Wondrous Europe

Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Your journey into wonder is about to begin. (D)

Freechoice: Visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum in the heart of the Black Forest. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting in the Kaiserstuhl region, or if you’re feeling more active, take a guided bike ride from Breisach to Freiburg stopping along the way for a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, where you’ll discover the unique historic quarter and its impressive cathedral. Or, choose to see the picturesque city from a different perspective on board a canal cruise. Admire the stunning district known as Le Petite France and take in the sites such as the European Parliament and the Imperial quarter. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.

Enrich: Enjoy a private 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 rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Freechoice: Experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 race track with a museum visit and an insider tour of the circuit, or join a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit its Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, join an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by some leisure time. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, join an excursion to Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town and visit the Gutenberg Museum. Later, enjoy unrivalled views across the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. (B/L/D)

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping directly off the ship and into a fairy tale. Freechoice: Explore Cochem during a guided tour and visit the iconic Reichsburg Castle, or if you’re feeling more active, join a bicycle tour and explore the beautiful region. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Journey to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour, or take a guided walk through Trier, a city with an important Roman past. Alternatively, take in beautiful Bernkastel, with its perfectly preserved half timbered houses located on the picturesque Moselle river. (B/L/D)

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 on their lookout over the river. Appreciate the allure of the Moselle Valley from the opulence of your Scenic Space-Ship as you delight in this full day cruise. (B/L/D)

One of the oldest and prettiest towns along the Rhine, Koblenz is sure to impress. Freechoice: On arrival to Koblenz take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, lapped by the waters of two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour of this fascinating city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charming town of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour and taste the local Altbier, a dark beer traditional to this region, or join a guided cycling tour along the river, passing by Düsseldorf’s bustling modern harbour precinct. Alternatively, visit the Zollverein industrial site, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe, today a World Heritage-listed Site. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Maastricht, or visit Aachen and learn the tale of the city that borders three countries, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. Dedicated to the American soldiers who perished in this region during World War II. You will also get to visit the Eben Emael Fortress, which was built to protect the city from the German invasion during the second world war. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem. The Airborne Experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of the British parachutists who made their way across dangerous terrain to Arnhem in September 1944. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover historic houses, farms and windmills. The museum portrays the impression of daily life for the average Dutchman over the past few centuries. Or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take an active bicycle tour throughout the city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges, or learn about the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour of Antwerp, followed by leisure time, or take the opportunity to visit the towns of Ypres & Passchendaele to learn about the World War I battle of Passchendaele. Visit the memorials dedicated to the 325,000 Allied troops who perished during this terrible battle. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Choose a guided tour through the quaint streets of Veere, or cycle through the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier. (B/L/D)

Today board your flight and transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship (B/D)

Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Tournus. Perhaps sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Freechoice: Explore Château de Cormatin, admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens. Or, join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of three star Michelin chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture and now houses a fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. The museum is home to over three million photographs and objects, which you will have the opportunity to observe with your knowledgeable local guide. (B/L/D)

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: Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, or join a guided walking tour of the village of Tain l’Hermitage, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages. (B/L/D)

A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning. Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to Popes’ Palace and the famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nimes. Enrich: Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux, before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this sanctuary for flora and fauna is the largest wetlands in France and is home to almost 400 species of birds. This afternoon you may wish to enjoy the medieval charm of Tarascon. It is the perfect city to cycle around so why not jump on an e-bike and cycle the riverside paths along the Rhône. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, a town with an important heritage and a rich past. Admire the many significant monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent, with its 18th Century gothic style and its Renaissance façade, admire the cathedrals beauty as you are treated to an organ recital. Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies.

Learn about the hydropower plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can kayak through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and a visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon. Why not visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary repertoire. Enrich: Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city, or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. This evening enjoy one final indulgence on board Scenic Sapphire when a local patissier comes 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 note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)