Zurich - Lucerne & Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Description
Summary
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.
Included
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
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
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
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)
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- 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).
Day 2 – Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne
- Zurich
- Lucerne
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- 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).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Zug Altstadt
- Wätterloch
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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).
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Basel
- Lucerne
- Basel
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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.
Day 5 – Day 5: Basel to Breisach
- Basel
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- 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.
Day 6 – Day 6: Kehl to Strasbourg
- Strasbourg
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- Burgruine Lützelhardt
- Moosturm
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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.
Day 7 – Day 7: Discovering Heidelberg
Day 7: Discovering Heidelberg
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
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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.
Day 8 – Day 8: Enchanting Koblenz
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.
Day 9 – Day 9: Christmas Magic in Cologne
- Cologne
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- Old Market
- Cologne Cathedral
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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.
Day 10 – Day 10: Amsterdam's Canals
- Amsterdam
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- Cantonspark
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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.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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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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