December 5 – 17 2027
Get ready for a magical festive adventure with our Bucket List Travel Exclusive Christmas Market Escorted Tour through Europe in December 2027!
Your journey begins with three nights in Amsterdam, where canals and cobbled streets set the scene for the season, before travelling to Düsseldorf to embark on your seven-night Trafalgar Christmas Market cruise.
Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine, exploring storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets, and cherished local traditions. After your cruise, enjoy two nights in Zurich — the perfect way to soak up the final moments of Europe’s festive charm before your journey home.
Tour Includes:
✔️ Return flights from Auckland
✔️ 3 nights’ accommodation in Amsterdam
✔️ 2 nights’ accommodation in Zurich
✔️ 7 night Trafalgar Christmas Market Cruise
✔️ Fully escorted group travel with a Bucket List Travel team member
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure to begin exploring this charming canal city and its festive Christmas markets.
In the evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam – 3-nights
Day 2 | Amsterdam & The Dutch Golden Age
Explore Amsterdam’s rich Golden Age history with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
The rest of the day is yours to discover the city’s canals, galleries, cafés, and winter charm.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 | Amsterdam at Leisure
Enjoy a full free day in Amsterdam. Browse artisan stalls, sample Dutch cheeses, or relax in cozy cafés overlooking the waterways.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 | Embark Cruise
Depart Amsterdam and travel to Düsseldorf to embark your Trafalgar Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise. After settling into your cabin, meet your crew and fellow passengers, then enjoy your first dinner on board as your festive river journey begins.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trafalgar River Cruise: Trafalgar Verity – 7-nights
Day 5 | Discover Cultural Cologne
Explore Cologne’s Old Town on a guided walking tour, including its UNESCO-listed cathedral and Christmas markets filled with regional crafts and festive treats.
You may also join optional experiences such as the Michael Schumacher Private Collection or a behind-the-scenes look at Cologne’s Kölsch beer heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Koblenz & Rüdesheim
Meet a Local Specialist in Koblenz for a guided visit through the Old Town and its Christmas markets. Cruise the picturesque Middle Rhine before arriving in Rüdesheim, with the option to enjoy a wine tasting at the historic Eberbach Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Rüdesheim & Mainz
Ride the Winzerexpress mini train through Rüdesheim’s vineyards to the Christmas market. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest lunch with the Breuer family, accompanied by local wine and live music. Later, cruise to Mainz for a guided stroll through its charming Christmas market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Explore Speyer
Choose between a guided walking tour of Speyer’s historic centre and Christmas market, or a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate dedicated to traditional, sustainable production.
Optional excursion to Heidelberg also available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Down the Rhine to Strasbourg
Explore Strasbourg with a Local Specialist, discovering its iconic half-timbered houses, cathedral and renowned Christmas markets.
Optional excursion along the Alsatian Wine Route, including wine tasting and the Obernai Christmas Market, is available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Get to Know Basel
Arrive in Basel and stroll through its historic Old Town and festive market.
Optional excursion to Lucerne offers lakeside charm, Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and seasonal market browsing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Basel to Zürich
Disembark your cruise and transfer to Zürich via scenic Lucerne. Enjoy an orientation tour featuring Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower and Old Town squares, with free time for Christmas markets and lakeside dining. Continue to Zürich for hotel check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Crowne Plaza Zurich – 2-nights
Day 12 | Zürich Highlights & Lindt
Take a guided tour of Zürich, including Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster and the lakefront. Visit the celebrated Lindt Home of Chocolate for an immersive museum experience and tasting.
Enjoy leisure time before a festive farewell dinner with the group.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 13 | Tour Concludes
After breakfast, transfer to Zürich Airport for your onward flight home, bringing with your wonderful memories of Europe’s Christmas markets.
Meals: Breakfast
Register Your Interest
For our Escorted Tour to the Twinkling Christmas Markets of Europe in December 2027.