AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

Day 2 : AMSTERDAM
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

Day 3 : AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)

Day 4 : AMSTERDAM - UTRECHT
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : DUSSELDORF, GERMANY
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : LUDWIGSHAFEN
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. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher's Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or 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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Day 8 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik 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 Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely 'La Petite France' district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Baden-Baden and take in the town's romantic Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach is your gateway to medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have 'the most beautiful spire on earth.' Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LAKE LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

Day 11 : LAKE LUCERNE
Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Continue the holiday revelry with a visit to Lucerne's Christmas Markets. (B)

Day 12 : LAKE LUCERNE - ZURICH
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains,' on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)

Day 13 : ZURICH
Switzerland's largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe's largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town's main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)

Day 14 : DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)