Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Wonders of Switzerland & Austria

Welcome to Amsterdam. The Netherland’s capital city is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.  

Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Please book your flight to arrive into Amsterdam prior to 05:00 PM.

This morning will be spent on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship sailing towards Utrecht. Relax on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery rolling by.

At lunch time you will arrive at Utrecht, a canal lined city boasting a multitude of green space, lively streets and hidden alleyways leaving you intrigued by what is around the next corner.
 

Freechoice:
Select from the following Scenic Freechoice activities and explore your way:

Highlights of Utrecht: The city of Utrecht is dotted with green parklands and lively canals lined with terraces and warehouses. The medieval Old Town houses the impressive Domtoren which acts as a beacon guiding its visitors back to the centre of the city. Explore all this and more during your tour with an expert local guide.

Excursion to De Haar Castle: A true fairy tale, De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands and has all you could ever want from a castle and more. Cross the suspension bridge that spans the impressive moat to this truly remarkable castle. Inside, wander the rooms furnished with classic furniture and admire the turrets and towers, several offering wonderful views out to the spectacular rose gardens.

You will arrive in Veere this morning, one of The Netherland’s prettiest villages whose historic harbour is filled with bobbing yachts. While its beginnings date to the 13th century, Veere flourished in the 16th century when it became an important port for Scottish wool. This prosperity lasted two centuries, and to this day Scottish ties are strong.
 

Freechoice:
A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:

Guided City Tour: Discover many of the hundreds of heritage buildings of Veere on a guided tour. Set on the Veerse Meer Lake, the village is home to a harbour lined with Scottish merchant houses, a 15th century town hall with tower, a defensive tower that was later used as an inn and lighthouse, and Grote Kerk, an imposing Gothic church that has also been used as a hospital and poorhouse.

Cycling Tour: Join your local guide as you ride though the village of Veere, seeing all its key sights as well as the unspoilt natural beauty along the dykes in the surrounding area.

Delta Works Visit: Transfer from Veere to tour the Delta Works, a complex series of dams purposely created to protect the population on the Delta plain from flooding. Discover this impressive engineering feat and see one of the Storm Surge Barrier that make up the project.

This morning you will arrive in Belgium’s second city, Antwerp.

Freechoice:
Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

Guided walking tour: Join your local guide on a walking tour through this beautiful city, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.

Excursion to Ypres & Passchendaele: On a full day excursion from Antwerp, visit the towns of Passchendaele and Ypres to learn about the WWI battle of Passchendaele. Visit memorials dedicated to the 325,000 allied troops who perished during this terrible battle, learn about the strategies put in place to defend against the German troops and learn how this region was rebuilt in the aftermath. Tour includes lunch in a local restaurant.

Excursion to Bruges: Transfer via coach to Bruges where a local guide will walk you through the main sights of the city including the medieval centre. Highlights will include the medieval Bell Tower and the Belfry of Bruges. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces (cobblestone) and extensive walking, tour is recommended for guests with a high level of fitness.

Craft Beer & Chocolate pairing: Some of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies are Chocolate and Beer. Today join your local expert guide and take your taste buds on a journey of flavour while learning and appreciating how the complex flavours of local craft beer and chocolate pair.
 

Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Antwerp at your own pace or return to your Space-Ship.

Located at the edge of the Veluwe nature reserve, the city of Arnhem offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades.

Freechoice:
Make your choice from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Arnhem Airborne Museum: Visit the Arnhem Airborne Museum with your local guide to learn about the Battle of Arnhem. The Airborne Experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of British parachutists as they made their way to Arnhem in September 1944 and to meet the cheering citizens who had been oppressed by the German occupiers for four long years.

Biking tour of Arnhem: Join your fellow travellers on an active biking tour of the Arnhem region. Enjoy commentary from your local guide and take in the beautiful countryside as you stop at some key attractions.

Netherlands Open Air Museum: Discover the stories and immerse yourself in life in Holland from years gone by. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses, and to learn about Dutch work, customs and traditions.

Het Loo Royal Palace: Het Loo Palace dates to 1685 and served as the royal family's summer home for centuries. Since 1984 it has been turned into an incredible museum showcasing the rich history of the Dutch royal family. Travel to the town of Appeldorn and admire the elaborately decorated rooms, an impressive collection of coach stables and the magnificent gardens of Paleis Het Loo.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will be sailing towards Dusseldorf this morning.

Dusseldorf is an affluent city, which was dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon. The city is filled to the brim with museums and galleries, one of the world’s most luxurious shopping streets, an old town with around 260 pubs and bars, and a harbour precinct that blends the old with new: historic quay walls, warehouses and silos neighbour striking architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry.  

Freechoice:
Choose from one of this today’s Scenic Freechoice:

City walking tour: Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour, from its gentrified harbour to its charming old town. Transformed from a once abandoned area to a haven of architectural masterpieces, Media Harbour is a fascinating mix of old and new. The Old Town is referred to as the world’s longest bar for its high concentration of drinking spots and is also home to the 450-year-old city hall and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century.

Cycling tour: Cycle along the banks of the Rhine River towards one of the most historic regions of Dusseldorf, Kaiserswerth. Enjoy the wonderful scenery, including the fortress that has protected this region for over 1,000 years.

Dusseldorf's Altbier: Take the opportunity to learn all about Dusseldorf's long tradition of beer production. Visit some well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region. The beer is named for the old method in which it is produced, using top-fermentation.

Dusseldorf – City of Art: Dusseldorf is a fascinating city were medieval buildings and modern skyscrapers co-exist. Learn about the artistic heritage of Dusseldorf starting in the historic Old Town and making your way to the Media Hafen. Transformed from a once abandoned area to a haven of architectural masterpieces, Media Harbour is a fascinating mix of old and new. Your tour concludes at the K 21 Museum where you can take a self-guided exploration of the contemporary exhibits.

Today sail along the curvaceous path of the Moselle River past quaint half-timbered villages, vine-covered slopes and hilltop castles that are perched proudly overlooking the river.  

Relax in the opulence of your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of the Moselle Valley during this full day of cruising. This afternoon you will be able to indulge in a Moselle Wine Degustation to sample local varieties.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the medieval town of Cochem this evening.

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a fairy-tale. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.
 

Freechoice:
Explore the charms of Cochem your way with your choice of Scenic Freechoice activity:

Walking tour of Cochem: Take a short transfer to Reichsburg Castle, which dates to the Middle Ages. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which features a knight’s hall, trophy room and cellars, before wandering down to the Old Town seeing many historic buildings along the way.

Cycling tour of Cochem: Join a local guide and hop on one of Scenic’s e-bikes to explore the town of Cochem and the surrounding region. See the impressive Reichsburg Castle sitting proudly above the city and ride through winding streets past half-timbered houses.

This afternoon you will set sail for Bernkastel.  

Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century, one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, and the ruins of Landshut Castle sitting high above on a hill, where archaeological remains from the 4th and 5th centuries were discovered in 2012.
 

Freechoice:
Decide how you will spend your day from the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Walking Tour of Bernkastel: Discover the town of Bernkastel, settled on the banks of the Moselle River. Your expert guide will explain the local architecture and culture during a guided tour and you will also have some time at leisure to discover Bernkastel on your own. Explore the pretty town with highlights including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall).

Excursion to Trier: Drive to Trier, a charming Roman city located near the Luxembourg border and the birthplace of Karl Marx. Explore this medieval town with a local guide to see the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Germany, as well as the Trier Cathedral.

Wine tasting along the Moselle: The fertile banks of the Moselle River are a winemaker's paradise. Learn about the varieties that are grown and produced in this region at one of the most renowned wineries in the region. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample a selection of local wines.
 

Enrich
This evening's Scenic Enrich

Classical Concert at Liebfrauenkirche, Trier: Tonight, you are in for a special treat with a private classical concert in the breathtaking surroundings of Liebfrauenkirche, located in the heart of the Roman city of Trier. The Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1986. During the concert, you can admire the incredible architecture and intricate stained-glass windows of the church as you are seduced by magnificent pieces of classical music.

Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, Koblenz has a melange of French and German cultures and it’s one of Germany’s oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years.

Freechoice:
Today's Scenic Freechoice are diverse and unique, decide what suits you:

Guided walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide through one of the oldest cities in Germany. Explore the Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city. On your way through the winding streets of the old town you will see impressive townhouses, each with its own unique history, charming squares and historic churches.

Marksburg Castle: From Koblenz drive to Marksburg Castle, perched high above the Rhine River. Tour this impressive medieval castle that holds the honour of being the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction over the years. The castle dates to 1117 and is a perfect example of medieval architecture. Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility.

Medieval Limburg: From Koblenz, travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Here you will have the chance to walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses. Make your way up to the Cathedral that overlooks the city as well as the Alte Lahnbrucke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn river.

Your Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

Leaving Koblenz this morning you will cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley towards Rüdesheim. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy-tale book.  

The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.    

This afternoon you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.

Freechoice:
Make your selection for this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice tours:

Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: From the pier take a mini train through the quaint winding streets of Rüdesheim to Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum where a local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards enjoy free time to wander the town or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument where you’ll have breathtaking views over the river. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany.

Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rudesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town.
 

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart late this evening, allowing you some free time to wander the enchanting laneways of Rüdesheim.

Freechoice:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Mannheim this morning, where you'll enjoy several Scenic Freechoice

Orientation Tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. The walking tour is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.

Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel located in the castle’s cellar. Enjoy some free time before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship via coach. There are some stairs and uneven ground, but the walking tour is not too strenuous.

Excursion to Bad Durkheim: From Mannheim, it's just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. On arrival, visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a 9th generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine that you will have the opportunity to taste during your guided tour.

This afternoon your Space-Ship will set sail for Kehl.

The city of Kehl is the gateway to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region, where sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals.

Freechoice:
A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are available for you to choose from today:

Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming town of Strasbourg, seeing many of the most important sights of the city including the Cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and ownership of the town has changed hands many times between the two countries. Due to this, Strasbourg is a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Please Note: this is an active walk. 

Excursion to Mittelbergheim: The French Alsace region is a culturally diverse wine-growing area that shares its border with Germany and Switzerland. Today you will visit the village of Mittelbergheim, a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ('the most beautiful villages in France') association. In Mittelbergheim, enjoy a tasting at a local wine cellar before going to the neighbouring town of Obernai, for some free time.
 

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs later this evening, which means you have free time to wander Strasbourg at your own pace.

Located between the Rhine River and the Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during WWII but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.
 

Freechoice:
A diverse range of Scenic Freechoice experiences are on offer to choose from today:

Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl: Volcanic rocks make up a large part of the central and western Kaiserstuhl thanks to numerous volcanic eruptions more than 16 million years ago. Because of its loose covered volcanic soils, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a very good wine-producing region. During your visit, sample some of these delicious wines.

Excursion to Colmar: A visit to Colmar is like stepping into a fairy tale. Likened to Venice due to its quaint canals, the city centre also features an abundance of historical half-timbered houses, some dating back a thousand years. Wander the cobblestoned streets lined with charming stores, cafes and don't miss the markets serving up delicious local produce.

Excursion to Freiburg: Located on the edge of the magical Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Your local guide will escort you through the medieval town centre where you will see the Freiburg Munster, the cathedral that was one of only a handful of structures that survived the bombings during WW2.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship and toast to your final evening on board.

Farewell your Scenic Space-Ship this morning and transfer to Zurich where you will enjoy a two night stay.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

This morning, take a walking tour of Zurich. Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets, the medieval square of Niederdorf, walk across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and admire the 9th century Fraumunster Church with its renowned stained-glass windows created by legendary artist Marc Chagall.

Transfer via Coach to the beautiful city of Lucerne where you will have ample time to admire the picturesque natural beauty of the location. Here your Tour Director will take you on an orientation tour of the city where you will see the Jesuit Church, cross the quaint wooden Chapel Bridge and visit the Lion Monument, the detailed sculpture commemorating the Swiss guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. After some free time for lunch under own arrangements guests will transfer to Interlaken on a panoramic train where they will admire beautiful Swiss lakes surrounded by the mountains.

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank.

Freechoice:
This morning, choose from 2 Scenic Freechoice excursions as you uncover the tranquilly of Interlaken:

Cruise on Lake Brienz, the spectacular alpine lake that offers breathtaking views of mountain scenery, picturesque villages and graceful castles.

Cogwheel Train: Discover Jungfraujoch, which is one of Switzerland's most popular excursions. Take the famed cogwheel train to the top of Europe, the peak of the Jungfrau. Enjoy fabulous views of the towns and valleys below.

This afternoon, you will enjoy some time at leisure.  

Board the picturesque Golden Pass train through stunning scenery to the romantic Swiss town of Montreaux. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival before free time to explore this charming resort town.   

Enrich
Tonight’s Scenic Enrich

You will be taken to a chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux where you will be treated to a delicious meal accompanied by traditional live music. Members of the Alphorn Academy of Switzerland will introduce you to the cultural importance of the Alphorn, a long wooden horn that was traditional used by shepherds to call cows in from the pastures. 

Located on the Shore of Lake Geneva, this pretty lakeside town is a home away of home of many artists.

Freechoice: This morning personalise your journey by your choice Scenic Freechoice excursions before lunch:

Sample local produce: Montreaux is surrounded by rolling vineyards, and this morning you will have the chance to visit one of the regions best known wineries. Visit the cellar door and enjoy a tasting of fine wines in idyllic surrounds.

Chaplin's World Museum: Alternatively, learn about one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin's World Museum.

This morning transfer from the lakeside resort of Montreux to the alpine village of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the world’s most famous mountain, the 4,478-metre Matterhorn.

Overlooked by the imposing and iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is an idyllic carefree, car free village set amongst the most glorious natural beauty. 

Freechoice:
Excursion to Gornergrat: Today perhaps ascend the Swiss Alps by rail to Gornergrat. For 125 years, this cog railway has been taking passengers to 3,100 metres above sea level, with mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see, and the magnificent Matterhorn present at every moment, a craggy triangular peak standing sentinel in the Alps.

Alpine Cheese discovery: Learn about local cheese production at a local producer. Discover how the local Alpine conditions and herbs contribute to the flavours of cheese produced onsite.

Start the morning on a train journey onboard the Glacier Express to the quiet town of Chur. On arrival cross the border with Germany and head to the alpine region of Schwangau, overlooked by the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, that inspired the infamous Disney castle.

Today you will be able to feel part of a fairy tale. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the majestic Neuschwainstein Castle and have the chance to explore the opulent room of this castle before returning to their hotel to relax. 

Today we traverse the alpine valleys and rugged hills of the Salzkammergut region enroute to Salzburg. The hills truly are alive in this region, and you will recognise some of the marvellous landscape from scenes of the famous movie, The Sound of Music as you arrive at one of the most iconic musical cities in the world.

Join your local guide that will escort you through this spectacular city seeing the iconic Mirabell Gardens, Mozarts’ birthplace and residence as well as the Old Market Square.

Today you’ll travel to Vienna, stopping along the way in Steyer. Your Tour director will give you an orientation tour of this historic city before allowing you free time to explore at your leisure.

This afternoon you’ll arrive in Austria’s grand capital, Vienna, a city full of grandeur, where you will spend the next two nights in a luxurious hotel. Known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. The city boasts the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, a legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Today your expert local guide will show you around Vienna, which oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. 

Embark on a guided tour to see the city’s highlights such as the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark, and Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles). 

Enrich
This evening’s Scenic Enrich: Tonight will be an unforgettable evening of classical music. Visit the grand Kursalon Renaissance Palace, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Strauss and Mozart concert, followed by dinner.

Depart Vienna after breakfast, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.