Captivating Rhine with Amsterdam, Lake Lucerne and Zurich (Taste of Christmas Markets)

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

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

Excursions:

• Walking Tour

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.

Excursions:

• Zaanse Schans visit

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Canal cruise tour
• Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cologne walking tour OR Düsseldorf walking tour & Altbier tasting OR Düsseldorf Bike tour

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Rüdesheim wine tasting OR Gondola ride OR Vineyards hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR Ladenburg bike tour

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The Gem of Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike tour

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B/L/D) *Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Excursions:

• Colmar walking tour OR Black Forest hike OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once at Lake Lucerne, discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

Excursions:

• Basel highlights tour
• Transfer to Lake Lucerne
• Lake Lucerne walking tour

Today, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)

Excursions:

• Lion Monument and medieval city walls

Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)

Excursions:

• Lake Lucerne cruise and scenic drive to 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. (B)

Excursions:

• “Little Big City” tour

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)