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Sail into the magic of Christmas along the legendary Rhine
Spend a festive week cruising between Amsterdam and Zurich aboard an all-inclusive, 5-star Scenic Space-Ship, with fairytale towns, twinkling lights and centuries-old Christmas markets at every turn. Wander Düsseldorf's Old Town and Cologne's markets beneath the city's great cathedral, cruise the castle-lined Rhine Gorge to winemaking Rüdesheim, and explore Heidelberg from Mannheim.
In Strasbourg, discover the 400-year-old Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in France, and the towering tree in Place Kléber, before finishing among the glowing squares and markets of Basel. A highlight is the Scenic Enrich private classical concert at the grand Baroque Bruchsal Palace, exclusive to Scenic guests.
On board, choose from up to five dining experiences, enjoy complimentary premium beverages all day, butler service for every suite and up to six included Scenic Freechoice activities, with all tipping and gratuities included. Departures operate in both directions, Amsterdam to Zurich and Zurich to Amsterdam, through December 2027.
Itinerary shown is for Amsterdam to Zurich departures. Zurich to Amsterdam departures operate the same journey in reverse.
Day 1 - Amsterdam
Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and Christmas trees decorating historic squares. A wanderer’s delight, Amsterdam is steeped in history, art and an undeniable festive atmosphere.
This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.
Scenic transfers are only available for flights arriving into Amsterdam prior to 05:00 PM.
Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2 - Düsseldorf
Take the morning to enjoy the luxuries of your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining.
This afternoon you’ll arrive in Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revellers, and the famed Königsallee is lined with traditional market stalls.
Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne
Today you will arrive in Cologne, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, thriving auto industry, and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city’s centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas markets, where local vendors sell delicious treats and decorations.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas like hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Rüdesheim
Cruise into the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. The stunning 65 kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden. Disembark in Rüdesheim, a quaint town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.
Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Mannheim
You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also home to some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.
Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. The town is particularly charming at Christmas, with elaborate decorations, a traditional market, ice skating rink and plenty of festive treats to try.
Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel located in the castle’s cellar.
Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace. Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert featuring accomplished musicians and a soloist.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Strasbourg
Arrive in Strasbourg today. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Over Christmas, the city is home to almost a dozen traditional markets as well as the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe, standing over 30 metres tall in Place Kléber.
Scenic Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:
Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Join your local guide on a walking tour of the city, visiting the cathedral and the charming Petite France district. After your guided tour, you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe, with the town squares and pedestrian zone coming alive with festive cheer.
Alsace Christmas beer – brewery visit: The cherished tradition of Christmas beer, or Bière de Noël, dates back to the Middle Ages and blends local brewing heritage with festive spirit. Learn about this regional tradition in the Alsace, considered to be France’s most prominent beer-producing region, during a tasting.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Basel (Huningue)
Arrive in Basel (Huningue) today, the cultural capital of Switzerland. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a picturesque riverside setting, it’s one of the most charming cities in Europe at any time of year. Over Christmas, it is even more appealing – the beautifully decorated Old Town glows with twinkling lights, while the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifts from the traditional Christmas markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Scenic Freechoice: Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:
Guided tour of Basel with market visit: Step into the festive charm of Basel on a guided walk through the Old Town, where cobbled streets twinkle with fairy lights and historic facades shimmer with seasonal cheer. Discover the majestic Basel Minster, wander past elegant boutiques and galleries, and admire the tree in Münsterplatz. Your tour culminates at the famous Basel Christmas markets – a feast for the senses with handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and warming mulled wine.
Läckerli baking workshop: Immerse yourself in a sweet Basel tradition at a Läckerli baking workshop. Under the guidance of a local baker, learn the art of crafting these iconic spiced honey cookies, a cherished treat dating back to the 15th century, as you roll, shape and decorate your own batch.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Basel (Huningue) > Zurich
Your tour concludes this morning. After one final breakfast on board, transfer to Zurich airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking with you a lifetime of magical memories of Christmas in Europe.
Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from what is stated above. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions.
28 November – 5 December 30 November – 7 December 6 December – 13 December 7 December – 14 December 12 December – 19 December 14 December – 21 December
2027 – Zurich to Amsterdam
5 December – 12 December 7 December – 14 December 13 December – 20 December 14 December – 21 December
*Advertised pricing is per person twin share in a Standard Suite, based on the 06 December 2027 departure and includes Super Earlybird savings of $1,400pp, valid for new bookings made by 31 October 2026. Super Earlybird requires full payment 10 months prior to departure. Suite pricing shown is the lowest available across the December 2027 departures and varies by departure. All pricing and offers are subject to availability and may change without notice. Correct as of 12 October 2026.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
