Get into the Holiday Spirit

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Photo by swiss-image.ch / Andreas Gerth

Judy Perl of Judy Perl Worldwide Travel has designed an itinerary that shows off Switzerland as a spectacular holiday destination, long noted for its Christmas markets that transform the cities of Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne into winter wonderlands straight out of a fairytale. If you are going on a Rhine River cruise, which Judy can also arrange, make sure to spend a few days seeing all that these cities have to offer before or after you sail.

Cost
$4213 per person
Package Pricing Includes:
Price does not include a Rhine River cruise, if booked, before or following this itinerary.

Pricing on all AFAR Journeys depends on final itinerary details and time of travel, and are subject to availability.
Itinerary

6 days
Day 1 Zurich's Old Town

Day 2 A Lake Cruise to Lucerne

Day 3 Zurich to Basel

Day 4 Walk the Streets of Basel

Day 5 A Capital Adventure

Day 6 Up the River

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Trip Highlight

A Visit with a Legendary Patron

Angela Rosengart will greet you when you visit Lucerne's Rosengart Collection, where many of modern art's leading figures are represented including important groups of works by Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso.

Trip Designer

Judy Perl

Judy Perl, President of Judy Perl Worldwide Travel in New York City, is a 30-year travel industry veteran long noted for her expertise in luxury bespoke travel. Judy’s deep knowledge of the travel world from her own years at luxury cruise lines, paired with her dedication to providing personalized service, makes her well suited to curate a wide range of unique travel experiences.

Photo By swiss-image.ch / Christof Sonderegger

Day 1

Zurich's Old Town

After you arrive in Zurich, you'll have an afternoon walking tour including Fraumünster Church with its Chagall windows, Old Town views from Lindenhof, and many other landmarks. Then you'll have a private visit to the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum and end the afternoon in the historic Schipfe area. Spend the evening strolling Zurich's oldest Christmas market, in the heart of the Old Town, where you can sample mulled wine and stock up on Swiss chocolate and spices.
Photo By swiss-image.ch / Emanuel Ammon

Day 2

A Lake Cruise to Lucerne

You'll admire Lucerne from the water, on a lake cruise, and then hop off for an afternoon walking tour. See the famous Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument, and other sites. Angela Rosengart will welcome you to the Rosengart Collection, with its important works by Picasso and Klee. Afterwards head to the Lozärner Weihnachtsmärt Christmas market where the air is filled with the scent of lebkuchen gingerbread and you can browse for locally made crafts.
Photo By swiss-image.ch / Christof Sonderegger

Day 3

Zurich to Basel

Spend the day sightseeing as you make your way from Zurich to Basel by private car. In Schaffhausen you'll stop at the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel for the night, the Hotel Les Trois Rois.

Accommodations:

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Photo By swiss-image.ch / Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas

Day 4

Walk the Streets of Basel

You'll discover the rich history and modern art and architecture of Basel on a private walking tour. Highlights include the Old Town, the Spalentor, and the Basel Minster. Then you'll explore the Basel Christmas Market, one of Switzerland's largest. Make your way through the winding cobblestone streets enjoying various culinary delights, from grilled sausages to raclette, waffles, and authentic Basel Läckerli.

Accommodations:

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Photo By swiss-image.ch / Bern Tourismus

Day 5

A Capital Adventure

Today you'll head south to Switzerland's capital, Bern, an hour by train from Basel. Your private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will include the Houses of Parliament, the Federal Mint, the Clock Tower, Town Hall, and Bear Park. You'll also explore some of the world's finest modern and contemporary art at the Zentrum Paul Klee.

Accommodations:

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Photo By swiss-image.ch / Christof Schuerpf

Day 6

Up the River

Continue your European adventure by heading up the Rhine on a 7-night Amawaterways cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, stopping at some of the region's other oldest, largest, and most famous Christmas markets. (Note, the cruise is not included in the price of this itinerary.)