Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
Your flight should land in Paris by 8:30 PM so you can board the 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon. After checking in and getting settled, you'll set off on your river cruise journey.
Landmarks/POIs Paris - Day 2
Les Andelys
You'll have a relaxed morning cruising along the Seine toward Les Andelys, pulling in just after lunch. This waterside village has medieval Norman-era houses that date back nearly 900 years, with Château Gaillard's ruins visible from the river. Spend your afternoon walking along the water to see the limestone cliffs or wandering through the town centre.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard
- Cider farm visit - see Normandy cider production and taste
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - 16th-century château tour
Landmarks/POIs Château Gaillard Château Gaillon Les Andelys - Day 3
Rouen
The ship arrives in Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history. You can explore the restored Old Town and check out the 12th-century Rouen Cathedral with its medieval charm. This evening features a lecture about WWI and life on the Western Front, including hands-on chances to try on soldier equipment and sample period rations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Rouen
- Expert lecture - WWI Day in the life of a Tommy
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - guided tour seeing cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, and Joan of Arc history
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide exploring Medieval past
- Photography discovery - learn digital portrait techniques with local photographer using Rouen as landscape
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Church - Day 4
Rouen
Another full day in Rouen lets you dig into the region's military history or join a gourmet tour sampling local food. You can explore at your own pace, take a guided excursion, or split your time between both options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day in Rouen
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - visit local producers to taste soft cheeses, cider and calvados
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day tour visiting Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - full day tour visiting Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks/POIs Somme Battlefields Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial Lochnagar Crater - Day 5
Honfleur
The ship heads west to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel's edge. A guided walking tour shows you the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities before you explore on your own. Later this evening, you'll learn about Operation Fortitude and what daily life looked like during the D-Day campaign.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Honfleur
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur including Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
- Expert lecture - Operation Fortitude and D-Day campaign
Landmarks/POIs Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities Honfleur Harbour - Day 6
Honfleur
You have the full day in Honfleur to explore more of the region's WWII heritage, check out beaches and memorials, or take a guided tour of nearby Bayeux to see its medieval architecture if history isn't your main focus.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day in Honfleur
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - visit Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, and Omaha Beach Memorial
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - visit Bayeux, Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - visit Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, and Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Omaha Beach Normandy American Cemetery Sainte-Mère-Église Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Landing Museum at Arromanches British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge Juno Beach Centre Abbey d'Ardenne Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Ranville War Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 7
Caudebec-en-Caux
Cruising inland, you'll arrive in Caudebec-en-Caux, a small Seine-side town with handsome homes, stately gardens, and historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. The ornate 15th-century Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux church is a focal point of the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Caudebec-en-Caux
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - e-bike tour along the Seine following an 8-kilometre each way flat route, visit museum dedicated to Victor Hugo
- Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to Fecamp, guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace with tasting of Bénédictine liquor
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning stories of French Resistance during Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - guided tour exploring grand abbeys on the banks of the River Seine
Landmarks/POIs Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fecamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 8
Vernon to La Roche-Guyon
You dock in Vernon, a historic border town between Normandy and France with distinctive buildings and rich heritage. Nearby Giverny was Claude Monet's home for over 40 years, so you can explore that connection in the morning. After lunch, the ship cruises to La Roche-Guyon for an exclusive evening classical concert at the 16th-century château.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Vernon
- Scenic Enrich - Château de La Roche-Guyon visit with classical concert featuring French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - tour Giverny and visit Monet's home with Japanese-inspired water garden
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - e-bike tour approximately 5 kilometres each way with free time to explore
- On board painting class
Landmarks/POIs Monet's House and Garden Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 9
Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Morning brings you to Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a medieval town built in the 9th century where the Seine and Oise rivers meet. Originally constructed to protect relics of Saint Honorine, the town became a pilgrimage destination for over 700 years. Wander the quiet streets, walk the riverside pathway, and visit the ancient church. After lunch, you'll cruise back toward Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Conflans-Saint-Honorine and exploration of the town
- Cruise back towards Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise - travel to village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, tour includes entry to Van Gogh's room
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent castle built by Henri d'Orléans with gardens and free time (Note: Château de Chantilly closed on Tuesdays - replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden visit)
- Musée de la Batellerie (Inland Water Transport Museum) - visit museum in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine exploring water transport history
Landmarks/POIs Auvers-sur-Oise Van Gogh's Room Notre Dame de l'Assomption Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Château de Malmaison Musée de la Batellerie - Day 10
Paris
Back in Paris, you can tackle first-timer priorities like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, or if you've been before, check out the Marais District or Opera Garnier. There's also the option to venture southeast to an exquisite château. The afternoon is yours to explore however you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day in Paris with guided Scenic Freechoice options
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of diverse Marais district
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour seeing Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier - tour of spectacular opera house commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach tour to château located one hour from Paris, inspiration for Versailles
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Champs Elysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 11
Paris to Budapest
You'll board an included flight from Paris to Budapest this morning. After landing, you'll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to start a 14-night cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers heading toward Amsterdam.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Paris to Budapest
- Board Scenic Space-Ship in Budapest
Landmarks/POIs Budapest - Day 12
Budapest
Explore Budapest, split by the Danube into Buda and Pest, which unified in 1873 via bridge. The city is packed with Gothic to Art Nouveau buildings. Known for its hot springs and thermal baths, you can visit them at your leisure this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning - included Scenic Freechoice activities (choose one)
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth - coach tour seeing Varkert Bazaar, Margaret Bridge crossing to Pest, Széchényi square, Elizabeth square, and piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour covering communist past, 1956 Hungarian revolution, and Jewish cultural heritage
- Hospital in the Rock - explore underground labyrinths of secret WWII hospital converted to nuclear bunker
- Guided hike of Buda - hiking tour through Buda district with views of Danube River and city architecture
- Hungarian culinary market tour - foodie tour of Grand Central Market with local delicacies and stories
Landmarks/POIs Buda Pest Margaret Bridge Varkert Bazaar Széchényi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market - Day 13
Budapest to Vienna
You'll relax on board through the morning as the ship heads toward Vienna, arriving this afternoon. Austria's capital is a centre of art, music, and culture. This evening brings an exclusive private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Strauss and Mozart music, Austrian Sekt, and performances by ballet dancers and vocalists.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Vienna
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with glass of Austrian Sekt
Landmarks/POIs Palais Liechtenstein Vienna - Day 14
Vienna
Vienna is right outside your cabin this morning. Austria's imperial capital is known for the Ringstrasse, one of the world's most beautiful boulevards, and the Habsburg dynasty's legacy. You have the full day to explore Vienna or venture to nearby destinations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day in Vienna with included Scenic Freechoice options
Optional Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace - explore former summer residence of Habsburg family with ornate rooms and impressive gardens
- Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour to recreational playground for bathing, boating, cycling and beach relaxation
- Excursion to Bratislava - travel to Slovakia's capital since 1993 to see Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Námestie main square, and Old Town
- Hidden Gems of Vienna tour - guided city tour including Schwedenplatz, Prater, Augarten park, Greek Quarter courtyards, St Stephen's Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Bratislava Old Town Schwedenplatz Prater Augarten Park St Stephen's Cathedral Greek Quarter - Day 15
Krems to Dürnstein
Arriving in Krems, you're in the spectacular Wachau Valley with options to tour abbeys, taste Austria's finest wines, or e-bike along the Danube. Later the ship docks in Dürnstein, a small picturesque town in the World Heritage Wachau Valley perched on the Danube's edge and ringed by ancient terraced vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Arrival in Krems
- Free time in Dürnstein
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey - guided tour of 6th-century abbey rebuilt in 18th century, see magnificent frescoes and largest Baroque staircase in Austria
- Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker to learn age-old traditions and sample wines
- E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein return - bicycle tour along Danube to pretty town of Dürnstein with scenic stops
Landmarks/POIs Krems Wachau Valley Dürnstein Göttweig Abbey - Day 16
Passau
After a brief stop in Brandstatt, you arrive in Passau at the meeting point of three rivers near the Austrian border. This medieval trading hub's charming Old Town features Italianate architecture built by powerful prince-bishops. Check out guided tours or visit nearby Alpine destinations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Passau
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg - guided tour of storybook city home to Mozart and The Sound of Music, visit Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress, lunch at local restaurant
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov - journey to World Heritage Czech town to explore Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch at local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau - walking tour admiring colourful buildings lining waterways, visit St Stephens Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs St Stephens Cathedral Salzburg Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Český Krumlov - Day 17
Regensburg
Regensburg comes into view with one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centres containing more than 900 Romanesque and Gothic buildings recognized as World Heritage sites. Located where three rivers meet in Bavaria, it's known as Germany's best-preserved medieval city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Regensburg
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg - guided tour seeing old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria
- Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to oldest Bavarian monastery founded circa 600AD, tour Abbey and sample award-winning beer produced since 1050
- Thurn und Taxis Active Walking Tour - guided walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Castle, former residence of German noble family
- Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - bicycle tour through Donau Valley to Walhalla Memorial commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria
Landmarks/POIs Regensburg Old Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Danube Gorge Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial Donau Valley - Day 18
Nuremberg
You cruise into Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city. An ancient city wall surrounds it and the 12th-century Imperial Castle dominates the skyline. Walk through the charming Old Town with its market square and historic churches while learning about the city's complex history including WWII and the post-war trials.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Nuremberg
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - walking tour of Old Town seeing Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and market square
- World War II tour - guided tour highlighting main Nazi regime events and important sites
- Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls - active walking tour following cobblestone streets surrounding Imperial castle and admiring medieval city walls
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg Market Square - Day 19
Bamberg
This World Heritage town sits on seven hills and surprises you at every corner with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. The charming Town Hall occupies its own island, the cathedral mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, and the Old and New Residences include an episcopal palace, 'Little Venice', and a 12th-century castle on the highest hill.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Bamberg
- Relaxation time in suite or on Sun deck
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - tour of Europe's largest intact old town centres with Medieval and Baroque buildings
- Excursion to Coburg - visit impressive castle overlooking city with museum housing carriages, weapons and renowned paintings
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral Bamberg Old Town Bamberg Old Residence Bamberg New Residence Little Venice Coburg Castle - Day 20
Würzburg
After a relaxed morning on board, the ship docks in Würzburg surrounded by lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture in Franconian wine country. You can explore the World Heritage-listed palace, the dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and learn about Bavaria's oldest university.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Würzburg
Optional Activities
- Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - guided tour of Baroque palace with valuable paintings, tapestries and furniture, then short stroll into city
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach tour along famed Romantic Road to well-preserved medieval town with guided tour
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Würzburg Old Main Bridge Rothenburg Romantic Road - Day 21
Wertheim to Miltenberg
You arrive in Wertheim this morning, a small town with a medieval centre on the picturesque Main and Tauber Rivers. Look for the distinctive 13th-century Spitze Turm pointed watchtower. The day focuses on connecting with local culture through wineries, castles, and farmsteads. Later you'll reboard in Miltenberg and depart for Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Arrival in Wertheim
- Transfer and boarding in Miltenberg
Optional Activities
- Wertheim tour and winery - tour of historic town with half-timbered houses, visit local winery to meet winemaker
- Gamburg Castle tour - guided tour of Gamburg Castle with private reception from Baron and Baroness with sparkling wine
- Miltenberg tour and local farm visit - visit family-owned farmstead to meet owners, learn about farm life, meet animals, taste local delicacies, then orientation tour of Miltenberg
- Schnapps tasting - visit local schnapps distiller to learn production, enjoy tastings, then orientation tour of Miltenberg
Landmarks/POIs Wertheim Spitze Turm Gamburg Castle Miltenberg - Day 22
Rüdesheim to Bonn
Disembarking in Rüdesheim, you'll find a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have produced wine for two millennia. The charming centre has half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, cuckoo clocks, and wine taverns. This afternoon you'll relax while cruising through the picturesque Rhine Gorge with 40 hilltop castles. An exclusive gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute in Bonn happens this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Dinner at La Redoute)
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Scenic Enrich - Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall in Bonn
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - guided introduction to mechanical musical instruments, then explore or take cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike & Cable Car - guided hike through rolling vineyards with views of countryside and Rhine River, then cable car return to town
Landmarks/POIs Rüdesheim Rhine Gorge Niederwald Monument Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum Lorelei Statue La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 23
Cologne
You dock in Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city extensively damaged in WWII but painstakingly restored in the decades after. A walking tour shows you the Old Town's historic buildings, beautiful squares, and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. After lunch, you'll cruise onward to Amsterdam.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- Cruise to Amsterdam
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town - Day 24
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the Netherlands' capital, is full of architectural beauty, galleries with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, cobbled laneways, and streets crowded with cyclists. Often called the Venice of the North, the UNESCO-listed canal system looks much as it did hundreds of years ago with well-preserved houses and charming bridges lining the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day in Amsterdam with included Scenic Freechoice options
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise - one-hour cruise along historic waterways admiring Golden Age mansions, warehouses and narrow bridges
- Walking tour of Amsterdam - guided exploration of canal maze discovering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture, including tasting herring
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour - biking tour of city outskirts with guide providing information about Dutch everyday life
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar - visit village with 16th-century windmills, then travel to charming town of Alkmaar with historic buildings and canals
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 25
Amsterdam
Your journey ends this morning in Amsterdam. After one final breakfast on board, you'll leave with memories from your river cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Final breakfast on board
