Lucern's Old Town
Soak up the Christmas Spirit during a visit to the Old Town area
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Destinations
By Destination
Special DealsBy Mode of Travel
Small Group Tour and River Cruise
The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe
Zurich → Amsterdam
Trip Code: EUMCRCH27
Your Vacation Includes
- Experiences in 26 destinations
- 14 nights on a luxury river ship and 12 nights' luxury land accommodation
- Freedom of Choice inclusions
- A total of 61 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- The services of expert tour and cruise directors
- Butler, room service and laundry (select suites)
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities
- Enjoy a private reception at the Glacier Bar at the top of Jungfraujoch
Map & Itinerary
Zurich → Amsterdam
Signature Experiences
Designed Exclusively for APT guests
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options
Day
1
Arrive Zurich
Welcome to Switzerland. Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Later, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome reception.
Stay: Zurich Marriott Hotel
Day
2
Zurich, Basel
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
In Basel, delight in a leckerli cookie workshop. Originating in Basel, these traditional Swiss cookies were created by local spice merchants in the 1400s, and are now a popular treat and the pride of Basel. After learning how to bake like the locals do, indulge in sampling these chewy, nutty cookies flavoured with spices.
Explore Zurich on a guided tour before travelling to Basel to enjoy a Signature Experience. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay: Basel, Hotel D
Daily :
Day
3
Basel, Bern, Montreux
Today, stop in the Swiss capital of Bern en route to Montreux. Here, your hotel the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is situated in a prime position overlooking Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Set out on a brief orientation tour of Montreux and discover the magical Christmas Markets.
Stay: Two Nights, Fairmont Le Montreux Palac, in a guaranteed Lake View Room
Daily :
Day
4
Montreux, Vevey
Call into the lakeside town of Vevey before a visit to Chaplin’s World, dedicated to the film artist Charlie Chaplin. Here, embark on a cinematic journey through time as you enter the manoir, a beautiful home that depicts the final 25 years of Chaplin’s life. You will also visit the museum’s old Hollywood-style studio where you can immerse yourself in the world of silent film. Afterwards, take a stroll around the surrounding four-hectare garden estate. This afternoon, browse the displays of the Vevey Christmas markets.
Daily :
Day
5
Montreux, Gstaad, Grindelwald
Today you will board the Golden Pass train and journey to Gstaad where you will learn why Switzerland is renowned for having some of the finest cheese in the world. Visit Kase-Grotte (the Cheese Grotto), where you’ll enter the magnificent cave that houses more than 3,000 cheese varieties, which of course is followed by a tasting. Later, reboard the Golden Pass to Zweisimmen where you will travel by coach to the quintessential Swiss resort village of Grindelwald. Here you’ll stay in a traditional hotel with rooms offering stunning views over Eiger mountain.
Stay: Three Nights, Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald
Daily :
Day
6
Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Make the most of the fairytale winter setting with a private reception at the Glacier Bar.
Today you will ascend 3,466 metres above sea level as you board a funicular train to Jungfraujoch. Affectionately known as the ‘Top of Europe’, this climb up the Bernese Alps offers sensational views along the journey and at the summit. Here, we’ve organised a special Signature Experience.
Daily :
Day
7
Grindelwald
We’ve set aside a full day for you to explore more of this Swiss resort village at your leisure.
Daily :
Day
8
Grindelwald, Lucerne
After breakfast, travel to Lucerne and explore this picturesque lakeside town. This evening enjoy dinner at a traditional fondue restaurant.
Stay: Two Nights, Lucerne, Art Deco Hotel Montana
Daily :
Day
9
Lucerne
Today enjoy a magical Christmas walking tour. On your tour, hear about the seasonal traditions of Lucerne while wandering the many stalls of Lucerne’s Christmas markets. You’ll be sure to feel the magic of the festive spirit come alive.
Daily :
Day
10
Lucerne, Bad Ragaz, Flims
Today you will travel to the wine region of Bad Ragaz, a region renowned for its thermal springs and wine. Here, visit a family run local winery to sample some of the wines produced on the estate, and gain an insight in to how wine and other fresh produce was cultivated here over 1,000 years ago. Enjoy a light traditional lunch. Later, journey to the ski resort town of Flims.
Stay: Two Nights, Waldhaus Flims
Daily :
Day
11
Flims
Today, travel along a series of picturesque trails on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Enjoy a dinner this evening at your hotel.
Daily :
Day
12
Flims, Zurich
Travel to the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a guided tour. Return to Zurich and browse the enchanting Christmas markets. This evening, a farewell dinner awaits.
Stay: Zurich Marriott Hotel
Daily :
Day
13
Depart Zurich, Budapest, Embark Ship
Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Budapest. On arrival we transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.
Stay: 14 Nights, a Concerto River Ship
Daily :
Day
14
Budapest
Start the day with a guided discovery of Budapest and delve into its most fascinating sights. You’ll also have the chance to get into the festive spirit with a visit to the city’s charming Christmas markets.
Daily :
Day
15
Vienna
Take in Vienna’s Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you’ll come to realise that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.
Daily :
Day
16
Vienna
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the traditional Christmas market in the Parade Court. Or tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava.
Spend this morning on your preferred activity and this evening on a Signature Experience.
Daily :
Day
17
Durnstein, Melk (Christmas Eve)
Enjoy free time to explore Durnstein, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world.
Daily :
Day
18
Linz, Passau (Christmas Day)
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Head to Salzburg to visit some of the sites featured in The Sound of Music. After your tour you will have free time for lunch, which you may choose to spend sampling the Christmas fare at the Salzburg Market. During your free time, perhaps try traditional Christmas cookies, mulled wine or just enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of this medieval beauty.
Celebrate a magical Christmas Day as you choose how you’d like to spend the day with a selection of experiences available. Later, enjoy a traditional Christmas feast on board your ship with all the trimmings.
Daily :
Day
19
Regensburg
Discover Regensburg today. Explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. During free time, perhaps visit the Christmas Market.
Daily :
Day
20
Nuremberg
Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg’s history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Afterwards, enjoy free time at the Market Square, home to one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, the Christkindlmarkt.
Daily :
Day
21
Bamberg
On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer. During your free time you may wish to peruse the Christmas Market in Maximiliansplatz. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.
Daily :
Day
22
Wurzburg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Embark on a tour of Wurzburg Residence. Perhaps journey to Rothenburg. Or meet the locals with a visit to a family-owned farm, where a home-baked morning tea is on the menu.
Choose from three exciting activities today. This afternoon, perhaps spend your free time enjoying the picturesque Christmas Market in Wurzburg's Old Town.
Daily :
Day
23
Miltenberg
Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestone streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own.
Daily :
Day
24
Rudesheim, Koblenz (New Year's Eve)
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Enjoy a gondola ride or a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Dock in Rudesheim, where you’ll choose your activity, followed by free time to enjoy the festive atmosphere or perhaps sample a local Rudesheimer coffee in a cosy cafe. Later, cruise through the Rhine Valley to Koblenz. Here, perhaps join your cruise director for an evening stroll through the charming village. Tonight, bid farewell to 2023 in style with New Year’s Eve celebrations in full swing courtesy of your onboard entertainment.
Daily :
Day
25
Koblenz, Cologne
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Castle Schloss Paffendorf for guided tour and a morning tea.
On this New Year’s Day, cruise to Andernach for a Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to The Netherlands.
Daily :
Day
26
Amsterdam
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Cruise the canals on a glass-top boat. Or visit Zaanse Schans. Otherwise, stay on board and relax and unwind.
Arrive into Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Daily :
Day
27
Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Daily :From the Australian Outback and Europe’s waterways to the icescapes of Antarctica and far beyond, we won’t just take you there, we’ll immerse you in the wonders of each and every place you visit
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