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11 Night Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise and Land Tour from Zurich

Ship: AmaLucia

Cruise Line: AMA Waterways

Sailed: Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 from Zurich, Switzerland

Ended: Thursday, Dec 15, 2022

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 departure of the AmaLucia. If AMA Waterways modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Dec 4, 2022

Zurich, Switzerland

Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.

Day 2 - Monday - Dec 5, 2022

Zurich, Switzerland

Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmunster Abbey, Old Town, Town Hall, Fraumunster Abbey, and St. Peter Church, which boasts the world's largest church clock face. Experience the magic of Zurich dressed in her holiday best. Visit Zurich's Christmas markets, including the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)

Day 3 - Tuesday - Dec 6, 2022

Zurich, Switzerland

Bus Travel

Vitznau, Switzerland

Day Boat Travel

Lucerne, Switzerland

Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 4 - Wednesday - Dec 7, 2022

Lucerne, Switzerland

Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. The iconic Lion Monument, which you'll visit was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain who praised it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world". You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Located in the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River, and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem wandering through its Christmas market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy the festive atmosphere with a mug of holiday cheer, gluhwein. (B)

Day 5 - Thursday - Dec 8, 2022

Lucerne, Switzerland

Bus Travel

Cruise Begins

Basel (Saxon), Switzerland

Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you'll go on a highlights tour of the city. One of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities, Basel is home to 40 museums (the highest concentration in the nation), a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square, a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall), and Switzerland's oldest zoo (built in 1870s and home to 600 animal species and exotic flora). (B,D)

Basel (Saxon), Switzerland

Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers onboard. (D)

Day 6 - Friday - Dec 9, 2022

Breisach, Germany

Bus Travel

Riquewihr, France

Bus Travel

Breisach, Germany

Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Tower. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles, and quaint towns. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Saturday - Dec 10, 2022

Strasbourg, France

Bus Travel

Gengenbach, Germany

Bus Travel

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Cathedrale Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Sunday - Dec 11, 2022

Ludwigshafen, Germany

Bus Travel

Heidelberg, Germany

Bus Travel

Ludwigshafen, Germany

Rudesheim, Germany

You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas market in front of the "Old Mint" (Alte Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Monday - Dec 12, 2022

Rudesheim, Germany

Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Tuesday - Dec 13, 2022

Cologne, Germany

Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne's traditional Kolsch beer and Reibekuchen-potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Wednesday - Dec 14, 2022

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Thursday - Dec 15, 2022

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)