zurich. Set off on foot for a walking tour. 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.

Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city after dark.

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

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.