Gems of the Seine & Jewels of Europe

Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop. (D)

Freechoice: Join a hike with a difference and visit King Richard the Lionheart's Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider, the region's specialty. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc, and admire the city's half-timbered houses and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Or learn about the Viking Warlord Rollo ‘the Walker', who will host a guided walking tour through the medieval laneways of Rouen.

This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this afternoon you'll have the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields and learn about what life was like for a soldier during WWI with a fascinating lecture. After dinner, a local pâtissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished during the Battle of the Somme. Or, you may choose to visit the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the Thiepval memorial.

Alternatively, stay in Rouen and explore the collection of impressionist paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel.

Freechoice: Explore Honfleur on a guided walking tour, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water, or visit charming Norman villages and discover their traditional Cheeses and Calvados. The small town of Pont l'Eveque is renowned for producing a cheese of the same name, and you will get to sample this and more during your guided tour. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June 1944. Here you have three equally fascinating options to choose from. Explore the involvement of the British forces as you visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Landing Museum in Arromanches, finishing at the British Normandy memorial, or learn about the US contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial before a visit to the Normandy American cemetery and visitor centre, or view the battle through the eyes of Canadian forces as you visit Juno Beach Centre, a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort as well as the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery and Pegasus Bridge & Museum.

Alternatively, learn about history of a different era and visit Bayeux including its famous Tapestry, a hand embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Alternatively, visit the beautiful seaside town of Étretat, sitting proudly between dramatic rock faces, or travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting a traditional farm nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum to learn more about the famous French writer. (B/L/D)

In a location rich in visual treasures, it's easy to understand why this region of France inspired many of history's most famous artists.

Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet's former residence and gardens. Many of the artists most famous art works were inspired by this impressive location, or get your heart pumping on a self-guided cycle through Vernon to Giverny where you have the opportunity to visit Monet's garden. After exploring these spectacular gardens you may feel inspired to join a painting class on board this afternoon.

Enrich: Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region's most reputable musicians. The Château dates back to medieval times and you'll be sure to have fond memories of this experience for many years to come. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh's room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. (B/L/D)

Today it’s your choice to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city, or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits

Freechoice: Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know, or admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. Alternatively, see the highlights of Paris during a city tour and marvel at the many iconic sights of the city, or you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. (B/L/D)

Today board an included flight from Paris to Amsterdam. On arrival you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship where you will spend the next 14 nights cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers to Budapest. (B/D)

Explore wonderful Amsterdam, with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles.

Freechoice: Hop aboard one of our e-bikes and take a guided bicycle tour outside the city, or join a flavours of Holland walking tour and taste some Dutch favourites such as herring, cheese and poffertjes. Alternatively, take the opportunity to experience an iconic canal cruise, or step outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral, or step inside the cathedral and let your local guide marvel you with its history. Alternatively, explore the city’s past and present, from Roman times to its Jewish heritage, during a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, cycle to Cologne from the charming medieval village of Zons, or choose to explore Germany’s motoring heritage with a visit to Motorworld, where you will discover a large range of classic, vintage and Formula 1 vehicles during a guided tour. (B/L/D)

Enjoy spectacular views of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge.

Freechoice: 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, or join a local guide for a hike through the vineyards that cover the slopes of the Rhine River then relax as you make your way back to the town centre by cable car. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Meet a monk at a local monastery for a tour and insight into regional beer production, or meet a winemaker for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, meet a Baron and Baroness and learn about aristocratic life, or opt to visit a local Schnapps producer or a farming family and taste some of their home made products. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Traverse the famous Romantic Road to Rothenburg where you'll tour the charming walled city. Alternatively, visit Würzburg's Bishop's Residenz Palace or visit the impressive estate of Schloss Weikersheim, a true Baroque and Renaissance delight. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of the Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. Alternatively, taste some of the city’s regional specialities on a city walk. (B/L/D)

Enjoy this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Freechoice: Explore Nuremberg by foot on a guided walking tour, or visit moving WWII sites and learn about this dark era in the city's history. Alternatively, stay on board for a beer tasting experience. (B/L/D)

There is much to explore in the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, situated at the confluence of three rivers.

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 world's oldest monastic breweries. Alternatively, join a local guide for a cycle to the Walhalla monument, or take an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of the baroque Old Town of Salzburg, learn about one of its most famous residents, Mozart, and be mesmerized by the city’s history and architecture. Alternatively, you may choose to join a walking tour focusing on sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

Enrich: Based on the timeless movie of the same name, the exclusive ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy a delicious Austrian lunch before an afternoon humming along to some of the catchy classics. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Experience Melk's magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Alternatively, visit the fairytale castle of Burg Aggstein. Built in the 12th century, the castle ruins offer spectacular views across the Danube. (B/L/D)

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 classical evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a tour of the Slovakian capital Bratislava, or visit Schönbrunn Palace and witness the opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, discover the importance of Viennese coffee culture during a tour, or for those feeling more active, explore a different side of Vienna during a cycling tour to Danube Island. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Join a guided tour of Budapest including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, or join a local guide for a walking tour on the past and present of Budapest. Alternatively, you may choose to join a hike to Buda Hill. (B/L/D)

Depart after breakfast, taking with you 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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)