13 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise with Amsterdam & Lucerne - Amsterdam to Basel Monarch Duchess
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- Day 1DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for the NetherlandsSun, Dec 06, 2026Depart for the Netherlands
- Day 2DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in AmsterdamMon, Dec 07, 2026Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Amsterdam - Day 3DAY 3, 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. The rest of the day is on your own
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast - Day 4DAY 4, Wednesday - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise EmbarkationWed, Dec 09, 2026This morning visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. 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 - Leisure Morning, Afternoon CruisingThu, Dec 10, 2026Spend the morning at leisure on board or pick up some last-minute Dutch souvenirs. This afternoon, the ship sets sail south for Germany
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6DAY 6, Friday - Cologne City Tour & Christmas MarketFri, Dec 11, 2026Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you have lunch on board. 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 markets on your own this afternoon. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7DAY 7, Saturday - Morning in Koblenz & Christmas Market, Afternoon CruisingSat, Dec 12, 2026The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning 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 explore Koblenz's picturesque Christmas market, located in the Old Town with a variety of stalls full of decorations, holiday gifts, and gingerbread. At noon, set sail and spend a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship cruises 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. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8DAY 8, Sunday - Afternoon in SpeyerSun, Dec 13, 2026Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 13th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 9DAY 9, Monday - Strasbourg City Tour & Christmas MarketMon, Dec 14, 2026A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover 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, return to the ship as you sail towards Breisach in the Rhine Valley
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 10DAY 10, Tuesday - Breisach Walking TourTue, Dec 15, 2026Arrive this morning in the small city 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 Basel. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
*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 11DAY 11, Wednesday - Disembarkation, Mount Pilatus & Lucerne City TourWed, Dec 16, 2026This morning, meet your local host as you disembark in Basel and drive to Lucerne with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama, where you spend two nights in the center of the Swiss Alps. Upon arrival, ascend Mount Pilatus to take in the gorgeous panorama from nearly 7000 feet. Continue to the city center to view the Lion Monument, erected in memory of the heroic death of Swiss guards, one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. Proceed to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast - Day 12DAY 12, Thursday - Full Day in LucerneThu, Dec 17, 2026Today is free to explore this lovely city at the heart of central Switzerland nestled on Lake Lucerne. See the historic houses lining the lovely town squares in the well-preserved medieval Old City, walk along the waterfront promenade or perhaps discover the lake on a paddlewheel steamer cruise. On your last night in Lucerne, treat yourself to a superb meal at one of the many world-class restaurants that string the lake
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast - Day 13DAY 13, Friday - Depart SwitzerlandFri, Dec 18, 2026Transfer to the airport in Zurich for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Countries 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: Passengers returning from Basel on day 11 should select flights that depart no earlier than 10 AM. 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.