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Amsterdam is known for its citizens' love for bikes!

Rhine Christmas Markets

Zurich to Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Opal
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Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine. Visit charming Strasbourg, take in the spa resort town of Baden-Baden and Heidelberg Castle. Marvel at the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, explore Cologne’s Christmas markets and discover the canals of Amsterdam. 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.
Ice skating at a Christmas Market in ZurichHistoric Zurich with River Limmat, SwitzerlandGrossmunster Cathedral, ZurichPeaceful canal running through a European townHistoric old town StrasbourgAmsterdam is known for its citizens' love for bikes!
Highlights
  • Experience an iconic cruise of Amsterdam’s canals
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral markets
  • Discover Germany’s one of the oldest cities, Koblenz
  • Stroll through the Old Town of Strasbourg
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Zurich | Basel | Embark

Raise your glass to the marvelous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Your journey into wonder is about to begin.

Day 2: Strasbourg

Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs.
Afterward, during free time, you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärkt, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

Day 3: 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, or relax with a visit to a rejuvenating thermal spa. 

Enrich
Enjoy a private evening concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a chance to create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Day 4: Mannheim

Freechoice
Join a local guide on a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit the Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Or, join a guided orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by free time.

Day 5: Koblenz

One of Germany’s oldest cities is turned into a Christmas paradise in the advent season.

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 fairy tale on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle.

Day 6: 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. Immerse yourself in all the magical scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread, and mulled wine.

Day 7: 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 traditional Dutch festive treats. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour outside of the city, or discover charming Volendam before visiting the equally lovely village of Edam.

Afterward, you may wish to visit one of the many Christmas markets in the city. Perhaps sample delicious Dutch treats such as Oliebollen and Poffertjes, peruse the stalls for some last-minute traditional gifts, or simply wander the streets taking in the magic of Amsterdam at this special time of year.

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Say farewell to Amsterdam after breakfast, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Opal

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,090 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
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Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
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Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
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Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Select a Date
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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