| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202323 | Amsterdam, Netherlands, embark on the Scenic Opal | | |
| 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 into wonder begins in this fascinating and compact harbour city. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202323 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | | |
| 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. Freechoice: Experience an iconic cruise of Amsterdam's canals or take to the streets with a local guide on a walking tour including a tasting of traditional Dutch festive treats. Alternatively, if you're feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour outside of the city, or discover charming Volendam before visiting the equally lovely village of Edam. |
| 8th08 | DecDec | 202323 | Cologne, Germany | | |
| 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. Stroll through Cologne on a guided city tour and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Enjoy free time and perhaps visit the markets at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, home to the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Immerse yourself in all the magical scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine. |
| 9th09 | DecDec | 202323 | Koblenz, Germany | | |
| 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. One of Germany's oldest cities is turned into a Christmas paradise in the advent season. Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Koblenz, which straddles two of Europe's most beautiful rivers. Six tranquil places in the old part of the city offer more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands and Lebkuchenherzen - traditional gingerbread hearts - to create a magical European Christmas experience. Alternatively, discover Cochem, a true medieval gem on the banks of the Moselle River. You'll feel as if you're stepping straight into a fairytale on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle. |
| 10th10 | DecDec | 202323 | Heidelberg, Germany | | |
| Freechoice: Uncover the fascinating history of Heidelberg, including a visit to its fine Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, enjoy an orientation tour of Heidelberg's quaint old town, followed by time at leisure. During your free time why not explore the city's Christmas markets. Heidelberg's Old Town radiates with Christmas spirit, walk past decorated wooden stalls, smell wafts of spice in the air from the warming glühwein and taste delicious delicacies such as traditional Gingerbread and the popular local treat of Germknödel - a spiced jam filled dumpling drizzled with a decadent vanilla sauce. Enrich Enjoy a private evening concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It'll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other and a chance to create memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. |
| 11th11 | DecDec | 202323 | Baden-Baden, Germany | | |
| Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a popular spa town famous for its Roman baths. Freechoice: Join a guided tour of this picturesque town and learn of its rich heritage or take an active hike to Hohenbaden Castle for scenic views of the Black Forest. Alternatively, visit the Mercedes-Benz factory and learn about the fascinating history of this luxury brand, or relax with a visit to a rejuvenating thermal spa. |
| 12th12 | DecDec | 202323 | Strasbourg, France | | |
| Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where you'll discover La Petite France and stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. During your free time you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. |
| 13th13 | DecDec | 202323 | Basel, Switzerland, disembark the Scenic Opal | | |
| 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 a hearty breakfast, you'll be transferred to Zurich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:00 AM. 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. |
