15 Day Jewels of Europe

Welcome to Amsterdam

Your journey into wonder begins here. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Amsterdam

Explore wonderful Amsterdam – with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles. Freechoice: Experience an iconic canal cruise or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans, with its windmills and open-air conservation area. Alternatively, you can make the most of your free time by walking or cycling the city, and letting your Tailormade GPS device open your eyes to its many key attractions. And in the evening, please join your Scenic Space-Ship Captain for the official welcome dinner.

Cologne - Marksburg

Freechoice: Explore the Neanderthal Museum or take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Alternatively enjoy a cooking demonstration on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Whatever you choose it’s a great day to see and discover. Enrich: Delight in the medieval ambience of Marksburg Castle, which has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. You’ll get the opportunity to partake in a magnificent medieval feast, with an abundance of fine fare and quantities of free flowing local red wine. You can also look forward to being entertained in the grand tradition of Europe’s great royal houses, with minstrels and colourful court jesters, there for your exclusive pleasure.

Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim

Enjoy the unrivalled views and fresh air of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Then alight in Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, for a spectacular view of the river.

Freudenberg - Tastes of ‘Oktoberfest’

Enrich: In Freudenberg you’ll get the chance to celebrate the Scenic version of ‘Oktoberfest’, Germany’s famously fun festival. Look forward to joyous oom-pah-pah music, bright festive blue flags, and an abundance of fine beer. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the locals, see some regional arts and crafts, and indulge in a Bavarian lunch with large servings of good humour and revelry.

Würzburg

Freechoice: Visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine, or explore the famous Romantic Road – such an important trade route during the Middle Ages. Then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem that overlooks the Tauber River.

Bamberg

Immerse yourself in the Old Town of Bamberg, a World Heritage-listed Site alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. During your leisure time you might like to savour the traditional smoked beer of the region.

Nuremberg

Welcome to this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century. Freechoice: Visit moving WWII sites or choose something a little lighter – the Tastes of Nuremberg – a tour of culinary delights that will let you indulge your passion for local bratwurst, beer and gingerbread. Alternatively learn new techniques at a cooking class. We won’t tell anyone if you loosen your belt a little.

Regensburg

From its medieval town, the bordering Bavarian Forest and the confluence of three rivers, Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg or hop on board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, and sample beer from one of the oldest monastic breweries in the world. You could also take a leisurely cycle on your own to the Walhalla monument with your Tailormade GPS device.

Passau - Salzburg

Enrich: Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg and will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy an authentic Austrian lunch before an afternoon of humming along to some of the catchy classics.

Melk - Dürnstein

Freechoice: Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour. Alternatively, for the more active embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Melk to one of the most enchanting villages in the region, Dürnstein – at your own pace, of course. Sundowners: As the day ends, you’ll get to enjoy a fine view at the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley. You’ll be in very fine company, and will experience a wonderful day. Of course, we can’t take all the credit for this one. It’s nature who’ll provide the view, we’re just bringing the drinks.

Vienna

Acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking a fascinating guided tour of its most famous sights, including the Ringstrasse. Enrich: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues, and you’ll have ample opportunity to explore it.

Vienna

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Bratislava or Schönbrunn Palace, and witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School for either a tour of the stables or to see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or why not taste your way around the local market on our Shop with a Chef tour with your on board chef.

Budapest

We find ourselves in Budapest, one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities. Freechoice: Make the most of a guided tour of this city including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Or you can choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

Budapest

Depart after breakfast, Budapest is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.