Switzerland Christmas Markets

On arrival in Zurich, meet your Switzerland Travel Centre tour host right at the airport. After a comfortable transfer into the city, you’ll step straight into the season with your first Christmas market experience. Stroll among twinkling stalls filled with hand‑crafted gifts, ornaments, candles and winter accessories, and follow the aromas of roasted chestnuts, raclette and spiced glühwein. Lunch is at leisure so you can graze at market food stands or pop into a cozy café.

Later, transfer to your hotel for check‑in and time to refresh. In the evening, meet in the lobby for a hosted transfer to a local restaurant where a warm welcome dinner sets the tone. Enjoy a 3‑course meal, mingle with fellow CAA Members and toast the start of your Christmas Markets journey.

bed Overnight at 4-star Hotel Glockenhof (or similar)

restaurant Dinner included

After breakfast, board a comfortable Swiss train bound for Basel, a city renowned for its beautifully curated Christmas markets and atmospheric Old Town. Your guided, festive‑themed walking tour reveals centuries‑old streets framed by elegant townhouses and seasonal décor. Learn how Basel’s traditions, from Advent windows to artisan crafts, shape its place among Switzerland’s most beloved holiday cities.

The tour concludes at Basel’s famed markets, where you’ll have free time to shop for hand‑carved wooden toys, candles, textiles and gourmet delicacies. Lunch is at leisure, try local specialties at market stands or a brasserie nearby. In the late afternoon, return by rail to Zurich. Your evening is free to unwind, dine locally or enjoy another festive stroll.

After a leisurely breakfast, travel by rail to Lucerne, a storybook city on the shores of Lake Lucerne, framed by snow‑kissed peaks. Your luggage is transferred from the Zurich hotel to your Lucerne hotel, so you can travel light and enjoy the journey. On arrival, you’ll have generous free time to explore Lucerne’s charming Christmas markets at your own pace. Browse stalls for handmade ornaments, Swiss knitwear, and artisanal sweets; warm up with mulled wine or a buttery, flaky pastry.

Later, check in at your hotel and relax. The evening is open. Consider a lakeside walk or a leisurely dinner in the Old Town beneath the glow of seasonal lights.

bed Overnight at Hotel Drei Konige (or similar)

restaurant Breakfast included

Today’s mountain adventure is pure Swiss magic. Begin with a serene lake cruise, gliding across mirror‑still waters with sweeping views of the surrounding Alps. Disembark to board the nostalgic cogwheel railway bound for Rigi Kaltbad on Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains.” As the train climbs, take in the panorama of lakes, valleys, and snowy peaks, an unforgettable winter tableau.

At the top, enjoy time to soak in the views, sip something warm, and capture photos. Later, retrace your route back to Lucerne. Your evening is at leisure, perhaps sample hearty local fare in a traditional tavern or return to the markets for a final browse.

bed Overnight at Hotel Drei Könige (or similar)

restaurant Breakfast included

After breakfast, travel by rail to Bern, Switzerland’s captivating capital city. Once again, your luggage is transferred directly from Lucerne to your Bern hotel, keeping your travel effortless. Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Bern’s UNESCO‑listed Old Town, famed for its arcaded streets, ornate fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. Discover how Bern’s medieval layout and sandstone façades create one of Europe’s most distinctive historic centres.

Following the tour, enjoy time at leisure to explore Bern’s festive markets. Browse artisan stalls for candles, ceramics, and seasonal treats, and enjoy lunch and dinner at your leisure.

bed Overnight at Hotel Kreuz (or similar)

restaurant Breakfast included

This is your flavour‑packed day in the Fribourg region. Travel by coach (with luggage on board) through rolling pastures to the hilltop medieval village of Gruyères, crowned by its 13th‑century château. Enjoy free time to wander cobbled lanes lined with artisan shops and cafés before visiting La Maison du Gruyère. Learn how Gruyère AOP has been produced for centuries and savour a light lunch featuring a Gruyère plate and local meats - simple, authentic and delicious.

Continue to Maison Cailler in Broc, one of Switzerland’s most iconic chocolate houses. A self‑guided experience traces the story of Swiss chocolate from cocoa bean to conching, concluding with generous tastings of signature creations. After a sweet finale, continue to lakeside Montreux for hotel check‑in and an evening at leisure.

bed Overnight at 4-star Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (or similar)

restaurant Breakfast and lunch included

After breakfast, board a scenic train along the shores of Lake Geneva en route to Geneva. Your luggage is transferred from Montreux to your Geneva hotel so you can simply enjoy the views. On arrival, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Geneva’s Old Town, a tapestry of cobbled lanes, historic squares, and landmarks that reveal the city’s cultural heritage.

The afternoon is free for last‑minute market browsing or a peaceful lakeside stroll. This evening, gather with your group for a 3‑course farewell dinner at the hotel, a warm celebration of your week of Swiss memories and new friendships.