Daily Itinerary
Wonders of the Old World – European Christmas Markets
November 26 – December 6, 2026
A tour of Christmas markets in Switzerland, France and Germany
With a 5 day cruise on the Rhine River
Thursday, November 26
Overnight flight from Houston to Zurich, Switzerland
Friday, November 27
Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland! We will meet our tour escort and coach driver and transfer to Zurich’s main train station to enjoy Christkindlimarkt, one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. This market, with rich aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon-infused baked goods, has over 150 festively decorated market stalls offering beautiful decorations as well as seasonal confectionary. Afterwards, we will drive to Lucerne where we will stay for the next two nights. After checking in at the hotel, we will enjoy a traditional fondue dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne (D)
Saturday, November 28
After breakfast, we are going to the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch which is the highest railway station in Europe! We will travel through the Swiss Alps via the Eiger Express cable car which has large windows offering 360-degree views that showcase the vastness of the mountain range including glaciers and snow-capped peaks. The final leg of the journey will be a scenic 45-minute ride on the iconic Jungfrau Cogwheel Railway. Once we are on top of Europe, we will enjoy lunch and have free time to explore the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace, a network of glacier tunnels featuring ice sculptures and a unique glacial experience. Or you may choose to indulge in chocolate tasting and shopping at the Lindt Chocolate Shop! Later this afternoon, we will return to Lucerne and the evening is free to explore the many Christmas markets in Lucerne. Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne (B)(L)
Sunday, November 29
This morning, we will enjoy a guided tour of the historic old town of Lucerne to see iconic sights such as the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, the Jesuit Church, and the impressive Lion Monument. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to enjoy the surrounding Alpine landscape, picturesque villages, and snow-covered mountain peaks. After the cruise, we will transfer to Basel, Switzerland to visit one of the most charming Christmas markets in Switzerland. Following a guided introduction, we will be free to explore the markets of Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz featuring festive wooden chalets offering local treats like raclette, mulled wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted gifts. The evening is free to continue shopping at the markets, exploring the illuminated old town or having dinner in one of the many cozy restaurants or traditional Swiss taverns. Overnight: Essential by Dorint Hotel, Basel (B)
Monday, November 30
After breakfast, we will board our motorcoach for a scenic journey from Basel to Strasbourg, France, passing through the picturesque Alsace region of eastern France. Our first stop will be Mulhouse, a city with a rich textile history. Each year, a new Christmas fabric is created and used to decorate the Christmas market stalls and the city center. There will be free time to stroll through the decorated streets, visit local shops, or grab a warm drink at one of the cafés. After lunch, we will visit the fairytale town of Colmar, famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals. Especially during the holiday season, Colmar is magically decorated, making it one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in France. We will have a guided walking tour to see the highlights of Colmar’s old town, such as the Little Venice district, the Maison Pfister, and the Koïfhus. Afterwards, we continue to the village of Gertwiller to visit the delightful Gingerbread Museum. We will learn about the history and craftsmanship behind Alsace’s beloved spiced gingerbread and enjoy tasting this traditional treat. In the late afternoon, we will check into our hotel in Strasbourg and the remainder of the evening is free to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of the city. Overnight – Hotel Beaucour, Strasbourg (B)
Tuesday, December 1
This morning, we will explore the city of Strasbourg, the European Capital of Christmas. Our local guide will escort us to the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with its striking spire and astronomical clock. We will also pass through La Petite France, a beautifully preserved district filled with timber-framed houses, narrow canals, and flower-decked balconies – one of the most photographed spots in the city. Afterwards, we will visit the Strasbourg Christmas Markets which are among the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. You will have free time to browse the many market stalls in the city with their festive ambiance, twinkling lights, creating an overall spirit of the holiday season. Late afternoon, we will transfer to the Strasbourg cruise port to board the MS Lafayette for the next 4 nights as we cruise the Rhine River. Overnight: MS Lafayette (B)(D)
Wednesday, December 2
This morning we will enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Speyer, Germany. After lunch, we will visit Heidelberg, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a picturesque ensemble of the castle, the Old Town, and the river Neckar surrounded by hills. After a guided tour of the old town, there will be free time to explore the enchanting Christmas markets with a majestic backdrop of Heidelberg Castle which enhances the romantic and picturesque atmosphere of the holiday season. After dinner on the ship, there will be an evening of entertainment on board. Overnight: MS Lafayette (B)(L)(D)
Thursday, December 3
Today is another relaxed morning of cruising to Rudesheim. After lunch, we will visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum featuring a fascinating array of self-playing musical instruments dating back three centuries. Afterwards, we will visit The Rudesheim Christmas Market of Nations, known for its international flair with vendors and specialties from over 20 nations across three continents. The market is set against the backdrop of the town’s charming old quarter, medieval buildings, and the River Rhine, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. As you return to the ship, you will not want to miss walking down the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow, cobblestone lane in the heart of Rudesheim known for its lively atmosphere and numerous wine taverns. Overnight: MS Lafayette (B)(L)(D)
Friday, December 4
This morning, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic castles, vineyards, and charming riverside towns – this is storybook Germany. With each twist and turn of the river, another castle or fortress atop a peak above sprawling vineyards is revealed. After lunch, we will arrive in Koblenz, a city situated at the crossroads of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and surrounded by several mountain peaks. We’ll take the funicular railway to visit the historic castle and have a magnificent view across the city and valleys. We will enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the Koblenz Christmas Market, a festive experience spread across several squares in the city’s picturesque old town. This market is known for its energetic atmosphere with live music, carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, the famous Advent calendar at City Hall and even a large Christmas pyramid. Overnight: MS Lafayette (B)(L)(D)
Saturday, December 5
After disembarking from our cruise ship, we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Cologne’s historic center to see the colorful houses along the Rhine, the historic city hall, and charming squares such as Alter Markt and Heumarkt. The highlight of the tour is the Cologne Cathedral, the tallest twin-spired church in the world that took over 6 centuries to build. Afterwards, there will be free time to explore Cologne and its sparkling array of Christmas markets, including the splendid and popular Christmas markets around the Cathedral, the Market of Hearts, and many different theme-oriented Christmas markets. Overnight: Cologne Germany (B)
Sunday, December 6
Return flight to USA from Cologne, Germany with lots of Christmas gifts and memories!
Meals Included: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner