Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich

Be met on arrival in Amsterdam and transferred to your premium river ship. Perhaps take a stroll to the Ice Village Christmas Market and pick up some traditional Dutch Christmas treats, before meeting your Cruise Director and fellow passengers during a Welcome Reception. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (D)

With historic houses lining its banks and studded with low bridges, Amsterdam's network of 17th-century canals lends the city its nickname - ‘The Venice of the North'. Today, you'll board a glass-top boat and glide past the city's waterside sights with a local guide. Back on land, enjoy some free time to explore before saying goodbye to Amsterdam. Later on tonight, enjoy a special Captain's Welcome Dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Having entered Germany, arrive in Cologne and be met by the magnificent Cologne Cathedral on the bank of the Rhine. You will disembark your ship here, learning on a guided tour about the famous twin spires of this landmark cathedral, which took over six centuries to complete. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Cologne Christmas Market Be immersed in the festive spirit with a visit to the city's impressive Christmas market, backdropped by the iconic Kolner Dom Cathedral. Here, you'll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies.

Sit back and soak up the scenery as your ship gently meanders through some of prettiest stretches along the Moselle River. Pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills, and disembark in the pretty town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley.

Explore the narrow alleyways with their half-timbered houses and visit the magnificent Cochem Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Moselle River, this castle could be straight from the pages of a fairytale. Cochem's Christmas market is just as idyllic as the town itself. The town goes to great length to decorate festively and create seasonal flair for those that visit. (B/L/D)

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge - considered the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Dock in Rüdesheim and ride the Winzerexpress mini-train through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover a magnificent collection of automated musical instruments. Follow the scent of gingerbread to the Old Town where you'll find Rüdesheim's charming Christmas market in full swing. Be sure to call in on the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store for decorations and gifts. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Strasbourg, the Alsatian city that straddles the border between France and Germany. Discover the picturesque sites on a guided tour and enjoy the pretty scenery. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Guided tour of old town and food tasting You will also have time to explore the Christkindelsmärik Christmas market, the oldest in France, where you'll sample a taste of the region including some local cheeses and Christmas cookies. More than 300 chalet-style stalls are strung throughout the city's historic district with a towering Christmas tree at its centre.

Afterwards, return to your river ship for a Farewell Dinner.

Disembark in Breisach to explore the Black Forest region. Travel by coach, on a scenic drive through Kaiserstuhl and Karlsplatz to the Freiburg Christmas Markets where you will enjoy a gingerbread tasting.

Return to your river ship where the gourmet delights continue as you indulge in a sumptuous Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast on board, disembark and enjoy a guided tour of Basel. Later you will be transferred from Basel to Lucerne to check in to your hotel.

This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore Restaurant Stay Two Nights: Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne or similar (B)

With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. Enjoy a magical Christmas walking tour and 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/D)

Enjoy a special experience before travelling to Zurich where the afternoon is at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Zurich (B)

Insider Experience - Mt Pilatus This morning travel to the peak of Mt Pilatus along the world's steepest cog-wheel railway, enjoying views of rolling hills, rocky mountain ledges and snow-tipped peaks.

Today is at your leisure to explore Zurich. This evening, discover Zurich on a guided tour. Visit one of Europe's largest indoor Christmas markets and the famous Singing Christmas Tree.

Following your tour, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)