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. (D)
This morning will be spent on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship sailing towards Utrecht. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you’re passing.
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:
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:
This morning you will arrive in Belgium’s second city, Antwerp. Full of historical and cultural contrasts, Antwerp has a melange of architectural wonders, a medieval centre with cobbled streets and Gothic buildings, many that were severely bombed during WWII, blended with modern architectural wonders. It’s also the diamond capital of the world, with 70 per cent of the world’s diamonds traded there.
Freechoice: Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Antwerp at your own pace or return to your Space-Ship and relax with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. (B/L/D)
Located at the edge of the Veluwe nature reserve, the city of Arnhem offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Coupled with its long and rich history, Arnhem is the perfect location to spend an afternoon.
Freechoice: Make your choice from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will be sailing towards Dusseldorf this morning. Wake up to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining.
Dusseldorf is an affluent city, which 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 afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:
Today sail along the curvaceous path of the Moselle River past quaint half-timbered villages, vine-covered slopes and hilltop castles that are perched proudly overlooking the river.
Relax in the opulence of your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of the Moselle Valley during this full day of cruising. This afternoon you will be able to indulge in a Moselle Wine Degustation to sample local varieties.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the medieval town of Cochem this evening. (B/L/D)
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:
This afternoon you will set sail for Bernkastel. (B/L/D)
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 morning from the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
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. (B/L/D)
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. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest and mountain ranges and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque section of the mighty river that is protected by UNESCO.
Freechoice: This morning’s Scenic Freechoice are diverse and unique, decide what suits you:
Your Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark. (B/L/D)
Leaving Koblenz this morning you will cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley towards Rüdesheim. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy-tale book.
The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.
This afternoon you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.
Freechoice: Make your selection for this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice tours:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart late this evening, allowing you some free time to wander the enchanting laneways of Rüdesheim. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Mannheim this morning, where you'll enjoy several Scenic Freechoice options:
This afternoon your Space-Ship will set sail for Kehl. (B/L/D)
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. On its central island, the UNESCO-listed Grand Ile, Petite France – named so for the 15th century hospital that was built here for patients suffering from syphilis ‘the French disease’ – was a medieval Tanners’ Quarters. Its meandering cobbled laneways are lined with a medley of buildings with shuttered windows and bright flowerboxes.
Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are available for you to choose from today:
Your Scenic Space-Ship departs later this evening, which means you have free time to wander Strasbourg at your own pace. Alternatively, return to your Space-Ship and take the time to unwind in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. (B/L/D)
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:
Return to your Scenic Space-Ship and toast to your final evening on board. (B/L/D)
Today board your included flight and transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship for your South of France cruise. (B/D)
Perhaps wake up to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises along the Saône River. You will be sailing towards Chalon-sur-Saône. An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming town with half-timbered houses and a magnificent Gothic cathedral just south of Beaune, often referred to as the epicentre for oenophiles.
Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart Chalon-sur-Saône early this morning and sail to Tournus, a riverside town founded by the Romans, its dominating abbey a splendid example of Romanesque architecture.
Freechoice: Make your selection for today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Tonight, your on board Chef has specially sourced local Truffles and will cook an extraordinary welcome dinner showcasing the regions Truffles. (B/L/D)
This morning will be spent on board as you sail towards Tournon, a hillside village with terraced vineyards, an enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas.
Freechoice: Spend this afternoon at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
This afternoon enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of Tournon Castle. This ancient castle holds prime position overlooking the Rhône river and the surrounding terraced vineyards. (B/L/D)
This morning you’ll have time to relax on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises towards the city of Avignon in Provence. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture but has a youthful energy to it with a buzzing arts scene. The former 14th century papal capital is circled by city walls, home to the magnificent World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.
Freechoice: Choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice options this afternoon:
Enrich: This evening’s Scenic Enrich:
Private classical concert and dinner at the Pope’s Palace: You will be treated to a truly unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner and a concert by a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls. (B/L/D)
Avignon is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Today you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice options:
Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for Arles. Founded by Julius Caesar, this city is rich in Roman history and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for a multitude of his paintings and drawings.
Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your day with todays’ selection of Scenic Freechoice options:
This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your Scenic Space-Ship and indulge in an on board painting class. Vincent Van Gogh once said that 'The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France' this is just one example of the high regard this region is held by artists the world over. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own. (B/L/D)
This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture.
Freechoice: Make your selection for this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Freechoice: This afternoon, choose to explore your way with these Scenic Freechoice options:
Enjoy watching a rolling tapestry of the Rhône River as you sail towards Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, where you will arrive this evening. Soak up the uninterrupted vistas from your luxury suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge.
Perhaps you’d like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you’d prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage^. Savour regional cuisine in Crystal Dining or sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire.
Enrich: Tonight, admire the beauty of one of the city’s grandest Baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As a special Scenic guests, you will be treated to an exclusive experience, join your fellow guests for a breath-taking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting. (B/L/D)
Wake up this morning in Lyon. This fascinating city rivals Paris in the culinary stakes, was home to prestigious chef Paul Bocuse and the Lumiere brothers who invented the cinematograph, has a long history of silk production, and comprises ancient Roman ruins and fascinating subterranean passageways that date to the 4th century.
Freechoice: Make your selection for today’s Scenic Freechoice:
The afternoon is free to wander the cobbled streets of Lyon. Perhaps you’d like to spend time sampling local dishes in a bouchon ‘local eating houses’ or head to the Le Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an undercover gourmet market that will tickle your tastebuds.
This evening, a local pâtissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. (B/L/D)
Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.
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.
^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. Please note: Scenic Culinaire capacity is limited. (B)
Regions