Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
Your trip starts in Budapest this afternoon. You'll board your all-inclusive luxury river ship and get settled into your suite. There's a welcome reception tonight to kick things off before the real exploring begins.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception)
- Day 2
Budapest
Budapest splits across the Danube into Buda and Pest, and you'll have options to explore either side this morning through included activities. The afternoon is yours to do as you like. Many people head to the thermal baths or simply rest on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Budapest in depth - coach tour of Buda and Pest, Margaret Bridge crossing, Szécheny square, Elizabeth square, and piano recital at the Institute for the Blind (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour of communist history, 1956 Hungarian revolution, and Jewish cultural heritage (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Hospital in the Rock - underground exploration of secret WWII hospital and nuclear bunker (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided hike of Buda - walking tour through Buda district with views over Danube River (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Hungarian culinary market tour - Grand Central Market with local delicacies tasting (choose one)
Optional Activities
- Visit thermal baths and hot springs at leisure
Landmarks/POIs Danube River Institute for the Blind Margaret Bridge Grand Central Market - Day 3
Budapest to Vienna
You'll spend the morning cruising toward Vienna at a relaxed pace. By afternoon you arrive in Austria's capital. Tonight brings an exclusive event with a classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Scenic Enrich classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein - private concert with Austrian Sekt, Strauss and Mozart performed by renowned orchestra with ballet dancers and vocalists
Landmarks/POIs Palais Liechtenstein Danube River - Day 4
Vienna
Vienna gets a full day. You can choose from included activities or plan your own route through the city. The Ringstrasse boulevard, various palaces and gardens, or even a day trip to nearby Bratislava are all possible depending on your interests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Schönbrunn Palace - former Habsburg summer residence with ornate rooms and impressive gardens (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour to recreational area with bathing, boating, and beach access (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Bratislava - coach transfer to Slovakia's capital to visit Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Nám, main square, and Old Town with local guide (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Hidden Gems of Vienna tour - guided walking tour past Schwedenplatz, Prater, Augarten park home to Vienna Boy's Choir, Greek Quarter with courtyards and cafés (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Ringstrasse Bratislava Castle Augarten Park St Stephen's Cathedral - Day 5
Dürnstein
You'll arrive in Krems at the Wachau Valley. Morning activities include abbey tours, wine tastings, or biking through vineyards if you choose. After that, you dock in Dürnstein, a World Heritage riverside town where you get free time to walk around and explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Göttweig Abbey - guided tour of 6th-century abbey rebuilt in 18th century with magnificent frescoes and Baroque staircase (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker to learn traditions and sample wines produced on site (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein return - guided bicycle tour along Danube with stops for scenic views (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Göttweig Abbey Wachau Valley Danube River Dürnstein - Day 6
Passau
Passau sits where three rivers meet and was historically important for trade. You can do a full-day excursion to Salzburg or Český Krumlov, or stick around town to see the colorful Baroque buildings and St Stephen's Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Salzburg - guided tour of Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg fortress, art and music scene, with lunch at local restaurant and free time (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Český Krumlov - Czech World Heritage site tour with local guide exploring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, includes lunch at local restaurant (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Highlights of Passau - guided walking tour of colorful waterfront buildings and St Stephen's Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD and rebuilt in Baroque style after 1662 fire (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs St Stephen's Cathedral Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Český Krumlov - Day 7
Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany's best medieval towns with over 900 World Heritage buildings. Included options let you choose between guided walks, abbey visits, castle tours, or cycling around the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Regensburg - guided tour at confluence of three rivers featuring old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to oldest Bavarian monastery founded approximately 600 AD, explore abbey and cloister church, taste award-winning beer produced on site since 1050 (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Thurn und Taxis Active Walking Tour - guided walk to castle with tour followed by free time, learn about German noble family history dating to 12th century (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - cycling tour through Danau Valley scenery to memorial commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria honoring notable Germans (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Old Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Danube Gorge Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial - Day 8
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is surrounded by ancient walls and dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle. You'll have guided options for the old town, WWII history tours, or active walks through medieval streets and fortifications.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - coach drive past city walls followed by walking tour of Old Town featuring Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church, and market square (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: World War II tour - guided tour highlighting major Nazi regime events and important historical sites (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls - active walking tour on cobblestone streets surrounding Imperial Castle with views of medieval fortifications (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg City Walls - Day 9
Bamberg
Bamberg sits on seven hills with a World Heritage old town full of cobblestoned streets and medieval buildings. Pick between guided old town tours or a coach trip to nearby Coburg Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - explore Europe's largest intact old town centres with Medieval and Baroque buildings, learn fascinating history (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Coburg - coach transfer to impressive castle overlooking city, museum with large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Town Hall Gothic Cathedral Coburg Castle Little Venice - Day 10
Würzburg
Würzburg is a gorgeous Baroque and Rococo town in wine country. You can tour the World Heritage Würzburg Residence and its gardens, or take a coach trip along the Romantic Road to the medieval town of Rothenburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - visit Baroque palace with guided tour of valuable paintings, tapestries, period furniture, followed by stroll into city with free time (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach transfer along famous medieval trading route to well-preserved Rothenburg old town with guided tour and free time (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Rothenburg - Day 11
Miltenberg
Wertheim has a medieval center with a distinctive 13th-century pointed watchtower. Morning activities include winery visits, castle tours, farm visits, or schnapps tastings. Later you reboard in Miltenberg and cruise through the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (All-inclusive on board entertainment)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Wertheim tour and winery - tour historic Wertheim with half-timbered houses, visit local winery to meet winemaker and learn production process (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Gamburg Castle tour - visit castle with guided tour and private reception with Baron and Baroness over sparkling wine (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Miltenberg tour and local farm visit - visit family-owned farmstead to meet owners, experience daily farm life with animals, taste local delicacies, then orientation tour of Miltenberg with free time (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Schnapps tasting - visit local schnapps distiller to learn production, enjoy tasting of multiple flavours, then orientation tour of Miltenberg with free time (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Spitze Turm Gamburg Castle Miltenberg - Day 12
Rüdesheim
You'll dock in Rüdesheim surrounded by steep vineyards. Options include mechanical music museums and cable car rides, or guided hikes through vineyards with Rhine River views. Tonight there's a gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute in Bonn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall, Bonn)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - guided introduction to mechanical musical instruments followed by optional cable car ride to Niederwald Monument (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Hike & Cable Car - guided hike through rolling Rüdesheim vineyards with views of Rhine Valley, return to town by cable car (choose one)
- Scenic Enrich: Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall in Bonn - travel to magnificent 1792 recital hall for lavish dinner with classical music
Landmarks/POIs Niederwald Monument Rhine Gorge Lorelei La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 13
Cologne
Cologne is 2,000 years old and the old town has been carefully restored. A guided walk covers the World Heritage Cologne Cathedral and historic squares. After lunch, you'll cruise toward Amsterdam.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Cologne Old Town - explore historic buildings, beautiful squares, and World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town - Day 14
Amsterdam
Amsterdam's architecture and UNESCO canal system are the main draw. You can do scenic canal cruises, walking tours of canals and bridges, e-bike tours through the countryside, or trips to windmill villages and historic towns.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Canal cruise - one-hour cruise viewing over 100 kilometres of canals, Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses, and charming bridges (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Amsterdam - guided exploration of maze of canals and bridges covering history, modern lifestyle, Dutch culture, with herring tasting (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Dutch countryside e-bike tour - small ferry to outskirts for biking tour with guide sharing information about Dutch everyday life (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar - visit village with authentic 16th-century windmills, then travel to charming Alkmaar town with historic buildings and canals (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 15
Amsterdam to Paris
Today you fly from Amsterdam to Paris. Once you arrive, you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship for 10 nights cruising the Seine River through France.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Included flight from Amsterdam to Paris
- Day 16
Les Andelys
You'll have a relaxed morning cruising the Seine, arriving in Les Andelys just after lunch. This Norman village has historic architecture and striking limestone cliffs. Afternoon activities include exploring castle ruins or visiting local cider farms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour of historical secrets and King Richard's castle ruins (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - explore Norman town on River Seine banks with local guide before reaching the overlooking castle (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Cider farm visit - visit local Normandy farm to see cider production process and taste distinctive effervescent drink (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - explore extraordinary 16th-century Renaissance château, one of earliest French Renaissance-style châteaux, learn its historical importance (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Château Gaillard Château Gaillon Seine River - Day 17
Rouen
Rouen is Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history. Guided city tours are available, plus unique options like a Viking-era tour or photography discovery. Tonight there's an immersive WWI lecture about the Western Front.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Rouen city tour - guided tour exploring cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys with half-timbered houses, Joan of Arc history with free time (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide shares Viking history, Medieval past of Rouen as Viking capital, with free time afterwards (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Photography discovery - learn digital portrait art from local photographer using Rouen as landscape (choose one)
- Expert lecture: WWI Lecture - Day in the life of a Tommy - interactive evening about life of Allied soldier on Western Front, try WWI equipment and taste soldier rations
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Cathedral Joan of Arc Monument Saint-Maclou Quarter - Day 18
Rouen
You get another full day in Rouen. Choose between gourmet food tours exploring regional cooking, or full-day Somme Battlefield excursions that visit memorials and museums.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Tastes of Normandy - visit local producers to taste soft cheeses, cider, and calvados (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day visiting WWI Battle of the Somme sites including Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park with shell holes and trenches (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - full day visiting Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery with 5,500+ Commonwealth graves, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Lochnagar Crater (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Somme Battlefields Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Lochnagar Crater - Day 19
Honfleur
The ship heads west to Honfleur, the colorful port where Impressionism started. You'll explore the charming harbor, half-timbered houses, restaurants, galleries, and cobbled streets. There's a tour of the Inner Harbour and Church of Sainte-Catherine, then free time. Tonight brings a lecture on Operation Fortitude and D-Day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - explore Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities with free time
- Expert lecture: Operation Fortitude and D-Day campaign - on board lecture about daily life in Honfleur during WWII
Landmarks/POIs Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities Honfleur Harbour - Day 20
Honfleur
A full day in Honfleur focused on WWII history. You can choose excursions covering US D-Day beaches, UK D-Day history, Canadian D-Day history, or explore the historic town of Bayeux.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - start at Utah Beach memorial, visit Sainte-Mère-Église town, lunch at local restaurant, visit Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, short stop at Omaha Beach Memorial (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: 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 across artificial harbour, lunch at local restaurant, visit British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - begin at Abbey d'Ardenne memorial to Canadian POWs, visit Juno Beach Centre where 20,000 Canadian troops landed, lunch at local restaurant, visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery with 335 Canadian graves, Pegasus Bridge & Museum (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Bayeux tour - guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux built between 11th-14th centuries, masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with free time to explore (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Omaha Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Arromanches Landing Museum British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge & Museum Ranville War Cemetery Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 21
Caudebec-en-Caux
You cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a medieval town on a curve of the Seine with handsome riverfront homes. Options include e-bike excursions, visits to coastal towns famous for liquor production, French Resistance walks, or abbey explorations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - active e-bike tour along Seine banks (flat eight-kilometre route each way), visit museum dedicated to Victor Hugo (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic seaside town, guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace famous for producing Bénédictine liquor with 27 plants and spices, tasting included (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi Occupation with local heroes and daring missions (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Normandy Abbey Road - guided tour exploring abbey history and grand abbeys on River Seine banks (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Victor Hugo Museum Villequier Fecamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 22
La Roche-Guyon
Vernon and nearby Giverny are where Impressionism was born. Tour Monet's home and Japanese water garden, or do self-guided cycling. There's an optional painting class on board. Evening brings a classical music event at Château de La Roche-Guyon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Scenic Enrich with drink and classical concert)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny to tour the town and Impressionist founder's home with Japanese-inspired water garden and lilies, free time to explore (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - self-guided biking tour approximately five kilometres each way, option to visit Monet's House and Garden or explore town (choose one)
- On board painting class - optional creative session inspired by Giverny visit
- Scenic Enrich: Château de La Roche-Guyon - short walk from ship to 16th-century château built into chalk hillside, tour manicured orchards and gardens, enjoy drink and classical concert focusing on French composers
Landmarks/POIs Monet's House and Garden Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 23
Conflans-Saint-Honorine
You wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine at the confluence of the Seine and Oise rivers. Wander the quiet streets, visit the ancient church, or grab coffee at open-air cafés. Choose Scenic activities to Van Gogh's village, grand châteaux, or museums. You're back in Paris by afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - travel to village where Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, see landmarks immortalized in his works including Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, entry to Van Gogh's rented attic room untouched since 1890, free time to explore (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent castle built by Henri d'Orléans, son of last King of France, see fine collections, explore gardens with free time. Note: Closed Tuesdays, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden visit (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - active tour of Inland Water Transport Museum in barge capital of world, learn about water's role in residents' lives (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Château de Malmaison - historic estate, former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais, elegant neoclassical architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, museum with Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, personal items (choose one)
Landmarks/POIs Auvers-Sur-Oise Van Gogh's Room Notre Dame de l'Assomption Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 24
Paris
Paris gets a full day of exploration. First-timers can tackle major sights, while return visitors might explore trendy neighborhoods, grand opera houses, or elegant châteaux southeast of the city. The afternoon is free to continue exploring or relax on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of Marais district with Parisian guide, explore culture, history, fashion (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour with local guide seeing Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral (reopened after 2019 fire) (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Opera Garnier - tour spectacular ornately decorated opera house with grand staircases and glistening chandeliers, learn about building commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III (choose one)
- Scenic Freechoice: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach to château one hour's drive from Paris, founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, symmetrical layout with stunning gardens (choose one)
Optional Activities
- People-watching at Champs-Elysée cafés
- Visit top of Eiffel Tower
- Explore Montmartre artist's district and Moulin Rouge
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Champs-Elysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Marais District Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 25
Paris
Your trip ends this morning. After breakfast you'll disembark and head to Paris airport or the train station, taking memories of this unique part of France with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
