Festive Markets
Wander through Basel's enchanting Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere
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Small Group Tour
The Festive Spirit of Switzerland with Magnificent Europe
Zurich to Amsterdam
Trip Code: EUMCRCH27
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Trip Highlights
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Map & Itinerary
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Travel & Accommodation
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 60 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 to 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: Hotel Ambassador Zürich, a Small Luxury Hotel
Day
2
Zurich, Basel
Explore Zurich on a guided tour before travelling to Basel, where you will visit the Christmas market. Revel in the festive spirit at the Christmas markets, where twinkling lights and mulled wine are on display. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay: Basel, Hotel D
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Day
3
Basel, Bern, Montreux
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.
Head underground to see the historic city walls of Basel, before a festive Signature Experience. Later, 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.
Stay: Two Nights, Fairmont Le Montreux Palac, in a guaranteed Lake View Room
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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.
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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
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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.
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7
Grindelwald
We’ve set aside a full day for you to explore more of this Swiss resort village at your leisure.
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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, The Hotel Lucerne, Autograph Collection
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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.
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10
Lucerne, Flims
Today you will travel to the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a guided tour. Later, journey to the ski resort town of Flims.
Stay: Two Nights, Waldhaus Flims
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11
Flims
Today, travel along a series of picturesque trails on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Enjoy a progressive dinner this evening as you dine at different restaurants at your hotel.
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12
Flims, Bad Ragaz, Zurich
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. Return to Zurich and browse the enchanting Christmas markets. This evening, a farewell dinner awaits.
Stay: Hotel Ambassador Zürich, a Small Luxury Hotel
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Day
13
Zurich, Budapest, Embark Ship
Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Budapest. On arrival 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
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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. Later, set sail for Vienna.
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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.
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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.
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17
Durnstein, Melk
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.
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18
Linz, Passau
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Head to Salzburg to visit some of the sites featured in The Sound of Music. Or set off into the Czech Republic, where Cesky Krumlov awaits.
How your day unfolds is up to you with several activities on offer.
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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.
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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 to explore.
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21
Bamberg
On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer.
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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.
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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.
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24
Rudesheim,
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.
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25
Andernach
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Namedy Castle for a morning tea and piano recital.
Today enjoy a Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to The Netherlands.
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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.
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27
Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Daily :It has been a privilege to welcome so many guests aboard APT’s award-winning journeys, and a joy to see those guests fall in love with each new experience the world presents.