11 Night Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland Cruise and Land Tour from Amsterdam

Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings, and Christmas trees decorating historic squares, Amsterdam is not only pretty to wander, it's also steeped in history, art, and an undeniable festive atmosphere. This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler upon request, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, after lunch. Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, thriving auto industry, and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural center for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous UNESCO World Heritage site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but remained standing tall above the ruins of the city. Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historic Old Town, which is home to many breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer. Enjoy some free time to visit the city's centerpiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally, is also the location for magnificent Christmas markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don't forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart during dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, like hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread, and mulled wine, all on offer in this lovely town.

You will arrive in Koblenz this morning. Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, Koblenz is a melange of French and German cultures and one of Germany's oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest and mountain ranges, and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. During the festive season, the city sparkles with thousands of lights strung along the streets and many buildings illuminated with colorful projections.

You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a 'chessboard city' for its streets that were methodically laid out like a grid in the 17th century, it is also famous as the home of some of the world's most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz, who set up his workshop in the city. Nearby, the city of Heidelberg is a truly romantic setting, with an 18th-century arch bridge that straddles the Neckar River and a 16th-century ruined castle on the hillside looming above town.

This morning, you will arrive in Rastatt. Enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast in Crystal Dining before your excursion to Baden-Baden, famous for its Roman baths. Located on the fringes of the Black Forest, this luxurious town was a favored summer escape during the Belle Epoque and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It oozes relaxation, has tranquil green spaces, many pretty public gardens, and grand historical architecture.

Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this morning. It's the capital city of the Alsace region, where sherbet-colored, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. On its central island, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Ile, is the Petite France district, so named for the 15th-century hospital that was built here for patients suffering from syphilis, the 'French disease'. It is also known as the tanners' quarter, thanks to its medieval industries. Its meandering cobbled laneways are lined with a medley of buildings with shuttered windows and bright flowerboxes. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this charming town, taking in many of its most important sights including the Cathedral, Petite France, the Grande Ile and its beautiful canals. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and ownership of the town has changed hands many times between the two countries. Due to this, Strasbourg is a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. You will be driven to Strasbourg, passing many notable sites, including the European Parliament on your way. 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. Make the most of your time at the Christmas markets before your Scenic Space-Ship sets sail after lunch bound for Basel.

Disembark and transfer to Vevey. Learn about one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin World Museum. Stay two nights in Montreux.

Why not take the opportunity to wake early and walk along a section of the path that runs around the shore of Lake Geneva. There are beautiful views over the calm water, with boats bobbing at anchor and mountains in the distance. You can join the path right out the front of the hotel. You'll be thankful you made time for some exercise, because today you're going to dive into the gooey cheese culture of Montreux.

It's back on the road this morning for your first taste of the Swiss Alps in the village of Gstaad. A favorite with the international jet set, Gstaad is renowned as a ski resort in winter and an outdoor adventure playground in summer. The first thing you'll see is the magnificent Gstaad Palace hotel, which looks like a fairytale castle perched above the tiny village. Stroll through the chic shopping district and admire the jaw-dropping views. Arriving in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, check into your luxurious hotel for some well-deserved rest.

From Bern, travel through the impossibly pretty town of Lucerne. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Lake Lucerne, you'll find exquisite medieval architecture, a 685-year-old wooden footbridge (the oldest in Europe), and glimpses of the majestic Alps in the distance. This afternoon, we arrive in the city of Zurich, the largest in the country and one of the most livable in the world. Here, residents cycle along wide streets, relax in leafy parks, and dine under the stars in open-air restaurants. It's known as a global financial center, but there's also one of Europe's most eclectic cultural scenes, world-class contemporary art, and a fascinating history. Set off on foot this afternoon for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world's great walking cities, with a flat center, many pedestrian-only streets, and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main street that's lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores. Straddling both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich's Old Town is a pleasant jumble of tiny laneways, cobbled squares, and medieval buildings. Don't miss St Peter's Church, where the original 9th-century foundations are still visible beneath the chancel, and the iconic twin towers of the Grossmunster church. Check into your grand hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay.

After one final sumptuous breakfast - and a last cup of delectable Swiss hot chocolate - it's time to say farewell to Switzerland.