Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam this afternoon and board your 5-star river ship. Get there before 5:00 PM so you have time to settle in and head to the welcome reception where you'll meet other Scenic Club members traveling with you.
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canal System - Day 2
Dordrecht
The ship docks in Dordrecht, one of Holland's oldest cities from the 11th century. You can choose between walking through the historic center, heading to Delft to see how they make the blue and white pottery, visiting the World Heritage windmills at Kinderdijk, or checking out a cheese farm in Gouda.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Dordrecht - Admire the city's picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings including Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower
- Excursion to Delft - Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the masters at work
- Excursion to Kinderdijk - Visit the traditional village of Kinderdijk to see its World Heritage-listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture
- Exclusive Scenic Club Scenic Freechoice Cheese farm visit - Travel to Gouda and visit a local cheese farm, which still uses traditional methods that date back centuries. Learn about the cheese making process and taste delicious produce
Landmarks/POIs Groothoofd Quay Grote Kerk (Great Church) Old Water Tower Delft Kinderdijk Windmills Gouda - Day 3
Bruinisse
You'll dock in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village, and have the option to explore the 13th-century town of Veere on a guided tour, see the Delta Works engineering structures, or visit an oyster farm. Later in the evening, there's a special seafood gala dinner on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Special seafood gala dinner)
Included Activities
- Seafood gala dinner - Special exclusive experience for valued Scenic Club members featuring the exceptional fresh produce of Bruinisse
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Veere - Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship
- Delta Works visit - Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding
- Oyster farm visit - The crisp, cold waters of the nearby North Sea are ideal for oysters. Visit a local farm to learn how they are grown and taste some fresh from the ocean
Landmarks/POIs Veere Delta Works - Day 4
Antwerp
The ship crosses into Belgium and arrives in Antwerp, the diamond capital. You can walk through the medieval heart with its cobbled lanes and see the riverside fortress and cathedral, or choose between a full day trip to Ypres and Passchendaele WWI sites, or try a craft beer and chocolate pairing experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Ypres & Passchendaele - Full day excursion visiting the towns of Passchendaele and Ypres to learn about their significant WWI battles, see memorials dedicated to the 325,000 allied troops who perished, and learn how this region was rebuilt in the aftermath. Tour includes lunch in a local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour - Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, 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
- Craft beer & chocolate pairing - Take your taste buds on a journey of flavour with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of Our Lady Steen Castle Passchendaele Ypres - Day 5
Arnhem
After lunch you'll arrive in Arnhem, surrounded by the Veluwe Nature Reserve with forests and parklands. Pick from the Airborne Museum for WWII history, the Netherlands Open Air Museum to learn about Dutch traditions, or Palais Het Loo with its royal history and art collection.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Arnhem Airborne Museum - Military buffs should visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation
- The Netherlands Open Air Museum - Learn about the lives and traditions of ordinary Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. 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
- Palais Het Loo - Art lovers will enjoy Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family's rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens
Landmarks/POIs Airborne Museum Netherlands Open Air Museum Palais Het Loo Veluwe Nature Reserve - Day 6
Düsseldorf
You're now in Düsseldorf, Germany, known for its art scene and fashion. Choose a walking tour of the city, cycling along the Rhine, a brewery experience for Altbier, or the City of Art tour. This afternoon there's an on board cooking class where you'll learn about local German cuisine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- On board cooking class - Join a member of your expert Scenic culinary team to learn about local cuisine
Optional Activities
- City walking tour - Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour. Discover its gentrified harbour, charming old town, the modern tech hub of Media Harbour, and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century
- Cycling tour - Active travellers can explore the banks of the Rhine on two wheels, cycling to one of the most historic regions of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth
- Düsseldorf's Altbier - Learn about Düsseldorf's long tradition of beer production, visit well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region
- Düsseldorf – City of Art - Uncover the artistic heritage of Düsseldorf starting in the historic Old Town and making your way to Media Harbour, then visit the K 21 Museum for a self-guided exploration of the contemporary exhibits
Landmarks/POIs Media Harbour Castle Tower Rhine River Kaiserswerth K 21 Museum - Day 7
Moselle Valley
Spend the day cruising through the Moselle Valley with steep banks, terraced vineyards, half-timbered houses, and castles on hilltops. Relax in the sun lounge or book a spa treatment. Try crisp Rieslings and regional food on the sun deck as villages pass by. You'll reach Cochem by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Moselle Valley cruise - Full day cruising through the spectacular Moselle Valley with steep banks dotted with 40 hilltop castles and fortresses
- Moselle wine tasting - Tasting of the best Moselle wines on the Sun Deck with crisp Rieslings and fruity whites accompanied by regional bites
Landmarks/POIs Moselle Valley Lorelei Statue - Day 8
Cochem
Explore Cochem on the Moselle River with its pastel buildings and half-timbered houses under a hilltop castle. You can walk through town and see Reichsburg Castle or take an e-bike tour along the river. That evening, there's a special regional dinner with hearty German food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Special regional dinner featuring hearty German cuisine and traditional dishes)
Included Activities
- Regional dinner - Special regional dinner featuring hearty German cuisine and traditional dishes
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Cochem - Explore Reichsburg Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages and has a well-preserved Knight's Hall and Trophy Room, then enjoy some free time to walk Cochem's charming streets on your own
- Cycling tour of Cochem - Hop on an e-bike to cycle along the flat path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Reichsburg Castle, the half-timbered houses of Cochem, and the nearby towns of Valwig and Belstein
Landmarks/POIs Reichsburg Castle Valwig Belstein - Day 9
Bernkastel
You'll arrive in Bernkastel, a well-preserved riverside town with a 13th-century market square and Landshut Castle ruins above. The area's known for the Bernkasteler Doctor vineyard. Choose a walking tour, go to Trier to see the Porta Nigra and cathedral, or do a wine tasting. Later there's an exclusive classical concert in Trier's Liebfrauenkirche.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private classical concert in Liebfrauenkirche - Scenic Enrich experience with a private classical evening concert in the spectacular surrounds of the impressive Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in the heart of Trier
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Bernkastel - Your expert guide will explain the local architecture and culture during a guided tour or the town's highlights, including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall). Then enjoy some time at leisure
- Excursion to Trier - Drive to Trier, a charming Roman city located near the Luxembourg border and birthplace of Karl Marx. Join 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 at one of the most renowned wineries in the region, then sample a selection of local wines
Landmarks/POIs Landshut Castle Bernkasteler Doctor Vineyard Trier Porta Nigra Trier Cathedral Liebfrauenkirche - Day 10
Koblenz
You'll dock in Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest cities, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Take a walking tour of the old town, visit Marksburg Castle above the Rhine, or head to the medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. The ship stays overnight so you can explore after dark.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Koblenz - Join your guide to explore the old town's winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city
- Marksburg Castle visit - Drive to Marksburg Castle, perched high above the Rhine River. Dating back to 1117, it's the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction over the years. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility)
- Medieval Limburg - Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the Cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alte Lahnbrucke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River
Landmarks/POIs Florinsmarkt Marksburg Castle Limburg an der Lahn Alte Lahnbrucke - Day 11
Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
Spend the morning relaxing on board as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometer stretch with about 40 hilltop castles spanning 1,000 years. Watch for the Lorelei Statue. After lunch you'll dock in Rüdesheim and can visit a music museum or hike with a cable car. Later, head to Schloss Johannisberg for an exclusive aperitif.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif at Schloss Johannisberg - Visit Schloss Johannisberg for an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards. This grand Neoclassical palace has a long history of winemaking and is said to be the birthplace of Riesling. This is an exclusive experience for our valued Scenic Club members
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - Visit Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum, where a local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Then explore on your own or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument
- Hike & Cable Car - Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Lorelei Statue Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum Niederwald Monument Schloss Johannisberg - Day 12
Mannheim
You'll arrive in Mannheim this morning, known for its 18th-century grid layout and grand Baroque squares. Choose from an orientation tour of Heidelberg, a historical tour with Heidelberg Castle and the world's largest wine barrel, or a vineyard tour in Bad Durkheim with wine tasting. The ship departs for Strasbourg this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Orientation Tour of Heidelberg - Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground)
- Historical tour of Heidelberg - Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world's largest Wine Barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground)
- Excursion to Bad Durkheim - It's just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting
Landmarks/POIs Mannheim Heidelberg Heidelberg Castle Heidelberg Tun Bad Durkheim Fritz Ritter Vineyard - Day 13
Strasbourg
Explore Strasbourg, the Alsace wine region's capital, with colorful half-timbered houses along canals. The city blends French and German influences. You can do a walking tour, head out through the Alsace wine region for tasting in Mittelbergheim, or take an e-bike tour through villages and vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Strasbourg - See the city's most important sites on foot, like the Cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk)
- Alsace wine region - Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar
- Cycling tour from Strasbourg - Hop on an e-bike and explore the sights of Strasbourg and its surrounds. With more than 500 km of bicycle trails, you can discover sleepy villages, lush vineyards and charming canals
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg Cathedral Petit France Grand Ile Obernai Mittelbergheim - Day 14
Breisach
You'll arrive in Breisach, a food and wine spot between the Rhine River and Black Forest. The town has traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses rebuilt after WWII. Try wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl, go to Colmar with its canals and half-timbered houses, or visit Freiburg at the Black Forest edge. Later there's a cheese tasting before heading to Basel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tasting of local cheeses - Return to your Scenic Space-Ship and enjoy a tasting of delicious local cheeses, guided by the expert Scenic culinary team
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl - Thanks to its 16-million-year-old volcanic soils, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a top-quality wine-producing region. Visit today and sample some of these delicious wines
- Excursion to Colmar - Visit to Colmar and step into a fairy tale. Likened to Venice due to its quaint canals, the city centre features an abundance of half-timbered houses, some dating back a thousand years, cobblestoned streets lined with charming stores and cafes, and bustling markets serving up delicious local produce
- Excursion to Freiburg - Discover picturesque Freiburg, located on the edge of the magical Black Forest. Your local guide will escort you through the medieval town centre to see the Freiburg Munster, one of only a handful of structures that survived the bombings during WWII
Landmarks/POIs Kaiserstuhl Colmar Freiburg Freiburg Munster Black Forest - Day 15
Basel
Your cruise ends this morning in Basel. You'll have one last breakfast on board before disembarking with memories of your journey across Europe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Basel
