Rhine Highlights 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.

Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. Getting lost in its labyrinth of narrow laneways and canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and charming cafes is one of the great ways to spend a day.

Board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon, meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. With a late departure, you can go onshore after dinner to sample some of its legendary nightlife.

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.

Spend this morning in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital is a unique blend of history and art. Discover a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets bustling with cyclists. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, much of the World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:

Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture, travel out of town, enjoy the sweeping countryside landscape and explore the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of World Heritage-listed windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar. Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.

Fabrique des Lumières: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17 metre high walls, accompanied by music to create an immersive ambience.

Cycling tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for an active biking tour to experience life on two wheels. Your local guide will be on hand to offer information about the everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom are sharing your cycle path.

Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.

Dock in the 2,000 year old city of Cologne. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, complete with a voucher to purchase a local beer, and admire its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. With a late departure tonight, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own and get a taste of the nightlife.

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.

The ship docks in Koblenz this morning, giving you the opportunity to explore one of Germany’s oldest cities. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

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.

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 Alten Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.

Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its picturesque centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch, the ship sets sail, giving you the chance to relax on board as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65 kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.

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.

Arrive in Mannheim today. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Scenic Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region before you cruise to Rastatt.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose between these immersive Scenic Freechoice experiences this morning:

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 the 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 Dürkheim: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit the famed Fritz Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and you will be treated to a tour and tasting. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required).

Scenic Enrich
Private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, the Baroque Palace of Rastatt was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and hosts an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Explore the opulent palace and gardens before sitting down to a private performance from an accomplished pianist and accompanied vocalists.

Rastatt, Germany, is a charming town in the Baden-Württemberg region, known for its Baroque architecture and historic significance. The centerpiece is the Rastatt Palace, a stunning example of Baroque grandeur with its beautiful gardens. The town offers picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural scene. Located near the Rhine River, Rastatt combines historical charm with a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for exploring its architectural heritage and enjoying its local culture.

The capital of the Alsace wine region is a captivating blend of France and Germany. It has a Gothic cathedral and an Old Town surrounded by a river, with sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses bordering a complex network of canals. Strasbourg proudly wears its medieval past while looking firmly towards the future and is known for its youthful energy and infectious spirit.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice experiences today:

Alsace wine route with tasting: Explore this culturally diverse wine-growing area and visit one of the region’s most famous wine growing villages to do a tasting at a local wine cellar before exploring the neighbouring town of Obernai.

Cycling through Strasbourg: Journey by e-bike the region’s impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of trails cover the city, and you will explore some of these while cycling through charming suburbs past historic buildings, beautiful parklands and sparkling canals.

Walking tour of Strasbourg: Located on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg has been influenced by both cultures. See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile as you learn how the two nations shaped this unique city.

A late departure gives you plenty of time to explore

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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Breisach for the day, giving you ample time to discover the region. There’s lots of reasons Breisach is a must-visit food and wine destination. Not only does it share a border with the Alsace region, it’s also located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest. Don’t leave without trying the German Pinot Noir. The town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Guided tour of Colmar: A walking tour of the cultural centre of the Alsace shows off Colmar’s confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. A highlight of the tour is tasting a slice of the famed Kugelhopf cake at a local bistro.

Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting: It’s location right on the edge of the Black Forest makes Freiburg a magical place to visit. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively medieval town before a tasting of delicious black forest cake.

Walking tour of Breisach with wine tasting: This leisurely guided walk through Breisach’s Old Town will take in its pastel facades and cobbled lanes. Look up to see the hilltop cathedral of St. Stephansmünster before indulging in a tasting of delicious local sparkling wine.

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.

After your river cruise concludes in Basel (Huningue), travel across the Swiss Alps to the picturesque lakeside resort town of Montreux. Take a short orientation tour of the town to admire the lakeside promenade, cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.

This morning, visit Chillon Castle. Set on the shore of Lake Geneva, it was first built in the 11th century and is one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Join a tour with a local guide and learn how this iconic castle has inspired poets and writers like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.  

Scenic Enrich
Chaplin Museum: Learn about the life and work of one of the most influential early film stars, Charlie Chaplin. Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the Chaplin Museum, set inside his former home.

This morning, travel to Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed thanks to its medieval Old Town, charming Renaissance fountains, and landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Bern Cathedral.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore Bern with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Orientation tour of Bern: Your Scenic Tour Director will take you on a short walk to explore this delightful city. See its many fountains, sandstone facades and narrow streets, and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the river banks since 1857.

Swiss chocolate tasting: Switzerland is known for its chocolate, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. Enjoy a tasting of different praline and other varieties at a local producer as you learn about chocolate production and its importance for the local economy.

Today you’ll depart for Lucerne. Its lovely Old Town, brightly coloured houses, covered bridges and cobalt blue lake make for the quintessential Swiss resort town. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved and highlights such as the Museggmauer and Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Hofkirche, and the Jesuit Church.

Afterwards, you’ll travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland and a global financial centre, it hugs the shoreline of the spectacular Lake Zurich. Set off on foot for a walking tour. 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 lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores. 

Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city after dark.

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

Depart after breakfast for your onward journey, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland with you.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.