11 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise with Zurich - Basel to Amsterdam Monarch Duchess
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- Day 1DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for SwitzerlandSun, Nov 29, 2026Depart for Switzerland
- Day 2DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in ZurichMon, Nov 30, 2026Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's financial center and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Tonight, meet your local host and celebrate your arrival with a drink
Overnight: Zurich - Day 3DAY 3, Tuesday - City Tour of Zurich & Christmas MarketTue, Dec 01, 2026Begin the city tour with a panoramic drive through the trendy Zurich West district and continuing to the city center of Zurich. Passing the National Museum, you will catch a glimpse of the famous shopping street "Bahnhofstrasse" and enjoy a magnificent view over Zurich. The tour concludes with a short leisurely walk through the picturesque Old Town with sights such as the Fraumünster, St. Peter's Chruch, the Grossmünster and the Limmatquai. Spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the lively Christmas market on your own
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Breakfast - Day 4DAY 4, Wednesday - Travel to Lucerne & City Tour, Cruise Embarkation in BaselWed, Dec 02, 2026This morning, depart Zurich and travel to picturesque Lucerne. On arrival, embark on a city tour that begins at the Lion Monument, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards, during the French Revolution. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Afterward, free time to explore and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, head to the port in Basel for your cruise embarkation. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 5DAY 5, Thursday - Breisach Walking TourThu, Dec 03, 2026Arrive this morning in the small town of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Colmar, nestled in the heart of the Alsace region*. Begin the walking tour in the heart of Colmar's Old Town. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-adorned canals. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship, as it sets sail for Strasbourg
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included walking tour of Breisach.
Optional: Half Day Colmar Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6DAY 6, Friday - Strasbourg City Tour & Christmas MarketFri, Dec 04, 2026Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. Visit France's largest and oldest Christmas market on your own this afternoon. Taste the tiny traditional cakes of Alsace called bredeles and stroll the stalls that stretch as far as the eye can see with artisans showing off their handcrafted wares. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread delights at the themed markets radiating from the center, featuring a towering Christmas tree and streets aglow with lights and decorations. This evening, the ship sets sail towards Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7DAY 7, Saturday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in RudesheimSat, Dec 05, 2026This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans, or alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. The ship will continue sailing this morning and passengers joining the tour will rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rudesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. Perhaps take a leisurely walk through town, or visit a quaint wine tavern
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8DAY 8, Sunday - Afternoon in Koblenz & Christmas MarketSun, Dec 06, 2026This morning take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour, followed by free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year-old city. Before returning to the ship, be sure to check Koblenz's picturesque Christmas market, located in the Old Town with a variety of stalls full of decorations, holiday gifts, and gingerbread
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 9DAY 9, Monday - Cologne City Tour& Christmas MarketMon, Dec 07, 2026Today the ship will dock in Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns. Explore the city's Christmas market on your own. The festively decorated stalls offer Christmas specialties, straw stars, tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles, and much more
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 10DAY 10, Tuesday - Amsterdam City TourTue, Dec 08, 2026Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening, bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 11DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart the NetherlandsWed, Dec 09, 2026This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
Rivers Visited
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Inclusions
Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
River Cruise Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
River Cruise Features & Amenities
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Not Included: Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: . Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
The only negative experience was the Hotel breakfast in Prague. Most of the hot entrees were cold. The tour guides and staff were excellent. They were very knowledgeable it made our travel experiences even better.
All staff were wonderful! The guides and tour directors were very knowledgeable and engaging with all of us. I have been on 6 GATE1 trips to date and have enjoyed them all.