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Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

About This Cruise

Christmas markets delight

Admire festive decorations and twinkling lights along streets and squares – even your Scenic Space-Ship will be decked out in all the Christmas finery.

Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine. Visit charming Strasbourg, take in the spa resort town of Baden-Baden and Heidelberg Castle. Marvel at the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, explore Cologne’s Christmas markets, and discover the canals of Amsterdam. Throughout your journey, you will be enchanted by the magical traditions of Christmas, including the fragrant aroma of Gluhwein, roasted chestnuts and bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Scenic Jade is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Scenic Jade

Departure Date

12 December 2026

Cruise Line

Scenic

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Switzerland

Zurich

Start your journey in Zurich, where you’ll check in to your luxurious hotel for an overnight stay.

Switzerland

Zurich

Today, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Afterwards, depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Take a guided tour of the city, touching on its delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets. Arrive this afternoon in the Swiss capital of Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed for its medieval heritage. Enjoy a tour of this delightful city and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the riverbank since 1857.

Switzerland

Lucerne

Today, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Afterwards, depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Take a guided tour of the city, touching on its delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets. Arrive this afternoon in the Swiss capital of Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed for its medieval heritage. Enjoy a tour of this delightful city and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the riverbank since 1857.

Switzerland

Bern

Today, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Afterwards, depart for Lucerne. With its backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges, Lucerne encapsulates a traditional Swiss city. Take a guided tour of the city, touching on its delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings. Later, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne’s Christmas Markets. Arrive this afternoon in the Swiss capital of Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed for its medieval heritage. Enjoy a tour of this delightful city and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the riverbank since 1857.

Switzerland

Bern

For lunch, a quintessential Swiss experience awaits you.Scenic EnrichTrain 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.This afternoon you’ll arrive at Montreux. Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, it’s the ideal place to relax or to explore the jazz culture that still lives in the palace.

Switzerland

Montreux

For lunch, a quintessential Swiss experience awaits you.Scenic EnrichTrain 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.This afternoon you’ll arrive at Montreux. Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, it’s the ideal place to relax or to explore the jazz culture that still lives in the palace.

Switzerland

Montreux

Stop in the town of Vevey where you can immerse yourself in the world of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures with a stop at Chaplin’s World Museum. Explore the home, studio, and park that served as the sanctuary for the legendary comedian, Charlie Chaplin, during his 25 years of residence. Learn about his life, artistry, and lasting impact on the world of film as you take in the rich history and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Montreux Christmas Markets.

Switzerland

Montreux

Depart Montreux after breakfast bound for Basel. There, 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. Then embark your Scenic Space-Ship for your ultra-luxury European river cruise, taking with you some wonderful memories of Switzerland.

Switzerland

Basel

Depart Montreux after breakfast bound for Basel. There, 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. Then embark your Scenic Space-Ship for your ultra-luxury European river cruise, taking with you some wonderful memories of Switzerland.

Germany

Breisach

Take the morning to enjoy the luxuries of your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You’ll arrive in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this afternoon. 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 Cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.

Germany

Kehl

This morning you will wake up in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg. 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.

Germany

Mannheim

You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also the home of some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer:Orientation tour of Heidelberg: 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 EnrichPrivate 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.

Germany

Rüdesheim

This morning you’ll arrive 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.

Germany

Rüdesheim

At dawn, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After sailing past spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, 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 vendeors 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.

Germany

Cologne

At dawn, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After sailing past spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, 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 vendeors 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.

Germany

Düsseldorf

Early this morning 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.

Netherlands

Amsterdam

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your final port of Amsterdam to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.Please book your flight to depart out of Amsterdam after 10:00 AM.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.^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.

Overview

Christmas markets delight

Admire festive decorations and twinkling lights along streets and squares – even your Scenic Space-Ship will be decked out in all the Christmas finery.

Delight in the charms of a European Christmas as you cruise along the Rhine. Visit charming Strasbourg, take in the spa resort town of Baden-Baden and Heidelberg Castle. Marvel at the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, explore Cologne’s Christmas markets, and discover the canals of Amsterdam. Throughout your journey, you will be enchanted by the magical traditions of Christmas, including the fragrant aroma of Gluhwein, roasted chestnuts and bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.

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Suite

Royal Owner's Suite

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

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Royal Panorama Suite

These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

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 with our ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.

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Suite

Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.

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Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Beverage service in your suite
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe
  • Shoeshine and valet service. 

Suite

Single Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveller. Enjoy fantastic views from your full size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Beverage service in your suite
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe
  • Shoeshine and valet service. 

Suite

Standard Suite

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.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Personalised butler service
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Shoeshine and valet service
  • Nightly turndown service
  • In-suite safe.
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casual

Crystal Dining

Enjoy à la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Crystal Dining. Available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises, this main restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with local delicacies. 

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italian

Portobellos

With up to only 32 guests an evening, the exclusive and intimate Portobellos showcase sumptuous regional specialities. The delectable five-course menu features either Italian, French or Portuguese cuisine (depending on your cruise location), paired with elegant wines, and is available on all European river cruises.

fine

Table La Rive

Featuring a six-course degustation, the exclusive Table La Rive on our European river cruises offers an intimate dining experience for only 10 guests per evening. Guests staying on the Diamond Deck for 10 nights or longer, as well as Royal and Junior Suite guests staying for up to nine nights, will be invited by our Executive Chef.

casual

Riverview Terrace

Enjoy a refreshing afternoon aperitif or pick-me-up light bite on the Riverview Terrace, an open-air lounge and bar area located on the Sun Deck. Alfresco living doesn’t get better, with all-inclusive refreshments to complement the rapturous views.

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casual

River Café

Offering a casual dining experience, you can enjoy all-day grazing options, light snacks and tasty treats to suit your schedule. The River Café is available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises.

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room

In-Suite Dining

Choose to dine in the comfort of your luxurious suite, while taking in the incredible views and enjoy included room service throughout your cruise.  

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Lounge

Panorama Lounge

Explore our extensive wine list, relax with a coffee or catch-up with new-found friends at the Panorama Lounge & Bar. This is the main bar lounge on-board our Space-Ships, and it’s tastefully furnished to guarantee your comfort and enjoyment.

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Sun Deck

The Sun Deck

Make the most of every ray of sunshine with our purpose-built Sun Deck. Complete with deck chairs and a games area, this is a place to kick back and enjoy the view as your Space-Ship travels to its next destination.

Reception

Reception

Whatever you need on your cruise through Europe, our welcoming reception team is here to ensure your trip goes down without a hitch. The reception area is also the meeting point for the day’s shore excursions; you’ll find it in the middle of the Scenic Jade.

Bar

All Inclusive Beverages

Sit back and enjoy a beverage of your choice while cruising spectacular waterways, at your leisure. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or a full-bodied wine – the choice is yours.

You will enjoy:

  • Unlimited complimentary premium international beverages^, including international wines, beers and spirits
  • Full in-suite mini bar, restocked daily
  • Refillable water bottle for all onshore excursions
  • An extensive range of specialty teas and espresso coffees
  • This selection is available all day, every day.

*Exclusive invitation for Diamond Deck and Junior Suite guests cruising for 10 nights or more, or Royal and Junior Suite guests for 9 nights or fewer.

^All beverages are included except a very small number of fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits.

Observation Point

Wheelhouse

The Wheelhouse is where our expert crew pilot your Space-Ship, negotiating the twists and turns of the Danube with the utmost precision and care. Stop by to chat with the team and take a peek behind the scenes.
Art Gallery

Gallery

Our Gallery spaces are dedicated to showcasing works by local artists, so you feel connected to people and place in every destination. We believe little touches like this are what make our European river cruises so special.

Spa, Gym

Wellness Area

Maintain your wellness routine at our state-of-the-art gym, morning stretching classes^ with the Wellness Coach or rejuvenating spa treatments*. Exercise on the walking track on the Sun Deck or take a dip in the Vitality Pool.

Gym

Fitness Centre

Stay active on your travels with a visit to our designated Fitness Centre. Featuring the latest workout equipment, including both cardio and weight-training machines, this is a space where you can work up a sweat and get ready for another unforgettable day on the river.

Spa, Wellness

Salt Therapy Lounge

This innovative lounge is featured on most of our Space-Ships in Europe. The salt brick walls of the humidity and temperature-controlled lounge are known to offer a range of health benefits for respiratory and immune systems.

Pool, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Vitality Pool

Admire the passing views, or take a rejuvenating dip in the Vitality Pool.