AMAWATERWAYS
12 Days | Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Northbound

ZURICH TO AMSTERDAM

Day 1 | Zurich, Switzerland. Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.

Day 2 | Zurich. Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmünster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world’s largest church clock face; Old Town; Town Hall; and Fraumünster Abbey. Experience the magic of Zurich dressed in her holiday best. Visit Zurich’s Christmas Markets, including the largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)

Day 3 | Zurich. Lucerne. Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 4 | Lucerne. Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. Wander through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)

Day 5 | Lucerne. Basel. Embark. En route to Basel, visit the Lion Monument, built to honor the Swiss Guards who fought for King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Once in Basel, board your luxury ship. (B,D)

Day 6 | Breisach, Germany. Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone; you’ll also visit its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Mannheim, Germany. You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Rudesheim. Cruising the Rhine Gorge. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting of the Rheingau Rieslings. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. (B,L,D)

Day 12 | Amsterdam. Disembark. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

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NORTHBOUND ITINERARY 12 DAYS | ZURICH TO AMSTERDAM Click HERE to view 12-day SOUTHBOUND itinerary.