Rhine Christmas Markets with Bruges & Switzerland

Welcome to Belgium. Today you’ll transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Bruges, where your European journey of discovery begins. Over the next three days, enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, well-preserved medieval architecture, world-renowned beer and exquisite chocolatiers. Upon arrival, check into your wonderfully located hotel.

This morning you will have the pleasure of exploring the beautifully preserved medieval centre as you embark on a walking tour with your local guide. 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.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner featuring delicious Flemish cuisine. (B/D)

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

• Canal Cruise: Delight in 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.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure; if you’re feeling adventurous, 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. (B)

After breakfast, farewell beautiful Bruges and join your coach transfer to Amsterdam where you will board your Scenic Space-Ship. (B/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Today you will arrive in Cologne before lunch. 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. (B/L/D)

Cruise into the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After passing spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty 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. (B/L/D)

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.
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to 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. (B/L/D)

Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this morning. Strasbourg, is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. 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. (B/L/D)

Wake up in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this morning.

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

• Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.
• Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Minster cathedral, which survived WWII bombings. (B/L/D)

Your extension begins in Basel, where a walking tour will reveal the highlights of the city. See spectacular views of the Rhine as well as the Basel Minster and City Hall. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover the city’s famous Christmas Markets, said to be some of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.

Later you’ll travel to Montreux, the stunning lakeside town renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps. Check into your luxury hotel for a two-night stay. (B)

This morning, explore the mesmerising town of Montreux on your own or perhaps relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. For lunch, a quintessential Swiss experience awaits you.

Scenic Enrich:

• Train ride and fondue lunch: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in your private demonstration, the cheese maker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes.

Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Montreux Christmas Markets. (B/L)

After departing Montreux, ascend the Swiss Alps to the charming alpine village of Gstaad. Known as a premier ski resort, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the village, followed by some free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

This afternoon you’ll arrive at Bern, the Swiss capital. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed thanks to its medieval heritage. Your Tour Director will take you on a tour of 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 riverbank since 1857. (B)

Today you’ll depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval architecture. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets.

Afterwards, you’ll travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. Set off on foot for a walking tour with a local guide. 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. (B/D)

Depart after breakfast for your onward journey, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland 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 what is stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)