Itinerary
- Day 1
Brussels to Bruges
You'll arrive at Brussels Airport and head straight to Bruges for the next three days. After checking into your hotel, settle in and get your bearings in this medieval city that's known for its old architecture, local beers, and chocolate shops.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges
- Day 2
Bruges
Take a guided walking tour through Bruges' medieval center, wandering down cobbled streets and past charming squares while learning about the city's long history. This evening, join other travelers for dinner featuring traditional Flemish cuisine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Flemish cuisine dinner with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of medieval centre of Bruges with local guide
- Visit to Belfry of Bruges
Landmarks Belfry of Bruges - Day 3
Bruges
You have choices today. Either take a canal cruise to see the medieval architecture from the water, or go with a local guide for beer and chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, you're free to explore on your own, climbing the Belfry Tower's 366 steps for views across the city or grabbing Belgian waffles.
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Canal Cruise through Bruges
- Scenic Freechoice: Beer & Chocolate tasting with local guide
Optional Activities
- Climb Belfry Tower (366 steps) for city views
- Belgian waffles at local eatery
Landmarks Belfry of Bruges - Day 4
Bruges to Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll leave Bruges by coach and head to Amsterdam. From there, you'll board your 5-star river cruise ship and settle into your cabin for the journey ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam
- Day 5
Düsseldorf
The morning is relaxed on the ship, with butler service available and breakfast in the dining room. You'll arrive in Düsseldorf this afternoon where a local guide takes you through the city to see the Christmas markets and holiday atmosphere. Later, you'll have free time to walk around and explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Crystal Dining)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf with local guide
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Düsseldorf Christmas markets
Landmarks Konigsallee - Day 6
Cologne
Pull into Cologne before lunch. A guided tour shows you the city's main attractions including Cologne Cathedral and the extensive Christmas markets full of festive food and decorations. You'll have free time to soak in the holiday feel before the ship departs after dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne with local guide
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Cologne Christmas Markets
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 7
Rüdesheim
As the ship cruises through the Rhine Gorge, you'll pass vineyards and old castles along the way. After docking in Rüdesheim, a mini-train takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with about 350 historic self-playing instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. Then explore the town before heading back to your ship.
Included Activities
- Scenic Rhine Gorge cruise
- Mini-train from pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Rüdesheim town
Landmarks Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Rhine Gorge - Day 8
Mannheim
You'll arrive in Mannheim, known for its grid-like street layout. Choose between an orientation tour of Heidelberg with your own free time, or a historical tour that includes Heidelberg Castle and its Renaissance details plus the world's largest wine barrel. There's an optional private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace if interested.
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time
- Scenic Freechoice: Historical tour of Heidelberg with Heidelberg Castle visit
Optional Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace with welcome drink
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Bruchsal Palace - Day 9
Kehl to Strasbourg
Dock at Kehl this morning and take a guided walking tour of Strasbourg with a local guide, discovering the mix of French and German style throughout the city. Spend your afternoon at the Christmas markets, which are some of Europe's biggest, browsing stalls and taking in the festive decorations.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Strasbourg with local guide
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Strasbourg Christmas markets
Landmarks Strasbourg Christmas Markets - Day 10
Breisach
You'll wake in Breisach. You can choose a guided tour of Colmar to see the medieval streets and local Christmas markets showing off Alsatian architecture, or join a walking tour of Freiburg to visit the 13th-century Freiburg Minster cathedral at the edge of the Black Forest.
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided walking tour of Freiburg with Freiburg Minster cathedral
Landmarks Freiburg Minster - Day 11
Basel to Zurich
After breakfast, you'll transfer from Basel to Zurich Airport for your flight home, wrapping up your river cruise and Christmas market holiday.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer from Basel to Zurich Airport
