2020 Amsterdam > Basel

Christmas markets delight

Admire festive decorations and twinkling lights along streets and squares – even your Scenic Space-Ship will be decked out in all the Christmas finery.

Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine. Discover the canals of Amsterdam, marvel at the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, explore Cologne’s Christmas markets and Heidelberg Castle, take in the spa resort town of Baden-Baden and visit charming Strasbourg. Throughout your journey, you will be enchanted by the magical traditions of Christmas, including the fragrant aroma of glühwein, roasted chestnuts and bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.

Tour Code:: XAMB
Duration:: 8 days
Departure City:: Amsterdam
Return City:: Basel

Selected Itinerary

2020 Amsterdam > Basel

8 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - UK > Amsterdam

Fly to Amsterdam from one of up to 16 UK airports. If you'd prefer not to fly, why not take advantage of our Eurostar No-fly option at no extra cost and travel Standard Premier Class from St. Pancras international to Brussells and onto Amsterdams in First Class? You'll then be transferred to your Scenic Spae-ship. This evening, raise your glass to a fabulous curise at this evening's welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam

Freechoice

Experience an iconic cruise of Amsterdam’s canals or take to the streets with a local guide on a walking tour including a tasting of the Dutch favourite, herring. Or if you’re feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour. Alternatively, discover charming Volendam before visiting the equally lovely village of Edam.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Stroll through Cologne on a guided city tour and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Enjoy free time and perhaps visit Cologne Cathedral markets, home to the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Koblenz

One of Germany’s oldest cities is turned into a Christmas paradise in the advent season, ideal for romantic strolls.

Freechoice

Take a guided tour of Koblenz, which straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Six tranquil places in the old part of the city offer more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands and Lebkuchenherzen – traditional gingerbread hearts – to create a magical European Christmas experience. Alternatively, discover Cochem, a true medieval gem on the banks of the Moselle River. You’ll feel as if you’re stepping straight into a fairytale on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Heidelberg

Freechoice

Uncover the fascinating history of Heidelberg, including a visit to its fine Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, enjoy an orientation tour of Heidelberg’s quaint old town, followed by time at leisure.

During your free time why not explore the city’s Christmas markets. Heidelberg’s Old Town radiates with Christmas spirit, walk past decorated wooden stalls, smell wafts of spice in the air from the warming glühwein and taste delicious delicacies such as traditional Gingerbread and the popular local treat of Germknödel – a spiced jam filled dumpling drizzled with a decadent vanilla sauce.

Enrich

Enjoy a private evening concert at a fabulous Baroque Palace in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a chance to create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Baden-Baden

Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a popular spa town famous for its Roman baths. Freechoice: Join a guided tour of this picturesque town and learn of its rich heritage or take an active hike to Hohenbaden Castle for scenic views of the Black Forest. Alternatively, visit the Mercedes-Benz factory and learn about the fascinating history of this luxury brand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Strasbourg

Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where you’ll discover La Petite France and stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. During your free time you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Basel > Zurich

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey home. Travel to one of up to 16 UK airports.

Meals Included: Breakfast