7 Days Christmas Across the Heart of Europe (Paris, Strasbourg, & Zurich)

Make your way to the meeting point at 23 Boulevard des Capucines, 75002 Paris, France. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check in before boarding the open-top sightseeing bus for a magical Christmas journey through the City of Light. ­ As night falls, admire Paris's most iconic landmarks illuminated with dazzling festive decorations. From the grand Opéra district and elegant Place Vendôme to the famous Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower, enjoy panoramic views of the city's sparkling streets from the open-top deck. A special Christmas playlist featuring festive favourites adds to the atmosphere, creating a memorable holiday experience for couples, families, and friends. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes Location: Paris, France Departure Point: 23 Boulevard des Capucines, 75002 Paris Tour Type: Non-stop Christmas lights sightseeing bus tour At 6:00 PM & 8:15 PM ­ Highlights Discover Paris's iconic landmarks illuminated for Christmas. Enjoy panoramic nighttime views from an open-top sightseeing bus. See the Opéra district, Place Vendôme, Concorde, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe. Admire the Eiffel Tower, Avenue Montaigne, and the Louvre Museum from the bus route. Pass the famous Printemps Haussmann department store and other festive city highlights. Enjoy a special Christmas playlist featuring holiday classics. Capture memorable photographs of Paris during the festive season. ­ What’s Included Approximately 1.5-hour non-stop sightseeing bus tour Open-top bus experience, subject to operating conditions Christmas-themed music playlist Panoramic views of Paris's illuminated landmarks Audio guide ­ Itinerary Arrival at the Meeting Point: Arrive at 23 Boulevard des Capucines at least 20 minutes before departure. Christmas Lights Bus Tour: Board the sightseeing bus and enjoy a festive journey through Paris's illuminated streets. Iconic Paris Landmarks: Admire the Opéra district, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Montaigne, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Printemps Haussmann from the bus. Festive Music and Panoramic Views: Enjoy Christmas songs and capture memorable views of the City of Light at night. Tour Conclusion: Return to the designated end point after approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. ­ Description Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas lights sightseeing tour through Paris, when the French capital takes on a particularly enchanting atmosphere after dark. This 1.5-hour non-stop bus experience offers a comfortable way to admire the city's famous monuments, elegant avenues, and seasonal illuminations without having to navigate the busy streets on foot. ­ Travel past some of Paris's most recognisable landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck and listen to a specially selected Christmas playlist that brings extra festive cheer to your evening. ­ After the bus tour, you can continue exploring Paris independently or discover more of the city's neighbourhoods through the optional Tootwalk walking tours, which focus on different themes and offer additional insight into Parisian history and culture. ­ Whether you're visiting Paris for Christmas or simply want to experience its famous nighttime scenery, this festive sightseeing tour offers a memorable way to enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before making your way to Paris Gare de l’Est to board your train to Strasbourg. Settle into your seat and enjoy a comfortable high-speed rail journey through the beautiful French countryside, passing charming towns, rolling farmland, and picturesque landscapes as you travel east toward the Alsace region. ­ Upon arrival at Strasbourg Railway Station (Gare de Strasbourg), make your way to your hotel to check in and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Strasbourg at your own pace, wander through the charming streets of La Petite France, admire the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, discover the city's half-timbered houses, or enjoy traditional Alsatian cuisine at a local restaurant. ­ The direct train journey typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service. Timetables and departure times vary by travel date.

Meet your private guide at your hotel. Set off on a magical walking journey through Strasbourg’s enchanting Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, festive decorations, and traditional wooden chalets transform the historic city into a winter wonderland. ­ Discover the charm of Europe’s celebrated Christmas traditions as you explore market stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and regional delicacies. Visit picturesque squares, admire the magnificent Christmas tree at Place Kléber, and wander through the storybook streets of Petite France. With a private licensed guide, you can enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your interests, whether you want to shop for special gifts, learn about local traditions, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere. ­ Tour Details Duration: 2 hours Location: Strasbourg, France Pickup: Hotel pickup and return available if your hotel is close enough Guide: Licensed private guide ­ Highlights Explore Strasbourg’s magical Christmas markets with a private licensed guide. Visit the market around Strasbourg Cathedral and admire its spectacular Gothic architecture. Discover Petite France, with its canals, half-timbered houses, and charming festive stalls. See the Great Christmas Tree and seasonal chalets at Place Kléber. Visit Place Broglie, home of the historic Christkindelsmärik. Browse handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and traditional Alsatian specialties. Learn about Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions and festive heritage. Enjoy a personalized walking experience at your own pace. ­ What’s Included Services of a licensed private guide for 2 hours Visit to several Christmas markets in Strasbourg Hotel pickup and return, if your accommodation is close enough ­ What’s Not Included Meals and drinks, including lunch and dinner Personal expenses and shopping purchases Personal travel insurance Gratuities for the guide ­ Itinerary Strasbourg Cathedral and Christmas Market: Begin in Place de la Cathédrale, where festive chalets gather beneath the impressive Gothic cathedral. Petite France and Advent Village: Explore picturesque canals, half-timbered houses, and the Christmas markets around Place Benjamin Zix and Place Saint-Thomas. Place Kléber and the Great Christmas Tree: Admire Strasbourg’s iconic Christmas tree, take festive photographs, and browse seasonal stalls. Place Broglie Christkindelsmärik: Discover one of Strasbourg’s most historic Christmas markets, known for its traditional atmosphere and festive offerings. End of the Tour: Enjoy some final browsing or take in the Christmas atmosphere before concluding your private walking experience. The precise order of stops may vary depending on market conditions, crowds, and your preferences. ­ Description Experience the festive charm of Strasbourg on a private walking tour through its celebrated Christmas markets. During the holiday season, the historic city becomes a dazzling destination filled with illuminated streets, traditional decorations, and wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies. ­ Accompanied by a licensed private guide, explore several market locations and discover the distinctive character of each. Begin near Strasbourg Cathedral, where the Gothic architecture creates a dramatic backdrop for the festive stalls. Continue into Petite France, a picturesque district of canals and half-timbered houses, before visiting Place Kléber to admire the Great Christmas Tree and its surrounding seasonal village. ­ Your journey continues to Place Broglie, home of the traditional Christkindelsmärik. Along the way, learn about the history of Strasbourg’s Christmas celebrations, discover local customs, and browse stalls selling ornaments, regional crafts, and Alsatian specialties. ­ As this is a private tour, you can discuss your interests with your guide and enjoy a more personal introduction to the city’s festive traditions. Whether you are searching for memorable souvenirs, sampling seasonal flavours, or simply enjoying the magical atmosphere, this walking tour offers a wonderful way to experience Christmas in Strasbourg.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before making your way to Strasbourg Railway Station (Gare de Strasbourg) to board your train to Zurich. Settle into your seat and enjoy a scenic rail journey through the beautiful landscapes of eastern France and Switzerland, passing charming towns, rolling countryside, and picturesque scenery as you travel toward Switzerland’s largest city. ­ Upon arrival at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB), make your way to your hotel to check in and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Zurich at your own pace, stroll through the charming Old Town, admire the historic buildings along the Limmat River, visit Bahnhofstrasse for shopping, or relax by the beautiful shores of Lake Zurich. ­ The train journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the connection. Timetables, departure times, and transfer requirements vary by travel date.

Make your way to the meeting point at Zürich Tourism Visitor Information, Im Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, a short distance from your hotel. Meet your guide and set off on a festive walking tour through Zurich's enchanting Christmas locations, where sparkling lights, decorated streets, and charming market stalls bring the city to life during the Advent season. ­ Stroll along the romantically illuminated Bahnhofstrasse and discover the festive atmosphere of Zurich's famous Christmas markets, including Europe's largest indoor Christmas market at the main railway station. Along the way, hear fascinating stories about Swiss Christmas traditions, from the beloved Samichlaus custom to the historical views of Zurich's reformers Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger on Christmas and Saint Nicholas. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or colleagues, this seasonal walking tour offers a wonderful introduction to Christmas in Zurich. ­ Tour Details Location: Zurich, Switzerland Tour Type: Guided Christmas walking tour Meeting Point: Zürich Tourism Visitor Information, Im Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich Public Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours Public Tour Language: German or English, depending on the scheduled date ­ Highlights Explore Zurich's most atmospheric Christmas locations. Visit Europe's largest indoor Christmas market at Zurich Main Station. Walk along the beautifully illuminated Bahnhofstrasse. Discover festive markets, seasonal decorations, and charming city squares. Learn about Swiss Christmas customs, including the Samichlaus tradition. Hear historical stories about Zurich's reformers and their views on Christmas. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Zurich's city centre during Advent. Choose a public tour or arrange a private experience for your group. ­ What’s Included Guided Christmas walking tour Visits to selected festive locations and Christmas market areas Stories about Swiss Christmas traditions and Zurich's history ­ What’s Not Included Food and beverages Personal shopping and purchases Personal expenses Travel insurance Any services not specifically stated in the booking confirmation ­ Itinerary Meet at Zurich Main Station: Meet your guide at Zürich Tourism Visitor Information, Im Hauptbahnhof. Explore the Indoor Christmas Market: Discover the festive stalls and seasonal atmosphere at Zurich's main railway station. Walk Along Bahnhofstrasse: Admire the illuminated shopping street and its Christmas decorations. Discover Zurich's Christmas Traditions: Hear stories about Samichlaus, Saint Nicholas, and the city's historical religious traditions. Continue Through Festive Locations: Visit selected Christmas market areas and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of downtown Zurich. End of the Tour: Conclude your guided walk in the city centre. The exact route and market stops may vary depending on local conditions and the guide's arrangements. ­ Description Experience the magic of Christmas in Zurich on a guided walking tour through the city's most beautiful festive locations. During Advent, Zurich's streets and squares are transformed by sparkling illuminations, Christmas decorations, and bustling markets filled with seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and traditional ornaments. ­ Visit the famous indoor Christmas market at Zurich Main Station and stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, where festive lights create a romantic atmosphere after dark. As you explore the city centre, your guide will share the stories and customs that make Christmas in Switzerland unique. ­ Learn about the Samichlaus tradition and discover how Zurich's religious history shaped local attitudes towards Christmas celebrations, the Christ Child, and Saint Nicholas. This combination of sightseeing, cultural storytelling, and seasonal charm makes the tour suitable for individual visitors, couples, families, and corporate groups. ­ Whether you are discovering Zurich for the first time or returning to enjoy its festive atmosphere, this walking tour offers a memorable way to experience the city during the Christmas season.

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to Zurich Airport ZRH. We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability.