7 Night Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles (Christmas Markets) Cruise from Basel (Saxon)

Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland's third-largest city. Long an important university, banking, and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square, and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel's Christmas markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lake Lucerne is known for its Lion Monument - the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 - which Mark Twain described as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world". Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lake Lucerne, you'll also see Lake Lucerne's spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas markets. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique before walking through its iconic "La Petite France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour, you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach and stroll through the town's narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th-century town hall. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft, and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rudesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town's cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city's most impressive Christmas markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.