Scenic Jade, 12 Night Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland ex Amsterdam to Zurich ex Amsterdam, Rivers to Zurich, Switzerland

Day 1
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.

Please book your flight to arrive into Amsterdam prior to 06:00 PM.

Day 2
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 revelers and the famed Konigsallee 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.

Day 3
Today you will arrive in Cologne before lunch.

Cologne is 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.

Day 4
Cruise into the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After passing spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty 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.

Day 5
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 on offer:Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will 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.Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to 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 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. Your memorable performance will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

Day 6
Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this morning. Strasbourg, is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. 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.

Day 7
Wake up in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this morning.

Scenic Freechoice: Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Minster cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.

Day 8
Your extension begins in Basel, where a walking tour will reveal the highlights of the city. See spectacular views of the Rhine as well as the Basel Minster and City Hall. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover the city’s famous Christmas Markets, said to be some of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.

Later you’ll travel to Montreux, the stunning lakeside town renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps. Check into your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 9
This morning, explore the mesmerising town of Montreux on your own or perhaps relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. For lunch, a quintessential Swiss experience awaits you.

Scenic Train ride and fondue lunch: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in your private demonstration, the cheese maker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes.

Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Montreux Christmas Markets.

Day 10
After departing Montreux, ascend the Swiss Alps to the charming alpine village of Gstaad. Known as a premier ski resort, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the village, followed by some free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

This afternoon you’ll arrive at Bern, the Swiss capital. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed thanks to its medieval heritage. Your Tour Director will take you on a tour of this delightful city. See its many fountains, sandstone facades and narrow streets and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the riverbank since 1857.

Day 11
Today you’ll depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval architecture. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets.

Afterwards, you’ll travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. Set off on foot for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with a flat centre, many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores.

Day 12
Depart after breakfast for your onward journey, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland with you.

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 our terms and conditions.

Scenic Crystal, Scenic Jewel and Scenic Jade joined the Scenic luxury fleet in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

These ships feature outdoor balconies that convert into all-weather Scenic Sun-Lounges on the European waterways and have newly designed guest rooms with 32-inch, flat screen, high definition televisions as well as six on board dining restaurants. Even the bar in the main lounge is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

On both Scenic Crystal and Scenic Jewel we are delighted to offer the additional choice of a spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship, these suites offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites, with even more space to relax.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Jade - Jewel Deck

Scenic Jade - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Jade - Diamond Deck

Scenic Jade - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat RO - Royal Owner's Suite

One bedroom suite including Scenic Sun Lounge – 48m2/520ft2. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (48m2/520ft2), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat D - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat E - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat R - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RA - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

Cat PD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat PP - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat A - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat RJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat BJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat BS - Single Balcony Suite

129 square foot suite with spacious bathroom with shower, flat screen TV and infotainment system and spacious outdoor balcony featuring Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’.

Cat BD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.