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Rhine Christmas Markets with Bruges: 11 days Zurich to Brussels

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Operated by Scenic
Tripcode: AU-6ae3bcd72526e746c
Overview
Destination:
Belgium
Switzerland
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Brussels, Belgium
Duration:11 days
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
December 2027 - December 2027

Christmas market delights in Europe

Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine in a Scenic Space-Ship decked out in festive finery.
Embrace the magic of the festive season as you sail along the legendary Rhine River. Explore Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest market in France, which has been captivating visitors for more than 400 years. Be enchanted by fairytale villages dusted with snow and lively squares decorated with twinkling lights and huge Christmas trees. You’ll also sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, visit Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest and enjoy an exclusive private concert in the grand Bruchsal Palace. Throughout your journey, experience the enchantment of the magical traditions of Christmas, from the fragrant aroma of gluhwein and roasted chestnuts to bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.
Standard inclusions
  • Soak up the festive atmosphere in Europe during visits to the Christmas Markets along the Rhine River
  • 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
  • Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
  • Discover Heidelberg Castle sitting above the wonderful city of Heidelberg
  • 1 Scenic Enrich experience with a private classical evening concert at a spectacular Baroque Palace – Exclusive to Scenic
  • Discover the winemaking town of Rüdesheim
  • Personalise your trip with 4 included Scenic Freechoice activities
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Zurich > Basel

Welcome to Zurich, transfer to Basel where the crew of your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship will warmly greet you. Raise your glass to the marvelous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:30 PM.

Day 2 - Breisach

Take the morning to enjoy the luxuries of your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. 

You’ll arrive in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this afternoon.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:

Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.

Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.

Day 3 - Kehl

This morning you will wake up in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.   

Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. After your guided tour you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe with the town squares and pedestrian zone coming alive with festive cheer.

Day 4 - Mannheim

You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also the home of some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today you can choose from  a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer:

Orientation tour of Heidelberg: From Mannheim, you will transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own.

Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel located in the castle’s Cellar.

Scenic Enrich
Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace: Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert. Your memorable performance will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

Day 5 - Rüdesheim

This morning you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. 

Take a mini- train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

Day 6 - Rüdesheim > Cologne

At dawn, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After sailing past spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, auto industry and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.  

Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas Markets, where local vendeors sell delicious treats and decorations. 

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas.

Day 7 - Düsseldorf

Early this morning you’ll arrive in  Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revelers and the famed Konigsallee is lined with traditional market stalls. 

Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.

Day 8 - Amsterdam > Bruges

This morning disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer via coach to Bruges, the historic Flemish city founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. Upon arrival you will check into your wonderfully located hotel.

Day 9 - Bruges

This morning you will have the pleasure of exploring Bruges’ beautifully preserved medieval centre as you embark on a walking tour with your local guide. Meander through cobbled laneways to charming town squares, see sights such as the Belfry of Bruges, the medieval bell tower and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient town.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner featuring delicious Flemish cuisine. 

Day 10 - Bruges

Scenic Freechoice:
Immerse yourself in Bruges with Scenic Freechoice activities:

Canal Cruise: Delight in a cruise through the canals of Bruges and see the sights of the city from a different angle. Admire medieval architecture at its best as you gently cruise under bridges and past the idyllic swans that grace these canals.

Beer & Chocolate tasting: Bruges is famous for many things, beer and chocolate chief among them. Join a local guide and gain an understanding of the city's storied history in crafting these delicacies.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure; if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 366 steps of the Belfry Tower for breathtaking city views or indulge in the irresistible flavours of Belgian waffles at a nearby eatery. 

Day 11 - Bruges

After breakfast, farewell beautiful Bruges. You’ll transfer via coach to Brussels Airport for the journey home, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Please book your flight to depart out of Brussels after 03:00 PM.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Scenic

At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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10 nights
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