Christmas Markets, Lakeside Charm & Alpine Adventures
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart on your flight to Geneva.
Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive in Geneva and soak in its lakeside charm, sparkling waters, and festive decorations. Travel on to Montreux for three nights, beginning with a warm Welcome Dinner to toast the start of your magical Christmas journey.
Discover Montreux’s lakeside charm—twinkling lights, winter-dusted palms, and views across Lake Geneva. Explore Chillon Castle, where Lord Byron once penned lines inspired by its turrets! The evening is at leisure— stroll the promenade, browse Christmas stalls, or sip mulled wine by the lake.
Savour Switzerland’s finest delights—cheese, chocolate, and wine. Visit the Gruyère cheese factory to uncover its secrets and taste cheese fresh at the source. Stroll the postcard-perfect village before a stop at the Maison Cailler Chocolate Museum. End the day with a refined wine
Board the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, with panoramic windows revealing snow-dusted mountains, frozen waterfalls, and charming villages. Enjoy free time in Interlaken before continuing on the InterlakenLucerne Express, another breathtaking winter journey. Arrive in Lucerne and soak up the oldtown charm and festive glow.
A Christmas-themed petit train glides past twinkling lights, historic squares, and the iconic Chapel Bridge. Inhale the crisp Alpine air and festive scents, then enjoy a traditional fondue dinner at cozy Rudolf’s Chalet. Finish at Rudolf’s Weihnacht, a lakeside market brimming with crafts, vintage treats, and holiday delights.
Mount Pilatus sparkles with festive cheer as Christmas carols mingle with pine, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. Ascend the Dragon Ride cable car for breathtaking Alpine views, then enjoy a Christmas menu with Swiss cookie tasting high above the snow- covered peaks.
Travel to Basel by scenic rail, passing charming villages, rolling winter landscapes, and sparkling lakes. Enjoy a guided walking tour through medieval streets dressed for Advent. Explore festive Christmas markets with twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and raise a welcome toast as the Rhine sparkles under festive lights.
Journey into France, starting in Colmar, where half-timbered houses and festive garlands feel straight out of a Christmas card. Then on to Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas,” with twinkling markets, crafts, spiced wine, and seasonal treats. Celebrate with a special Alsatian dinner before returning to Basel, glowing with holiday cheer.
Spend the day at your own pace— explore museums, wander Basel’s Advent markets, or sip coffee by the Rhine. Perhap take a scenic train ride with your Swiss Train Pass to Bern or Zurich, discovering charming streets, historic landmarks, and holiday highlights.
Discover the legendary Feldschlösschen Brewery, then enjoy a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through the region. Wander Rheinfelden, sparkling as an Advent wonderland, before a dazzling Farewell Dinner aboard a river cruise. Glide beneath twinkling lights and shimmering reflections on the Rhine—a magical finale to your Swiss journey.
A warm “Uf Wiederluege”— a heartfelt farewell as we depart for home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
