Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

Departures & Pricing

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Details · Scenic

Scenic Amber

The newest of our fleet of luxury Scenic Space-Ships, Scenic Jasper, Opal & Amber carry 169 guests in 85 suites and sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe. The ships boast two full decks of Balcony Suites, and the largest Panorama Suites on Europe's rivers.

Guests

163

Crew

53

Gross tonnage

2,721

Length

135 m

Launched

2016

Cabins

82

Details · Scenic

Scenic Jewel

Scenic Crystal, Jewel and Jade were the sixth, seventh, and eighth ships to join our fleet of luxury Space-Ships respectively. All three river cruise ships feature our signature Scenic Sun Lounges, as well as newly designed cabins and suites.

Guests

163

Crew

56

Gross tonnage

2,721

Length

135 m

Launched

2013

Cabins

82

Details · Scenic

Scenic Ruby

Explore Europe on board the Scenic Ruby and enjoy stunning views from the Sun Deck, exclusive dining and a choice between five spacious suite categories.

Guests

159

Crew

53

Gross tonnage

2,721

Length

135 m

Launched

2009

Cabins

80

Itinerary

1. 1

   Zurich

   Welcome to Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland and a global financial centre, it hugs the shoreline of the spectacular Lake Zurich. Check in to your luxurious hotel for an overnight stay and the start of your Swiss journey.

2. 2

   Zurich > Bern

   This morning, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores.
   
   This afternoon arrive in Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed for its medieval Old Town, charming Renaissance fountains, and landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Bern Cathedral. Check in to your luxury hotel for an overnight stay.

   Scenic Freechoice:
   Explore Bern with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
   
   Orientation tour of Bern: Your expert Scenic Tour Director will take you on a short walk to explore this delightful city. See its many fountains, sandstone facades and narrow streets, and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the river banks since 1857.
   
   Swiss chocolate tasting: Switzerland is known for its chocolate, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. Enjoy a tasting of different praline and other varieties at a local producer as you learn about chocolate production and its importance for the local economy.

3. 3

   Bern > Montreux

   This morning, travel to Montreux. Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, it’s famous for its natural beauty, connection to legendary writers and love of jazz. Take a short orientation tour of the town to admire the lakeside promenade, cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Later, check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

   Scenic Enrich
   Chaplin Museum: Learn about the life and work of one of the most influential early film stars, Charlie Chaplin. Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the Chaplin Museum, set inside his former home.

4. 4

   Montreux

   This morning, visit Chillon Castle. Set on the shore of Lake Geneva, it was first built in the 11th century and is one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Join a tour with a local guide and learn how this iconic castle has inspired poets and writers like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.

5. 5

   Montreux > Lucerne > Basel (Huningue)

   After breakfast, depart for the postcard perfect city of Lucerne. Its lovely Old Town, brightly coloured houses, covered bridges and cobalt blue lake make for the quintessential Swiss resort town. Join a walking tour to discover its highlights, including the Museggmauer and Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Hofkirche, and the Jesuit Church.
   
   This afternoon continue to Basel (Huningue) where you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship for your all-inclusive river cruise, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland with you.

6. 6

   Basel (Huningue)

   Wake in Basel (Huningue), the cultural capital of Switzerland. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and picturesque riverside setting, it’s one of the most charming cities in Europe at any time of year. Over Christmas, it is even more appealing – the beautifully decorated Old Town glows with twinkling lights, while the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifts from the traditional Christmas markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.

   Scenic Freechoice:
   Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:
   
   Guided tour of Basel with market visit: Step into the festive charm of Basel on a guided walk through the Old Town, where cobbled streets twinkle with fairy lights and historic facades shimmer with seasonal cheer. Discover the majestic Basel Minster, wander past elegant boutiques and galleries, and admire the tree in Münsterplatz. Your tour culminates at the famous Basel Christmas markets – a feast for the senses with handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and warming mulled wine.
   
   Läckerli baking workshop: Immerse yourself in a sweet Basel tradition at a Läckerli baking workshop. Under the guidance of a local baker, you’ll learn the art of crafting these iconic spiced honey cookies, a cherished treat dating back to the 15th century. Experience the rich aromas of cinnamon, cloves, candied peel and almonds as you roll, shape, and decorate your own batch.

7. 7

   Strasbourg

   Arrive in Strasbourg today. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Over Christmas, the city is home to almost a dozen traditional markets as well as the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe, standing over 30 metres tall in Place Kléber.

   Scenic Freechoice:
   Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:
   
   Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Join your local guide on a walking tour of the city, visiting the cathedral and the charming Petit France district. After your guided tour, you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe with the town squares and pedestrian zones coming alive with festive cheer.
   
   Alsace Christmas beer - brewery visit: The cherished tradition of Christmas beer or Biere de Noel dates back to the Middle Ages and blends local brewing heritage with festive spirit. Learn about this regional tradition in the Alsace, considered to be Frances most prominent beer-producing region, during a tasting.

8. 8

   Mannheim

   You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also the home of some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.

   Scenic Freechoice:
   Today you can choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer:
   
   Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. The town is particularly charming at Christmas, with elaborate decorations, a traditional market, ice skating rink and plenty of festive treats to try.
   
   Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel located in the castle’s cellar.

   Scenic Enrich
   Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace: Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert. Your memorable performance will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

9. 9

   Rüdesheim

   This morning you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a quaint town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.
   
   Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

10. 10

    Rüdesheim > Cologne

    This morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. The stunning 65-kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden. Later, arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, auto industry and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
    
    Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city&39;s centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas markets, where local vendors sell delicious treats and decorations.
    
    Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas.

11. 11

    Düsseldorf

    Early this morning you’ll arrive in Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revelers, and the famed Konigsallee is lined with traditional market stalls.
    
    Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.

12. 12

    Amsterdam

    After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your final port of Amsterdam to the airport for your onward or homebound flight leaving with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

    Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

    Please book your flight to depart out of Amsterdam after 10:00 AM.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from what is stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

    Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Accommodation

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