Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Rhine Christmas Markets with Bruges & Switzerland
Cruise along the legendary Rhine River, enchanted by fairytale villages alive with festive cheer and lively squares decorated with twinkling lights and huge Christmas trees.
Embrace the magic of the festive season as you sail along the legendary Rhine River. Explore Strasbourg’s 400-year-old Christkindelsmärik, the oldest market in France, and admire the city’s towering Christmas tree in Place Kleber, said to be the tallest natural tree in Europe. You’ll also sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge; visit Heidelberg, the picturesque university city on the Neckar River; and enjoy an exclusive private concert in the grand Bruchsal Palace. Throughout your journey, experience the enchantment of the magical traditions of Christmas, from the fragrant aroma of gluhwein and roasted chestnuts to bustling markets bursting with festive excitement. Two extensions show you even more of Europe at its most magical. Take a four-day tour of Belgium, visiting medieval Bruges and the vibrant capital, Brussels, and spend five days marvelling at the snow-covered Alps through Switzerland. Luxury accommodation, included transfers and a Scenic Tour Director make for seamless travel.
| Day 1 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 2 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 3 |
Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets. |
| Day 4 |
Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets. |
| Day 5 |
Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets. |
| Day 6 |
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums. |
| Day 7 |
This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. If you plan to travel here from the end of November through the end of December, do not miss out on the Christkindelsmärik, one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. Nothing will spark holiday cheer more than a warming cup of vin chaud while gazing upon the magnificient Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber! |
| Day 8 |
This city, which started as a modest fishing village, now offers plenty of modern German charm. The extensive public transportation makes it a perfect home base for seeing nearby attractions such as Heidelberg. Mannheim is known for its many pretzel stands, so make sure you indulge in one of these delicious treats before you leave! |
| Day 9 |
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871). Don't miss the Bavarian buildings and Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses automated musical instruments. Wine lovers will also appreciate the Rheingau Wine Museum, where the exhibits focus on the craft of winemaking through the ages. |
| Day 10 |
This cultural capital and university city holds more than 2,000 years of history and is the cultural hub of Germany. Marvel at the gorgeous twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views, or lose yourself in one of Colonge's many museums for a few hours. Cologne boasts of having most pubs per person in Germany, so make sure you sit down for a refreshing regional Kölsch beer during your travels! |
| Day 11 |
The commercial and cultural center for the Ruhr region on the Rhine River, Duseldorff is also the site of the Felderhof Cave where Neanderthal man was found in 1856. |
| Day 12 |
Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a city where medieval charm meets modern allure. Nestled in the heart of Belgium's Flanders region, Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets that invite visitors to step back in time. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dominated by the iconic Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista that captures the timeless beauty of Bruges. Beyond its architectural splendor, Bruges is a city that appeals to the senses. The Markt, the city’s central square, buzzes with life and is surrounded by vibrant buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals, where you can admire the picturesque bridges and medieval houses reflected in the water. Art lovers will find the Groeningemuseum a treasure trove of Flemish and Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch. Meanwhile, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a striking Romanesque and Gothic church, holds a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Christ. Bruges is also a paradise for gourmands, with its world-famous chocolate, Belgian waffles, and an array of craft beers brewed locally. Don’t miss a visit to one of the city’s many chocolate shops, where you can indulge in exquisite pralines and truffles, or take a brewery tour to learn about the age-old traditions of Belgian beer-making. For a truly immersive experience, time your visit with one of the city’s many festivals, such as the Procession of the Holy Blood, a grand religious event held annually in May, drawing thousands of visitors. Bruges invites you to "Savor the Timeless Beauty," where every corner of the city offers a new discovery, from its historic sites to its culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering the romantic streets, exploring world-class museums, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the canals, Bruges promises a journey that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left. |
| Day 13 |
Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a city where medieval charm meets modern allure. Nestled in the heart of Belgium's Flanders region, Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets that invite visitors to step back in time. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dominated by the iconic Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista that captures the timeless beauty of Bruges. Beyond its architectural splendor, Bruges is a city that appeals to the senses. The Markt, the city’s central square, buzzes with life and is surrounded by vibrant buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals, where you can admire the picturesque bridges and medieval houses reflected in the water. Art lovers will find the Groeningemuseum a treasure trove of Flemish and Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch. Meanwhile, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a striking Romanesque and Gothic church, holds a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Christ. Bruges is also a paradise for gourmands, with its world-famous chocolate, Belgian waffles, and an array of craft beers brewed locally. Don’t miss a visit to one of the city’s many chocolate shops, where you can indulge in exquisite pralines and truffles, or take a brewery tour to learn about the age-old traditions of Belgian beer-making. For a truly immersive experience, time your visit with one of the city’s many festivals, such as the Procession of the Holy Blood, a grand religious event held annually in May, drawing thousands of visitors. Bruges invites you to "Savor the Timeless Beauty," where every corner of the city offers a new discovery, from its historic sites to its culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering the romantic streets, exploring world-class museums, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the canals, Bruges promises a journey that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left. |
| Day 14 |
Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a city where medieval charm meets modern allure. Nestled in the heart of Belgium's Flanders region, Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets that invite visitors to step back in time. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dominated by the iconic Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista that captures the timeless beauty of Bruges. Beyond its architectural splendor, Bruges is a city that appeals to the senses. The Markt, the city’s central square, buzzes with life and is surrounded by vibrant buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals, where you can admire the picturesque bridges and medieval houses reflected in the water. Art lovers will find the Groeningemuseum a treasure trove of Flemish and Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch. Meanwhile, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a striking Romanesque and Gothic church, holds a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Christ. Bruges is also a paradise for gourmands, with its world-famous chocolate, Belgian waffles, and an array of craft beers brewed locally. Don’t miss a visit to one of the city’s many chocolate shops, where you can indulge in exquisite pralines and truffles, or take a brewery tour to learn about the age-old traditions of Belgian beer-making. For a truly immersive experience, time your visit with one of the city’s many festivals, such as the Procession of the Holy Blood, a grand religious event held annually in May, drawing thousands of visitors. Bruges invites you to "Savor the Timeless Beauty," where every corner of the city offers a new discovery, from its historic sites to its culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering the romantic streets, exploring world-class museums, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the canals, Bruges promises a journey that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left. |
| Day 15 |
Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. At its heart lies the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque guildhalls. The square is home to the Town Hall and the famous flower carpet event, held every two years, which blankets the square in a colorful tapestry of begonias. Strolling through these cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported back in time while surrounded by stunning architecture that showcases the city’s rich history. Art lovers will find Brussels a treasure trove of creativity. The city is home to the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the works of surrealist master René Magritte. You can also explore the Atomium, a symbol of post-war progress and futuristic design. This massive steel structure, built for the 1958 World Expo, offers panoramic views of the city and fascinating exhibits on science and technology. Don’t miss a visit to the Comic Strip Center, celebrating Belgium’s famous comic culture, including beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. Brussels is also a haven for foodies. The city is known for its world-class chocolates, and a visit to famous chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus is a must. Sample the iconic Belgian waffle, try some moules-frites (mussels with fries), or sip a refreshing lambic beer at one of the city's many breweries. The lively atmosphere of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Europe’s first covered shopping arcade, is perfect for both shopping and indulging in some of the best treats Brussels has to offer. Fun fact: Brussels is often referred to as the “Capital of Europe” due to its role as the de facto headquarters of the European Union. The city hosts the European Parliament and NATO, making it a key hub of international diplomacy. Whether you're drawn by its art, architecture, or culinary delights, Brussels offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/01/27 - 12/15/27 |
Starting At $9,613 |
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|
12/01/27 - 12/15/27 |
Starting At $10,165 |
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|
12/03/27 - 12/17/27 |
Starting At $9,613 |
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|
12/03/27 - 12/17/27 |
Starting At $10,165 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/09/27 - 12/23/27 |
Starting At $9,613 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/09/27 - 12/23/27 |
Starting At $10,165 |
Get A Quote |
Prices include port and sundry charges. Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. All prices are in USD and based on per passenger twin share.