TRAVEL ITINERARIES FOR THE FEARLESS EXPLORER
Bend, OR | 609-933-1763
Magical Christmas Market Cruise
Come and join us on one of the most magical trips of the world!
Destination: Uncharted is hosting a Christmas Market cruise down the Rhine from December 6 to 14 and
would love to have you with us.
​
For a glimpse of what this trip will be like, take a look at this video:
Itinerary
December 6 – Arrive at Zurich airport and make your way to your hotel in downtown Zurich. This is best done by train (not included in pricing). A private transfer can also be arranged. Relax into your room at the Hotel Schweizerhof for the night.
December 7 – Join the group for a fun walking tour of Zurich that will include tastes of Swiss cheese and chocolate. Back at the hotel, hop on the motor coach that will take you straight to the cruise terminal in Basel. Embark the ship in Basel and meet your fellow passengers and the crew at the welcome reception. (B, D)
​
December 8 - Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
December 9 - Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
​
December 10 - You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alte Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
December 11 - Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
​
December 12 - Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town of Cologne. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
December 13 - Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)
December 14 – Disembarkation in Amsterdam
Trip pricing
Included in the trip: 1 hotel night in Zurich, walking tour of Zurich, transfer to cruise terminal in Basel, 7 nights luxury accommodations in an outside stateroom aboard the AmaLucia; meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner); wifi; unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and orange juice with breakfast; cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks; tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments in the Main Lounge; one dinner at the Chef’s Table fine dining restaurant; several excursion options every day; airport transfers with purchase of air through Ama Waterways; port charges
Not included: international air; additional pre or post-cruise activities and accommodations; airport transfers if not purchasing air through Ama Waterways; laundry; passport fees; travel insurance; excess baggage or shipping charges; items of a personal nature such as gratuities, telephone / fax / internet charges, beverages, meals and services not specified in the itinerary.
A $650 per person deposit is due at the time of booking. $485 of this deposit is non-refundable. Further timeline and cancellation policy will be reviewed at the time of booking.
​
We highly recommend taking out travel insurance.
​
If you’re interested in joining us on this trip, please fill out the contact form below, call 609-933-1763 or email vicky.malakoff@destinationuncharted.com for more details and to book.