Arrive in Amsterdam and board your elegantly decorated river cruise ship. You’ll have free time before and after dinner to take a stroll through the city, perhaps to see the Christmas tree in Dam Square or watch locals ice skate in front of the Rijksmuseum. Catch a glimpse of the radiant installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival, set up annually along the city’s canals. (Meals: D)

Glide through Amsterdam’s medieval heart on a private canal cruise, enjoying an intimate view of city streets and important monuments adorned with holiday décor. Learn about the city’s innovative canal system, a marvel of 17th-century engineering and urban planning, as you cruise beneath picturesque bridges and past gabled houses. In the afternoon, sail south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Take a walking tour of the town or sample Dutch beers during a tasting tour. Alternatively, visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)

Spend a relaxing morning cruising through scenic countryside to Düsseldorf. Stay in Düsseldorf for an afternoon bike ride or a walking tour of the historic center and its Christmas Market. Or head to Cologne, where the diverse architecture ranges from Romanesque churches to avant-garde buildings erected after the Allied bombings of World War II. Choose between a guided walk through the Old Town visiting the Fischmarkt and seeing Great St. Martin Church, or join an archaeological walking tour of its extensive Roman sites and the Belgian House where many Roman artifacts are on display. Venture into one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets, set against the soaring backdrop of the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to wander among the stalls, sipping a glühwein if you wish, or nibbling on lebkuchen (gingerbread). (Meals: B,L,D)

Enter the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Rhine Gorge. Here, more than 40 medieval castles perch on bluffs high over the river and charming villages dot the riverbanks, twinkling with holiday spirit at this time of year. Hear the legend of Lorelei Rock as you glide toward Rüdesheim, a gateway to the Rheingau wine region. Choose from a range of excursions: visit a wine cellar for a tasting of Rheingau wines, go on a hike or a guided bike ride, or ride a gondola over the vineyards, taking in stunning views. Then experience holiday traditions from around the world at the town’s Christmas Market. Later, see whimsical self-playing instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s specialties: Rüdesheimer coffee. (Meals: B,L,D)

From the riverside town of Ludwigshafen, explore your choice of historic Rhineland cities and their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and centuries-old university. Here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Market. Or hike along the historic Philosopher’s Path, enjoying views of Heidelberg’s castle and the city below, then enjoy free time to browse the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, bike along the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and tour the Technik Museum to see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle. You’ll have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Münze). (Meals: B,L,D)

Strasbourg becomes even more enchanting during the season of Advent. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the oldest Christmas Market in France and one of the largest. Walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely Petite France district, where timeless, half-timbered houses line winding canals. See the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock and then delve into the town’s famous Christmas Market, perhaps sampling a vin chaud or one of the city’s famous Christmas cookies. Alternatively, opt to visit the seat of the European Parliament on a guided tour (subject to availability). You may also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Later this afternoon, opt to visit the historic spa town of Baden-Baden and its romantic Christmas Markets. (Meals: B,L,D)

Go ashore in the German town of Breisach, poised on the border between the Alsace region of France and Germany’s Black Forest. In the fairytale Alsatian town of Colmar, experience a whimsical blend of French and German culture, and choose to tour the home of August Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, or explore the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, venture to the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel, or ride a bicycle through the countryside around Breisach. (Meals: B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (Meals: B)

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (Meals: B,D)

Glide through Amsterdam’s medieval heart on a private canal cruise, enjoying an intimate view of city streets and important monuments adorned with holiday décor. Learn about the city’s innovative canal system, a marvel of 17th-century engineering and urban planning, as you cruise beneath picturesque bridges and past gabled houses. In the afternoon, sail south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Take a walking tour of the town or sample Dutch beers during a tasting tour. Alternatively, visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)

Spend a relaxing morning cruising through scenic countryside to Düsseldorf. Stay in Düsseldorf for an afternoon bike ride or a walking tour of the historic center and its Christmas Market. Or head to Cologne, where the diverse architecture ranges from Romanesque churches to avant-garde buildings erected after the Allied bombings of World War II. Choose between a guided walk through the Old Town visiting the Fischmarkt and seeing Great St. Martin Church, or join an archaeological walking tour of its extensive Roman sites and the Belgian House where many Roman artifacts are on display. Venture into one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets, set against the soaring backdrop of the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to wander among the stalls, sipping a glühwein if you wish, or nibbling on lebkuchen (gingerbread). (Meals: B,L,D)

Enter the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Rhine Gorge. Here, more than 40 medieval castles perch on bluffs high over the river and charming villages dot the riverbanks, twinkling with holiday spirit at this time of year. Hear the legend of Lorelei Rock as you glide toward Rüdesheim, a gateway to the Rheingau wine region. Choose from a range of excursions: visit a wine cellar for a tasting of Rheingau wines, go on a hike or a guided bike ride, or ride a gondola over the vineyards, taking in stunning views. Then experience holiday traditions from around the world at the town’s Christmas Market. Later, see whimsical self-playing instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s specialties: Rüdesheimer coffee. (Meals: B,L,D)

From the riverside town of Ludwigshafen, explore your choice of historic Rhineland cities and their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and centuries-old university. Here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Market. Or hike along the historic Philosopher’s Path, enjoying views of Heidelberg’s castle and the city below, then enjoy free time to browse the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, bike along the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and tour the Technik Museum to see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle. You’ll have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Münze). (Meals: B,L,D)

Strasbourg becomes even more enchanting during the season of Advent. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the oldest Christmas Market in France and one of the largest. Walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely Petite France district, where timeless, half-timbered houses line winding canals. See the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock and then delve into the town’s famous Christmas Market, perhaps sampling a vin chaud or one of the city’s famous Christmas cookies. Alternatively, opt to visit the seat of the European Parliament on a guided tour (subject to availability). You may also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Later this afternoon, opt to visit the historic spa town of Baden-Baden and its romantic Christmas Markets. (Meals: B,L,D)

Go ashore in the German town of Breisach, poised on the border between the Alsace region of France and Germany’s Black Forest. In the fairytale Alsatian town of Colmar, experience a whimsical blend of French and German culture, and choose to tour the home of August Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, or explore the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, venture to the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel, or ride a bicycle through the countryside around Breisach. (Meals: B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (Meals: B)

Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Continue the holiday revelry with a visit to Lucerne’s Christmas Markets. (Meals: B)

Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (Meals: B)

Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall as wall as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (Meals: B)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (Meals: B)