Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and board your river ship this afternoon. After settling into your suite, head to the Scenic Sun Lounge to take in views along the Danube. This evening, there's a welcome reception where you'll meet fellow travelers and raise a glass to the trip ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 2
Budapest
Budapest sits on both sides of the Danube, and you can choose how to explore. Options include guided tours of the historic Buda district, the Hospital in the Rock, thermal baths, or a scenic hike. You might rent e-bikes instead, check out the famous ruin bars, or simply relax on the Panorama Lounge. By evening, the ship sails toward Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Budapest in Depth coach tour, Budapest's Past & Present walking and coach tour, Hospital in the Rock underground tour, Thermal Baths experience at Gellert Baths, or Guided hike of Buda
Optional Activities
- E-bike exploration of the city
- Visit to ruin bars
Landmarks/POIs Varkert Bazar Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Hospital in the Rock Gellert Baths Danube River - Day 3
Danube River to Vienna
You'll spend the day cruising toward Vienna with coffee service available to your suite. This evening brings a private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein featuring Strauss and Mozart performed by an orchestra with ballet dancers and vocalists, followed by Austrian Sekt and fine dining.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with fine Austrian Sekt
Landmarks/POIs Palais Liechtenstein - Day 4
Vienna
Vienna greets you at the dock this morning. Choose between touring Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, cycling to Danube Island's beaches, exploring central Vienna's imperial architecture with a guide, or taking a coach to Bratislava to see Slovakia's medieval Old Town and hilltop castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Schönbrunn Palace guided tour, Cycle to Danube Island e-bike tour, Central Vienna exploration with local guide, or Excursion to Bratislava with guided tour of Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Námestie, and Old Town Hall
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Ringstrasse Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Old Town Hall - Day 5
Krems - Dürnstein
You'll arrive in Krems in the Wachau Valley. Visit Gottweig Abbey with its Baroque staircase and frescoes, taste wines at a local winery, or e-bike through vineyards to Dürnstein. Later, cruise to Dürnstein itself to walk its charming streets surrounded by 12th-century buildings and terraced vineyards before setting sail.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Göttweig Abbey guided tour, Wachau Valley wine tasting at a local winery, or E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein along the Danube
Landmarks/POIs Göttweig Abbey Wachau Valley Dürnstein Castle Danube River - Day 6
Brandstatt - Passau
Disembarking at Brandstatt, you have three full-day options: coach to Salzburg for Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress with lunch included, coach to Czech Český Krumlov with its Gothic architecture and World Heritage status plus lunch, or stay aboard and cruise to Passau to see St. Stephen's Cathedral and its famous organ.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant (for Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov options)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice full-day excursion of your choice: Full day to Salzburg with guided tour and lunch at local restaurant, Full day to Ceský Krumlov with guided tour and lunch at local restaurant, or Highlights of Passau with visit to Old Town and St. Stephen's Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Castle Salzach River Ceský Krumlov Old Town Vltava River St. Stephen's Cathedral Danube River Inn River Ilz River - Day 7
Regensburg
Regensburg's medieval core contains over 900 World Heritage buildings. Take a walking tour with a local guide to see the ancient stone bridge and churches, take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey to tour the monastery and sample its award-winning beer, or join an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Walking tour of Regensburg, Weltenburg Abbey ferry tour with beer tasting, or Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour with guided castle tour
Landmarks/POIs Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Danube Gorge Thurn und Taxis Castle - Day 8
Nuremberg
You'll reach Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city enclosed by medieval walls. Choose between a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle and market square, a WWII history tour exploring the Nazi rally grounds, or an active walking tour of the castle and city walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Walking tour of the Old Town, The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour, or Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls active walking tour
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Market Square Rally Grounds Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse Courtroom 600 - Day 9
Bamberg
Bamberg spreads across seven hills with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings throughout. Join a guided city tour of the Old Town, or coach to nearby Coburg to visit its impressive castle museum. Back on the ship, you can relax in the wellness center and book an optional massage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Bamberg Old Town Tour, or Excursion to Coburg with castle museum visit
Optional Activities
- Massage treatment at wellness centre
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Old Town Hall Cathedral Old Residence New Residence Little Venice Coburg Castle - Day 10
Würzburg
Würzburg sits in Franconian wine country surrounded by vineyards. Tour the World Heritage Würzburg Residence palace with its gardens, then explore the city's shops and cafes, or climb to Marienberg Fortress. Alternatively, take the Romantic Road coach journey through medieval villages to Rothenburg to see its Gothic City Hall and famous tavern with legendary clocks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Guided city tour and Würzburg Residence with palace tour and city free time, or Romantic Road to Rothenburg with guided walking tour and free time
Optional Activities
- Climb to Marienberg Fortress
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Marienberg Fortress Main River Old Main Bridge Rothenburg City Hall City Councillors' Tavern - Day 11
Wertheim
At Wertheim, you'll find half-timbered buildings along the Main and Tauber Rivers. Choose an orientation tour with a local winery visit, meet the Baron and Baroness at Gamburg Castle for a private reception, tour a working farm to taste local delicacies, or visit a Schnapps distillery for brandy tastings. The ship then sets sail for Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Wertheim tour and winery, Gamburg Castle tour with private reception, Miltenberg tour and local farm visit, or Schnapps tasting
Landmarks/POIs Main River Tauber River Gamburg Castle Miltenberg - Day 12
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim sits surrounded by steep vineyards famous for Riesling. Take a mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with 350 self-playing instruments, then cable car to the Neiderwald Monument, or hike through vineyards with Rhine River views before returning by cable car. Sail through the Rhine Gorge admiring 40 hilltop castles. This evening, enjoy a classical concert in Bonn featuring Beethoven and Mozart.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Lavish dinner with classical concert)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Siegfried's Musikkabinett and Cable Car, or Hike and Cable Car
- Scenic Enrich: Classical Concert in the Beethoven Room at La Redoute recital hall with lavish dinner in Bonn
Landmarks/POIs Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Neiderwald Monument Rhine Gorge Upper Middle Rhine Valley La Redoute - Day 13
Cologne
Cologne's Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline above the Old Town. Your walking tour explores historic laneways and breweries serving Kölsch beer. The cathedral dates to 1248 and stands as a symbol of the city's resilience after WWII destruction.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne with local guide
Optional Activities
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Old Town - Day 14
Amsterdam
Amsterdam's 100-plus kilometers of canals connect 16th-century merchant houses and charming bridges much as they existed centuries ago. Cruise the Gentleman's Canal and Prince's Canal passing elegant residences and Anne Frank's House, take an e-bike tour through the city and outlying regions, visit Schermerhorn windmills and Alkmaar's famous cheese market, or walk the canal maze discovering Dutch culture and fresh herring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Canal cruise, Cycling tour on complimentary e-bikes, Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar, or Walking tour of Amsterdam with herring tasting
Landmarks/POIs Gentleman's Canal The Skinny Bridge Prince's Canal Old Lord Mayor's House The Seven Bridges Anne Frank's House Brewer's Canal Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 15
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is yours to explore at your own pace this full day. Wander the canals, visit museums and galleries, browse boutiques, or simply relax at cafes. Alternatively, stay on the ship and unwind in your suite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Amsterdam
- Museum visits
- Gallery visits
- Canal walks
- Shopping and dining
- Day 16
Amsterdam to Utrecht
You'll sail toward Utrecht this morning, arriving at lunchtime in this canal-lined city with green spaces and hidden alleyways. Choose a guided tour of Utrecht's highlights including Domtoren and lively canals with terraces, or visit De Haar Castle, the Netherlands' largest castle, crossing a suspension bridge over its moat to explore furnished rooms and magnificent rose gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Highlights of Utrecht guided tour, or Excursion to De Haar Castle
Landmarks/POIs Domtoren De Haar Castle - Day 17
Veere
Veere is one of the Netherlands' prettiest villages with a historic harbor filled with yachts. This 13th-century town flourished as a Scottish wool trade port, and those ties remain. Choose a guided tour of heritage buildings including the 15th-century town hall and Gothic Grote Kerk, a cycling tour through the village and dyke-surrounded countryside, or visit the Delta Works system of dams protecting the delta plain.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Guided City Tour, Cycling Tour, or Delta Works Visit
Landmarks/POIs Veere Veerse Meer Lake Grote Kerk Delta Works - Day 18
Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium's second city and diamond capital, offers several options. Take a walking tour exploring the Cathedral of Our Lady, medieval Steen Castle, and the main square, or take a full-day excursion to WWI Passchendaele and Ypres memorials with lunch. Alternatively, tour medieval Bruges with its Bell Tower and Belfry (note cobblestones and extensive walking), or try a craft beer and chocolate pairing. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant (for Ypres & Passchendaele option)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Guided walking tour, Excursion to Ypres and Passchendaele with lunch, Excursion to Bruges, or Craft Beer and Chocolate pairing
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of Our Lady Steen Castle Main Square Passchendaele Ypres Bruges Bell Tower and Belfry of Bruges - Day 19
Arnhem
Arnhem sits at the edge of the Veluwe nature reserve with beautiful forests and riverside promenades. Visit the Airborne Museum to follow British parachutists' footsteps from September 1944 and meet locals who were freed, join an active biking tour through the countryside, explore the 44-hectare open-air museum with replicas of historic houses and mills, or visit Het Loo Royal Palace museum showcasing Dutch royal family history and magnificent gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Arnhem Airborne Museum, Biking tour of Arnhem, Netherlands Open Air Museum, or Het Loo Royal Palace in Apeldoorn
Landmarks/POIs Arnhem Airborne Museum Netherlands Open Air Museum Paleis Het Loo Veluwe Nature Reserve - Day 20
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, called 'Little Paris' by Napoleon, combines museums, galleries, luxury shopping, and an Old Town with around 260 pubs and bars. Choose a guided walking tour from the transformed Media Harbour to the charming Old Town and 450-year-old city hall, a Rhine River cycling tour to historic Kaiserswerth, sample Altbier traditional ale at local microbreweries, or explore the Old Town and Media Harbour then visit the K21 Museum.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: City walking tour, Cycling tour, Düsseldorf's Altbier tasting tour, or Düsseldorf City of Art tour with K 21 Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Media Harbour Old Town City Hall Castle Tower Kaiserswerth Rhine River K 21 Museum - Day 21
Danube to Moselle River - Cochem
You'll cruise the curvaceous Moselle River past half-timbered villages, vine-covered slopes, and hilltop castles. Relax in your suite's Scenic Sun Lounge for uninterrupted views of the rolling valley landscapes. This afternoon, taste local wine varieties during a Moselle Wine Degustation. You'll arrive in the medieval town of Cochem by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Moselle Wine Degustation
Landmarks/POIs Moselle River Moselle Valley - Day 22
Cochem
Cochem feels like stepping into a fairy-tale with pastel buildings, half-timbered houses, and cobbled laneways. Transfer to Reichsburg Castle dating to the Middle Ages to tour its knight's hall and cellars, then wander the Old Town, or e-bike with a local guide to see the castle above the city and winding streets. This afternoon, set sail for Bernkastel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Walking tour of Cochem with Reichsburg Castle guided tour, or Cycling tour of Cochem on e-bikes
Landmarks/POIs Reichsburg Castle Old Town Moselle River - Day 23
Bernkastel
Bernkastel's atmospheric market square features 13th-century buildings and is home to Bernkasteler Doctor, one of the world's most famous Riesling vineyards. You can walk a guided tour exploring local architecture and culture, coach to Trier to see the Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral, or visit a renowned Moselle winery. This evening, attend a private classical concert in Trier's UNESCO-listed Church of Our Lady.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Walking Tour of Bernkastel, Excursion to Trier, or Wine tasting along the Moselle
- Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Liebfrauenkirche, Trier
Landmarks/POIs Bernkasteler Doctor Vineyard Landshut Castle Market Square Trier Porta Nigra Trier Cathedral Liebfrauenkirche Moselle River - Day 24
Koblenz
Koblenz sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, blending French and German cultures over 2,000 years. Take a guided walking tour of the Florinsmarkt and winding old town streets, climb to Marksburg Castle above the Rhine (requires good fitness), or coach to medieval Limburg an der Lahn to walk cobblestone streets of half-timbered houses. Your ship stays overnight, letting you explore after dark.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Guided walking tour of Koblenz, Marksburg Castle tour, or Medieval Limburg tour
Landmarks/POIs Florinsmarkt Old Town Marksburg Castle Rhine River Limburg an der Lahn Cathedral Alte Lahnbrücke - Day 25
Koblenz - Rüdesheim
This morning, you'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometer stretch with approximately 40 hilltop castles spanning 1,000 years. You'll disembark in Rüdesheim this afternoon. Choose between taking a mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum then cable car to the Neiderwald Monument, or hiking through famous Riesling vineyards with Rhine views before returning by cable car. Wander the laneways before your ship departs late evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum and Cable Car, or Hike and Cable Car
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Upper Middle Rhine Valley Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Niederwald Monument - Day 26
Mannheim
Arriving in Mannheim this morning, coach to Heidelberg for a walking tour of the Old Town with free time to explore further, or add Heidelberg Castle, an important Renaissance structure with a courtyard overlooking the town and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world's largest wine barrel (note some stairs and uneven ground). Alternatively, drive through vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim to visit the Fritz Ritter vineyard for wine tasting. By afternoon, the ship sails for Kehl.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Orientation Tour of Heidelberg with free time, Historical tour of Heidelberg with Heidelberg Castle visit, or Excursion to Bad Durkheim with Fritz Ritter vineyard tour and wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Heidelberg Castle Old Town Heidelberg Tun Bad Durkheim - Day 27
Kehl - Strasbourg
Kehl is the gateway to Strasbourg, capital of Alsace, where sherbert-colored half-timbered houses line a complex canal network. Choose an active walking tour visiting the Cathedral, Petit France, and Grand Ile, or coach to Mittelbergheim, a 'Most Beautiful Villages of France' member, for wine cellar tasting and exploration of neighboring Obernai. Later, your ship departs, leaving you free time to wander Strasbourg at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Guided walking tour of Strasbourg, or Excursion to Mittelbergheim with wine cellar tasting and Obernai visit
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg Cathedral Petit France Grand Ile Mittelbergheim Obernai - Day 28
Breisach
Breisach sits between the Rhine River and the Black Forest on Alsace's border, rebuilt with traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses after WWII destruction. Visit the Kaiserstuhl wine region to sample volcanic-soil wines, coach to fairytale Colmar with its Venice-like canals and 1,000-year-old half-timbered houses, or visit picturesque Freiburg to see Freiburg Munster cathedral, one of few structures surviving WWII bombings. Back on the ship, toast to your final evening aboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity of your choice: Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl, Excursion to Colmar, or Excursion to Freiburg
Landmarks/POIs Kaiserstuhl Colmar Freiburg Freiburg Munster Black Forest Rhine River - Day 29
Breisach to Zurich
After breakfast, you'll head to the airport for your onward flight with help from your Scenic Representative. Your cruise ends, but the memories of riverside towns, wine regions, and European culture stay with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
