12 Nights - Spend 2 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in Lucerne,
then enjoy a 7 night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam

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Included in your Amadeus Waterway Cruise

Begin your journey in the midst of Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, Zürich and Lucerne, enjoying lake- side excursions and Alpine vistas. Travel on the enchanting Rhine with a 7-night cruise beginning in cosmopolitan Basel. Then continue to the legendary Black Forest region, the medieval charming town of Strasbourg, the historic university town of Heidelberg, and visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Then conclude your European river cruise ends in vibrant Amsterdam, with her legendary canals and colorful surroundings.

• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Zürich including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Luzern including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
• All local Taxes
  
  

DAY 1
Board your overnight flight to Zürich, Switzerland.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zürich and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for you to start exploring this beautiful town. Perhaps visit the Old Town or shop along the Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf.

DAY 3, ZÜRICH
Your morning walking tour of Zürich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore on your own. Options include Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Market located in the town’s main railway station or the markets at the Bahnhofstrasse and in the city center. (B)

DAY 4, ZÜRICH – LUCERNE
After breakfast, continue to on to Lucerne via Einsiedeln Monastery. In Lucerne, you will enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. The looming mountains surrounding the lake provide a breathtaking view. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town on your own or visit the enchanting Christmas Market located at the train station, where you will find yourself surrounded by the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas confectioneries. (B)

DAY 5, LUCERNE
Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval jewel. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon brings free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. (B)

DAY 6, LUCERNE – BASEL – EMBARKATION
This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before embarking your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th- century patrician homes. After settling into your stateroom this afternoon, you may wish to visit Basel’s Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 7, BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE OR FREIBURG, GERMANY
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, you will drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a Cuckoo Clock factory and to the Christmas Markets of Freiburg. In the alternative, travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timber framed houses, the German-influenced Old Quarter and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine tasting. Colmar is beautifully decorated with stunning illuminations during the Advent period and offers five Christmas Markets. Tonight, the ship set sails for Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, STRASBOURG, FRANCE – SPEYER, GERMANY
Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise, revealing the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Then take a tour through this charming ton. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You will also visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market. Dating back to the 16th century, the market is the oldest in France, and features hundreds of stands selling arts and crafts, decorations and holiday treats. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). Depart at lunchtime for Speyer, where your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour after dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, SPEYER- HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – WORMS
Depart from Speyer for your excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Return to the ship at Worms, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The city is known for its many excellent examples of Romanesque architecture, including the majestic 12th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral. During your tour, visit the impressive monument to Martin Luther and other leaders of the Reformation along the “Luther Trail.” You will also see the 11th-century “Heiliger Sand,” one of the largest and oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. During your free time, visit Worms’ Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vintner and - visit the Christmas Markets where you will find more than 120 stands from 12 nations. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle. Arrive in Koblenz late this afternoon. Your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour through this charming town. The ship moors overnight in Koblenz. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, KOBLENZ – COLOGNE
This morning, the ship cruises to Cologne for a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. During your free time, return to the cathedral to browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Market. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Admire beautiful 17-th century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat tour. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, AMSTERDAM – USA
End of your cruise.

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