Zurich - Lucerne & Christmas Markets on the Rhine

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Description

Summary

Starts
Zurich
Duration
11 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
12 years

Description

Embark on a magical multi-day tour through some of Europe's most enchanting cities, each adorned with festive Christmas markets and rich cultural heritage. From the picturesque lakeside setting of Zurich to the medieval charm of Lucerne, and the historic grandeur of Heidelberg, this tour offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and festive cheer. Enjoy guided tours, delightful excursions, and luxurious accommodations as you journey through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Indulge in traditional holiday treats, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and create unforgettable memories on this enchanting Christmas adventure.

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Included

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

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Airport transfers outside Australia are included

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7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

2 nights at a hotel in Lucerne

1 night at a hotel in Zurich

Emerald Sun: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom, Emerald Destiny: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom

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The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director

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7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship

The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director

Port taxes and charges

All tipping and gratuities

Guided tour of Breisach

Guided tour of Strasbourg

Guided tour of Heidelberg

Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

Canal cruise

Guided visit to the Christmas market at Ravenna Viaduct

20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

1 night at a hotel in Zurich

2 nights at a hotel in Lucerne

A guided tour of Zurich

A guided tour of Lucerne

Transfer from the airport and to the ship

3 Breakfasts (B)

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Map

Attractions

Old Market, Altstadt-Nord, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyOld Market
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
photo of Zuger Altstadt in Zug, Switzerland.Zug Altstadt
Castle Hallwyl, Seengen, Bezirk Lenzburg, Aargau, SwitzerlandCastle Hallwyl
Hagenturm, Merishausen, Schaffhausen, SwitzerlandHagenturm
Heiliggeistkirche ,Church of the Holy Spirit, in Heidelberg, GermanyChurch of the Holy Spirit
Old Bridge Heidelberg, Neuenheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyOld Bridge Heidelberg
Burgruine Lützelhardt
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Wätterloch
Moosturm
photo of Zurich Kunsthaus, Switzerland. The Kunsthaus Zurich houses one of the most important art museums in Switzerland and Europe.Kunsthaus Zürich
Cantonspark, Baarn, Utrecht, NetherlandsCantonspark

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

  • Zurich - Arrival day
  • More
  • Castle Hallwyl
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Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Zurich. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore this beloved Swiss city at your own pace. Stroll along the lakeside or wander through the charming Christmas markets, where you can soak in the festive atmosphere. Enjoy a restful night at your hotel in Zurich (or similar).

Day2

Day 2
Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne

  • Zurich
  • Lucerne
  • More
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
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Start your day with a guided walking tour of Zurich, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture. Later, transfer to Lucerne, a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Spend the afternoon at leisure, wandering through the old town adorned with festive lights and handicrafts. End your day at the charming Christmas markets, where you can indulge in mulled wine and traditional treats. Overnight stay in Lucerne (or similar).

Day3

Day 3
Day 3: Exploring Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Zug Altstadt
  • Wätterloch
  • More

Discover the enchanting city of Lucerne with a guided tour that takes you through its medieval Altstadt, the iconic Chapel Bridge, and the octagonal Water Tower. Learn about the city's history while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Optional: Take a train and cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis for an extra expense. Overnight stay in Lucerne (or similar).

Day4

Day 4
Day 4: Journey to Basel

  • Lucerne
  • Basel
  • More

After breakfast, embark on a scenic coach journey through picturesque landscapes to the Rhine-side town of Basel. Upon arrival, board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where the captain and crew will warmly welcome you. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you settle in for the night. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Basel.

Day5

Day 5
Day 5: Basel to Breisach

  • Basel
  • More
  • Hagenturm
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Today, visit the charming Rhine town of Breisach, known as the gateway to Germany's Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands, arriving at the historic Hofgut Sternen complex at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge. Experience the enchanting Christmas market beneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct, where you can savor Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted products. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Breisach.

Day6

Day 6
Day 6: Kehl to Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
  • More
  • Burgruine Lützelhardt
  • Moosturm
  • More

Dock in Kehl and transfer by coach to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region. Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, exploring its medieval half-timbered buildings, Baroque sandstone structures, and charming canals. Visit one of the city's delightful Christmas markets to savor traditional German treats and shop for festive gifts. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Strasbourg.

Day7

Day 7
Day 7: Discovering Heidelberg

  • Church of the Holy Spirit
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • More

Explore the rich history of Heidelberg with a guided tour that includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, offering stunning views of the Rhine River and the city's red-roofed skyline. Enjoy a wine tasting session and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visiting the Church of the Holy Spirit and Germany's oldest university. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Heidelberg.

Day8

Day 8
Day 8: Enchanting Koblenz

Immerse yourself in the fairy-tale charm of Koblenz with a guided walking tour. Explore the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at the German Corner and enjoy panoramic views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Optional: Visit the Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle for an extra expense. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Koblenz.

Day9

Day 9
Day 9: Christmas Magic in Cologne

  • Cologne
  • More
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • More

Experience the festive transformation of Cologne with a guided tour of the city's Old Town. Visit the ornate Christmas markets, including the one beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can enjoy traditional glühwein and festive treats. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Cologne.

Day10

Day 10
Day 10: Amsterdam's Canals

  • Amsterdam
  • More
  • Cantonspark
  • More

Board a glass-top canal boat for a scenic tour of Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system. Pass by historic merchant houses and explore the city's festive Christmas stalls, enjoying mulled wine and traditional holiday foods. Overnight stay on the Star-Ship in Amsterdam.

Day11

Day 11
Day 11: Departure from Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Departure day
  • More

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Star-Ship crew as you are transferred to the airport. Take with you cherished memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas. Safe travels!

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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