Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Fly from the UK to Amsterdam.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.

Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

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.

The oldest city in the Netherland, Nijmegen has a long history that trace back to the Roman Empire. Combined with lush green parklands and beautiful landscape, Nijmegen is the perfect city to start your morning.

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.

This morning you will arrive in Dusseldorf, an affluent city that 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.

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 in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

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.

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

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.

Kehl is a town located in southwest Germany on the River Rhine, across from the French City of Strasbourg. The town is not known as a tourist destination, however it benefits from idyllic landscape and a water-rich environment. Walk or cycle along the Reinpromenade or the garden of the Zweubüchter and enjoy a picnic at one of Kehl’s numerous excavation lakes. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting animals hiding along the rivers, lakes and bushes. Discover Kehl’s turbulent war and peace history with a guided tour of the centre and its surrounding villages. Visitors will also experience the town’s habitat and culture which is characterised through the half timbered houses and streets. Kehl town centre features a large pedestrian zone with many retail outlets, street cafes and outdoor dining to enjoy. A few minutes by public transport and visitors will find themselves in the centre of metropolitan Strasbourg.

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. 

Alsace Wine Region: 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.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

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.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

Disembark and transfer to Vevey where you will learn about one of the 20th century’s most celebrated
artists, Charlie Chaplin, during a visit to the Chaplin’s World Museum. Then check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Why not take the opportunity to wake early and walk along a section of the path that runs around the shore of Lake Geneva. There are beautiful views over the calm water, with boats bobbing at anchor and mountains in the distance. You can join the path right out the front of the hotel.  

You’ll be thankful you made time for some exercise, because today you’re going to dive into the gooey cheese culture of Montreux. 

Enrich
Today’s Scenic Enrich:

All aboard the cheese train: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in a wonderful demonstration, the cheesemaker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes. 

It’s back on the road this morning for your first taste of the Swiss Alps in the village of Gstaad. A favourite with the international jet set, Gstaad is renowned as a ski resort in winter and an outdoor adventure playground in summer. The first thing you’ll see is the magnificent Gstaad Palace hotel, which looks like a fairytale castle perched above the tiny village. Stroll through the chic shopping district and admire the jaw-dropping views. Then continue your journey through beautiful Swiss landscapes to the capital, Bern

From Bern, travel through the impossibly pretty town of Lucerne. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Lake Lucerne, you’ll find exquisite medieval architecture, a 685-year-old wooden footbridge (the oldest in Europe), and glimpses of the majestic Alps in the distance. 

This afternoon we arrive in the city of Zurich, the largest in the country and one of the most liveable in the world. Here, residents cycle along wide streets, relax in leafy parks and dine under the stars in open-air restaurants. It’s known as a global financial centre, but there’s also one of Europe’s most eclectic cultural scenes, world-class contemporary art and a fascinating history. 

Set off on foot this afternoon for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with a flat centre, many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street that’s lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores. Straddling both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Old Town is a pleasant jumble of tiny laneways, cobbled squares and medieval buildings. Don’t miss St Peter’s Church, where the original 9th century foundations are still visible beneath the chancel and the iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster church. 

Check into your grand hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay.

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.

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

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

After one final sumptuous breakfast – and a last cup of delectable Swiss hot chocolate – it’s time to say farewell to Switzerland.Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
 

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

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.