Picture yourself gliding along the Rhine aboard the elegant MS Amadeus Riva, surrounded by the festive magic of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. You’ll stroll cobblestone lanes in Cologne and Koblenz, sip mulled wine in Heidelberg and Strasbourg, and lose yourself in the charm of Alsatian villages draped in holiday lights. From the snow-capped Swiss Alps to the picturesque lakes of Lugano and Como, every day brings a new adventure—whether you’re savoring fondue in Lucerne, exploring Milan’s magnificent cathedral, or simply soaking in the season’s joy with fellow travelers. This is your invitation to experience the warmth, wonder, and unforgettable memories of a European Christmas.
- Sail the Rhine in style aboard the luxurious MS Amadeus Riva
- Wander through Europe’s most magical Christmas Markets in Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg
- Discover the holiday charm of Alsatian villages, twinkling with lights and rich with tradition
- Experience four festive cultures with seasonal delights across Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy
- Take in breathtaking Alpine views as you ascend Mount Pilatus and explore the lakes of Lugano and Como
DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO COLOGNE!
Following an overnight flight, arrive in Cologne and transfer to your home for the next few nights — the MS Amadeus Riva. Once onboard, familiarize yourself with the amenities and indulge in the gourmet cuisine available. D
DAY 3: KOBLENZ
Today, discover one of Germany’s oldest and friendliest towns with a history spanning over 2,000 years. On this guided walk you will stroll through the appealing streets to uncover the St. Castor Basilica, the Church of Our Beloved Lady, and the iconic Schängel Fountain at the town hall. A stop at the Memorial of Emperor Wilhelm at the German Corner where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge will add a historic touch. B, L, D
Option—Rudesheim with Music Cabinet Museum Hop on the unique Winzerexpress from the ship’s dock to the “Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet” for a tour of historic self-playing instruments. Then enjoy a guided walk through Rüdesheim’s old town, exploring the lively Drosselgasse, local wine taverns, the Eagle Tower, and 15th-century fortifications. Price $69 per person
DAY 4: HEIDELBERG/CHRISTMAS MARKET
Travel to Heidelberg, a renowned university city with a preserved baroque Old Town. Start with a visit to the red sandstone Heidelberg castle, a beautiful ruin offering stunning views from the Grand Terrace. The tour continues through the lovely old town, including the Karl-Theodor Bridge, Church of the Holy Spirit, and town hall. End with time at Heidelberg’s Christmas Market where the scent of mulled wine, toasted almonds, and roasted chestnuts will fill the air. B, L, D
Option—Speyer Walking Tour & Christmas Market Venture to Speyer, a historic city on the Rhine, known for its rich past and stunning architecture. The tour includes the Romanesque Imperial Cathedral, Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Gate, and the Jewish Ritual Bath. Finish with a trip to Speyer’s Christmas Market. Price $59 per person
DAY 5: ALSACE/OBERNAI/STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKET
Enjoy a scenic drive through wintry Alsace to Gertwiller, known for its Lebkuchen (Christmas gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine). Then, stop at the charming town of Obernai and go through the old quarter to take in the centuries-old life-size Christmas crib in the market square. In the afternoon, explore Strasbourg by seeing the symbolic Strasbourg Cathedral and admire half-timbered houses up to 500 years old. Wander through the festive “Petite France” district and experience the Strasbourg Christmas Market, with free time to browse before returning to the ship. B, L, D
DAY 6: BASEL CHRISTMAS MARKET/LUCERNE
Upon disembarkation of the ship, we’ll begin the land portion of this journey. The adventure starts with a tasting of a local Basel specialty — the delicious, gingerbread-like pastry known as Läckerli Huus. Afterward, visit the enchanting Basel Christmas Market, along with some free time for lunch at your leisure. Continue to Lucerne for a two-night stay. B, D
DAY 7: MOUNT PILATUS/SWISS FONDUE DINNER
Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps with a trip to Mount Pilatus. Ride the gondola and aerial cableway from Kriens to the summit, taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes along the way. At the top, savor a delicious lunch complete with traditional Swiss flavors and stunning scenery. After returning to Lucerne, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, delight in a cozy Swiss fondue dinner featuring a three-course menu at a local restaurant: the perfect end to a day filled with alpine adventure and cultural flavor. B, L, D
DAY 8: LUGANO/COMO
Begin your day with a guided tour of Lugano, a picturesque Swiss town nestled between mountains and lake known for its charming streets and stunning lakeside views. Continue to the exquisite city of Como, where you’ll uncover its rich history, impressive architecture, and scenic waterfront. After the tour, enjoy free time wandering through Como’s joyous Christmas Market, filled with seasonal treats, local crafts, and holiday cheer before continuing to Milan. B, D
DAY 9: MILAN
Relish a captivating day in Milan beginning with a guided city tour where you’ll explore the city’s rich history, elegant architecture, and iconic landmarks. Then, delve deeper into one of Milan’s crown jewels with a guided tour of the magnificent Cathedral and its stunning rooftop terraces. Marvel at the intricate gothic details and take in panoramic views of the city from above. Afterward, have fun exploring Milan at your own pace during free time — whether shopping along the fashionable Via Montenapoleone, sipping espresso at a café, or visiting one of the city’s world-class museums. B, D
DAY 10: FAREWELL
After breakfast, head to the airport for your return flight home. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 2-5: MS Amadeus Riva
Nights 6-7: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne, Switzerland
Nights 8-9: UNA Hotels Scandinavia, Milan, Italy
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
- Springfield
Depart: December 6, 2026
Return: December 15, 2026
Price Per Person See Chart Below
Price includes airfare from STL/MCI/SGF. Call for other gateway cities.
Passport required.
Identification
Valid passport required to travel.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
