Compare Zurich and Munich by Air by TripMasters vs Magical Christmas extravaganzas in Alsace and Switzerland along the Rhine (port-to-port cruise) by CroisiEurope

Day 1 in Zurich

Welcome to Zurich! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin the afternoon by heading straight to Altstadt (Zurich`s Old Town) and find a place for lunch amongst the wide range of cafes and restaurants in the area. Spend a bit of time wandering the narrow and winding cobblestone streets, check out the colorful and wonderfully-preserved buildings, and stroll along the Limmat River. We highly recommend a walking tour to discover the city and learn about the history and culture that it offers.

From here, make your way to Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich`s premier shopping street and one of the bustling streets in Old Town where you`ll find window-shopping stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and much more! While here, it`s worth checking out Uhrenmuseum (Watch Museum) that is located in the basement of Beyer watch shop. You will learn the history and see the exhibition on time keeping dating back from 1400 BC to today.

Finish your day at one of the many restaurants or cafes on Bahnhofstrasse, some rich with tradition and many that are very inviting!

Day 2 in Zurich

Wake up early today and start your day off with a stroll along Lake Zurich. The lake is absolutely pristine and offers spectacular views of the Alps. Then head out on a boat cruise for about an hour ride on the lake and get lost in the stunning views and peaceful nature all around.

In the afternoon spend some time visiting Grossmunster, one of the most famous churches in Zurich. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city from the top. If time allows, head over to Church of Our Lady (or Fraumunster), built in the 9th century and famous for its graceful spire. You must see it to appreciate its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows that alone make it worth the visit.

As night approaches, head over to the Lindenhoff for sunset, a small climb will offer the most spectacular views of Zurich over the Limmat River and Old Town. You'll find numerous options for a great traditional Swiss dinner while in the downtown area offering views of the river.

Day 3 in Zurich

Start off your day by exploring the breathtaking views of Zurich and head to the Uetilber Mountain. Hike, jog, bike, or take the train up the mountain. At the top, take in the spectacular panoramic views of the entire city of Zurich, the lake, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Alps. Relax with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat while taking in the fantastic views of the city and beyond.

Next, head over to the KunsthausZurich (Museum of Art); said to be one of the best museums in the city. Among an interesting collection of Swiss artists, the museum also hangs works by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall and Claude Monet. And a visit to the top floors is a must!

On your final night, make your way to Zuri-West, a night life hotspot with a trendy, post-industrial edge. A revival has been taking place here for more than a decade, with converted industrial buildings offering everything from concert halls and rooftop bars to luxury flats. The area is now a hotspot for food design, art and culture.

Additional Days in Zurich

Should you be able to spend additional days in Zurich check out the picturesque beauty of Lucerne. Only a 45 minute drive from Zurich, this full day adventure will give you an understanding of why this is deemed one of Europe’` prettiest cities. Wonder around the city and marvel at the beautiful architecture and the oldest covered foot bridge in Europe. Then take a scenic boat ride to the base of Mount Pilatus and ascend on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (only open in the summer months). This is an incredible journey up mountains offering the most breathtaking views to the top. Then make your way back down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas.

Your Last Day in Zurich

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Munich

Welcome to Munich, the capital of Bavaria! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much to do in Munich!

Begin the day walking around the Altstadt (OldTown). Here, the somber Frauenkirche and its copper domed twin towers are a symbol of the city; and inside the church you will find the monumental black marble tomb of Emperor Ludwig IV of Bavaria. Nearby, you may also want to visit the Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Church) before heading to Marienplatz, the most famous square in Munich. In the center of the square rises the Mariensäule, a large column topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. To the north is the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) whose famous Glockenspiel, a 100 year old carillon, performs a miniature tournament at 11am and 12pm (also 5pm in summer) to the delight of visitors. Be sure to see the Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall) as well before proceeding to the Peterskirche with its impressive Gothic façade and richly decorated interior.

Next, take a break at the Viktualienmarkt, the city's market, renowned for its diversity and size. Have a beer and a bite to eat before continuing to the Gothic Heiliggeist (Holy Ghost) Church. Afterwards, proceed north to Max-Joesph-Platz and the Residenz, official home of Bavarian rulers until 1918, with its lavish courtyards, apartments, and museums that include the Residenz Museum, the Treasure House of the Residenz, and the rococo Cuvilliés Theater. To the west, be sure to see the Feldherrnhalle, an open air loggia constructed as a tribute to the Bavarian army (and later used as a Nazi rallying point) as well as the Theatinerkirche (Church of St.Kajetan), completed in 1690 and containing the tombs of many of the Wittelsbachs. Finally, grab a coffee while you enjoy the panorama of the Odeonsplatz and Hofgarten before admiring more of Munich's famous squares including Wittelsbacher-Platz, Maximiliansplatz, Karolinenplatz and Königsplatz. At Königsplatz, you can catch a tram to Schloss Nymphenburg, summer palace of Munich's longest ruling family, the Wittelsbachs. The ornately decorated palace with its adjacent museums and beautifully landscaped grounds make a trip here worthwhile.

As evening approaches, make your way to the Platzl quarter where you will find nighttime entertainment, restaurants and the landmark Hofbräuhaus, Munich's most popular beer hall, which has been around since 1644. Enjoy beers, schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle), sauerkraut and oompah music with locals and tourists alike.

Day 2 in Munich

Wake up early today and head to Deutsches Museum. Opened in 1925, it is the largest scientific and technological museum of its kind in the world with incredible exhibits marking important milestones over the past 100 years. After your visit, enjoy lunch and some shopping along Maximilianstrasse or Kaufingerstrasse before heading to the Museumsviertel (Museum Quarter).

As a city of art and culture, Munich has more museums than any other city in Germany. You could spend days exploring the four art museums that make up the Museum Quarter, also called the Kunstareal. All four are worth visiting, but the enormous Alte Pinakothek, featuring a world class collection of Old Masters, is a must see. The smaller Neue Pinakothek displays works from the 19th century while the Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst are dedicated to 20th century art. Just south of the Museumsviertel, in the classically inspired Königsplatz, you will find the impressive, Doric-inspired Propyläen monument as well as the Antikensammlungen and Glyptothek with their Greek and Roman artifacts. If antiquities aren't your thing, then try the Lenbachhaus with its outstanding collection of late 19th and early 20th century German art. On Saturdays, you can visit all three Pinakotheks (Alte, Neue, der Moderne), Museum Brandhorst, and Schack-Galerie for 1€. On Sundays, entry to the Glyptothek, Antikensammlungen, and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum is only 1€.

Later, make your way to the Schwabing area, former home to novelists, poets and playwrights. Although it has lost most of its distinctive charm, it is still a lovely place for a stroll on your way to the Englischer Garten. This is Munich's most famous park and its Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) beer garden is the second largest beer garden in Munich. Enjoy a ride by horse-drawn carriage through the park (for hire at the entrance) then have a seat on one of the beer garden benches and feast on traditional food and beer.

Day 3 in Munich

Today, we recommend you visit the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof with our 'Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich.' Admire the lush landscape of the Bavarian Alps as you journey to Linderhof, Ludwig's rococo-style hunting lodge. Then, continue to Neuschwanstein with its shimmering white turrets that were the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned as the private retreat for Ludwig II of Bavaria with interiors inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, to whom the king dedicated the castle. Despite the medieval motif of the decor, the castle was actually outfitted with the latest technology of the time including running water and central heating. Later, enjoy free time in nearby Hohenschwangau village for lunch and to explore Neuschwanstein's grounds, and take an optional castle tour.

After a full day of sightseeing, spend your final night in Munich amid the music and merriment of your favorite bier halle!

Additional Days in Munich

Should you be able to spend additional days in Munich then we recommend a trip to Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Olympics. Today, the park is a multiuse complex hosting sporting events, concerts and more. A ride up OlympiaTower (the fastest elevator on the European continent) offers extraordinary views over the city and all the way to the Alps. And if you like the luxury brand BMW (Bavarian Motor Works), then be sure to visit BMW Welt, the car maker's showroom, museum and factory that is located here.

That Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi movement is a difficult truth; however, trips to the Berchtesgaden Eagle's Nest, Hitler's mountain retreat and southern headquarters of the Nazi party, as well as the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site are both heartbreaking and historically educational. Although its reputation is tainted by its association with the Nazis, Berchtesgaden is one of the most idyllic towns in the Bavarian Alps. Unfortunately, Dachau, which was a pretty little artists' community before Hitler and the Holocaust, is now mainly visited as a horrific symbol of the Nazi Regime.

Additionally, you can admire the countryside, castles and villages of Germany's iconic Romantic Road, the famously picturesque route through Bavaria's mountains and forests. Be sure to check our optional sightseeing tours for availability.

Your Last Day in Munich

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 STRASBOURG

Passengers are welcome to board at 5:00 p.m. in Strasbourg. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. You'll be transferred to the city center. Enjoy time on your own strolling through the various Christmas markets in the capital of Alsace. The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread mixed with the holiday decorations and the immense Christmas tree in the city center are what make Strasbourg the "capital of Christmas." The market first began in 1570 and is one of the oldest in the world.We'll return to the ship for dinner.Our ship will begin to cruise to Breisach.

Day 1 STRASBOURG

You'll board our ship. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. You'll be transferred to the city center. Visit the Christmas market at your own pace.

Day 2 BREISACH - Riquewihr - Colmar

A full-day escapade to local Christmas markets (lunch included). In Riquewihr, a charming medieval village nestled among the vineyards, you'll discover an authentic Christmas market in a unique setting. The bright colors of the half-timbered homes add to the postcard-like setting of traditional Alsace. Take your time wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the marvelous decorations covering the facades and village monuments. We'll have lunch in a typical restaurant, and you'll discover just how delicious the local cuisine can be. In the afternoon, we'll head to Colmar—an undeniably charming city located on the vast plain between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest. The historic center and the romantic Little Venice neighborhood with its gaily decorated canals are European charm at its best. We'll visit the Choco-Story chocolate museum in Colmar. The museum, dedicated to the wonders of our favorite sweet, is located in the center of the holiday activity in Colmar. Warm up with a cup of delightful hot chocolate. Discover the city's Christmas market before we head back.

Day 2 BREISACH - Riquewihr - Colmar

A full-day escapade to local Christmas markets (lunch included).

Day 3 BASEL

We'll spend the morning cruising to Basel. Learn how to make traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies on board, what the locals call bredeles.  All of its delicious secrets will be revealed to you. We'll arrive in Basel in the early afternoon. Let your sweet tooth go wild with a tasting and tour at the Lackerli Huus, where the famous sugar-glazed Basler Läckerli are made along with other chocolates and candies. When we return to Basel, enjoy time discovering the holiday market with more than 150 vendors and craftspeople. You'll adore the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. We'll return to the ship for a cup of mulled wine. An evening of Christmas tales.

Day 3 BASEL

We'll spend the morning cruising to Basel. Learn how to make traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies on board. Let your sweet tooth go wild with a visit to the Lackerli Huus. An evening of Christmas tales.

Day 4 BASEL

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning. Disembarkation.

Day 4 BASEL

Disembarkation.