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Air Canada Vacations

Christmas Markets Zurich, Basel, Lucerne

Overview

Experience Switzerland during the festive season on a relaxed rail journey through some of the country’s most atmospheric cities. This itinerary combines traditional Christmas markets, seasonal events and comfortable city hotels, offering a charming winter break before the holidays.

Format

Self-guided tour

Trip Highlights

Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.

  • Switzerland
    • Zurich
    • Basel
    • Lucerne

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Zurich
  • Rail travel in your selected class of service 
  • 6 nights of accommodation including breakfast
  • Visits to the Christmas Markets in Zurich, Basel and Lucerne
  • Local guest cards, including free local transport in Basel and Lucerne
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass offering over 100 2-for-1 deals across Switzerland
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Zurich

Day 2

Welcome to Zurich

Upon arrival, you’ll board the train to the city centre and make your own way to the hotel and check in. Begin your exploration of the Old Town at your own pace.

Day 3

Zurich

Explore the festive charm of Zurich through its enchanting Christmas markets, each offering a distinct atmosphere, from the iconic Christkindlimarkt inside the main railway station, featuring a dazzling Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystals, to the cozy, traditional stalls of Niederdorf nestled in the Old Town’s winding streets.

At Sechseläutenplatz, discover one of the city’s largest open-air markets, where festive lights, gourmet treats and a lively atmosphere unfold against the backdrop of the opera house.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Zurich - Basel

After breakfast, you’ll make your own way to the train station and board the train to Basel.  Upon arrival, you’ll make your own way to the hotel and check in. Enjoy exploring this cultural city with its charming Old Town and riverside setting, blending Swiss, French and German influences.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Basel

Basel’s Christmas markets transform the historic Old Town into a magical winter village, where beautifully decorated squares, twinkling lights and over 150 artisan chalets create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Savour Swiss festive treats like mulled wine and raclette while exploring charming streets, hidden courtyards and scenic views along the Rhine.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Basel – Lucerne

After breakfast, you’ll head to the train station to board your train to Lucerne. Discover the city’s Christmas markets and enjoy the festive atmosphere around the historic Old Town and Lake Lucerne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7

Lucerne

Delight in the festive magic of Lucerne through its charming collection of Christmas markets, each offering a unique ambiance. Stroll through the traditional Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt set against the backdrop of the Franciscan Church, where twinkling lights and wooden chalets create a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

Experience the whimsical Rudolfs Weihnacht, known for its creative decor, local design and relaxed vibe, perfect for discovering unique gifts and seasonal treats.

In the Old Town, browse the artisan craft markets nestled among historic squares and frescoed buildings, where local craftsmanship, festive delicacies and the scenic beauty of Lake Lucerne combine to create a truly enchanting holiday experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

Lucerne - Zurich - Return to Canada

After breakfast, you’ll board your train to Zurich airport and board your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Zurich
Hotel Seehof (or similar)
3
Basel
Hotel City Inn (or similar)
3
Lucerne
Hotel Des Alpes (or similar)
3

Room details

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Bed size(s): 1 double or 2 twin beds. 
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 adults. 

Zurich
Opera Hotel (or similar)
4
Basel
Hotel Victoria (or similar)
4
Lucerne
HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne (or similar)
4

Room details

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Bed size(s): 1 double or 2 twin beds. 
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 adults. 

Best for

Fly & Rail tours

Enjoy the romance and joy of train travel. Tour packages include:

  • Round-trip flight with Air Canada
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Train transportation
  • Aeroplan® points  

Aeroplan

In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.

  • Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
  • Travel completion by December 31, 2026. 

Important Information

  • Daily from November 27 – December 20, 2026

  • Not included

    • Meals and drinks, unless noted
    • City taxes
    • Transfers between train stations and hotels
    • Additional activities and excursions
    • Personal expenses and insurance
    • Upgrade to 1st class train available, please inquire
    • Train service from Zurich to Basel, Basel to Lucerne, Lucerne to Zurich

  • The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • City taxes applicable to hotel stays are payable in local currency upon checkout.