Rhine Highlights and Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your European cruise. Fly into Zurich then transfer to Basel, a centre of art and culture that sits on the banks of the Rhine River.

Board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon, meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Kehl this afternoon, just across the border from the French city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region. Here, sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Guided tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.)
• Alsace wine region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar.
• Cycle through Strasbourg: Hop on board an e-bike and explore the sights surrounding the city. Strasbourg has over 500 km of bicycle trails and you will explore some of these while cycling through the city’s charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and charming canals. (B/L/D)

Dock in Rastatt this morning, a Baroque town with an abundance of green spaces and two iconic palaces. It’s also the gateway to Baden-Baden, a spa town on the edge of the Black Forest. Its curative waters, thermal baths and luxurious hotels made it a favourite retreat of the European elite in the 19th century.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Baden-Baden: Follow in the steps of the renowned Europeans who spent summers in this famed spa town two centuries ago. See the elegant Kurhaus, built in the 1820s with a casino and luxury shopping in its colonnade, and explore the remains of the Roman baths.
• Baden-Baden spa visit: Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal baths of?Caracalla Spa, permanently and naturally heated by thermal waters some 2,000 metres under the Earth’s surface.
• Schloss Favorite: Once a hunting lodge and summer palace for 18th century aristocrats (though used for seven weeks a year), Schloss Favorite is now the oldest of the German ‘porcelain palaces’ and the only one to survive intact.

Scenic Enrich:

• One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, the Baroque Palace of Rastatt was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and hosts an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Explore the opulent palace and gardens, before sitting down to a private performance from accomplished musicians and a soloist. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Mannheim early this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th-century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences today:

• Orientation Tour of Heidelberg: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Dürkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.

This afternoon, dock in one of Germany’s oldest cities. Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.
• Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alten Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.
• Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its pretty centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle. (B/L/D)

Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne this morning. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.

This afternoon you’ll depart for Amsterdam. Make the most of your time on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps you’d like to book a calming massage^ at the spa or unwind in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, with its natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. (B/L/D)

This morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets busy with cyclists. 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 houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:

• Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens: Spring in Holland is one of the most beautiful times of the year and a visit to Keukenhof Gardens is a must. See one of the world’s largest flower gardens in bloom, awash with colour from seven million flowering bulbs including the nation’s famed tulips.
• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals. See some of the prettiest sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges.
• Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.
• Fabrique des Lumières: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th-century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17-metre-high walls, accompanied by music to create an immersive ambience.
• Dutch Countryside e-bike tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. (B/L/D)

Enjoy your day exploring Amsterdam. (B/L/D)

Arrive early this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres. In spring and summer, the nearby town of Gouda also hosts its famous Cheese Markets.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from one of the following excursions this morning:

• Walking tour of Dordrecht: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.
• Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the masters at work.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderdijk to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture.
• Gouda Cheese Markets: A local guide will show you around the historic city of Gouda, known for its namesake cheese. Visit the main square where a traditional cheese market, first initiated in 1395 and is still operating. (Note: the cheese market is open every Thursday morning; tours that fall on a different day will still visit Gouda but not the market.) (B/L/D)

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th-century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands. On board today, you can savour locally grown oysters in the ultimate 'farm-to-table' experience, with the shellfish brought directly from the icy waters of the North Sea.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following for your morning excursion:

• Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.
• Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding. (B/L/D)

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Scenic Freechoice: These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

• Walking tour of Antwerp: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.
• Craft Beer & Chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a journey of flavour with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer.
• Excursion to Ghent: Visit one of Belgium's most historic cities and join a local guide to explore its wealth of medieval buildings, charming canals and factories, relics of its industrial past that have been reborn as cultural hotspots. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict. This evening, learn about The Netherlands’ famed tulips and how they are grown at an engaging on board lecture.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way this afternoon with one of these excursions:

• Arnhem Airborne Museum: Visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation.
• The Netherlands Open Air Museum: Learn about the lives and traditions of ordinary Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses.
• Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens. (B/L/D)

Spend this morning in Hoorn, a prosperous trading centre from the Middle Ages to the 17th century and once a bustling Dutch East India Company port. Its main harbour, Binnenhaven, is lined with beautiful warehouses, while there are many historic buildings and monuments throughout town, including a well-preserved city gate first built in 1578.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region with one of today's selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Walking tour of Hoorn with tasting: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Hoorn and its inner harbour. You can also sample some local delicacies, such as fish and cheese.
• Cheese farm: Learn the tradition of cheesemaking in the Netherlands. Meet a local producer, tour the farm and discover the secrets behind their long-standing techniques.
• Ancestry of the Kitchen – traditional Dutch apple pie making class: Recipes hold a special place through the generations. Become part of the family in the kitchen today as you learn to make an authentic Dutch apple pie with a local cook.
• Cycling tour of Hoorn: Join your local guide on an active cycling tour of Hoorn. See some of the key sights of the city, like the Oosterkerk (the Old Church), as you cycle towards Ijssel Lake dyke, the biggest lake in The Netherlands.

This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure as you cruise towards Amsterdam. Relax with a massage (additional cost), or head to the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Scenic Enrich:

• Tonight's Scenic Enrich – Fabrique des Lumierès: Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the immersive digital art installation Fabrique des Lumierès. Sip a glass of champagne as you step inside the former 19th century gas works, admiring the works of the worlds most renowned artists projected onto the 17-metre-high walls, accompanied and complemented by a musical soundtrack. (B/L/D)

Today is a celebration of spring. Join your fellow guests on an excursion to the legendary Keukenhof Gardens, home to the nation’s most magnificent display of tulips. In a truly breathtaking display, more than seven million tulips from 800 varieties are carefully arranged into artistic patterns and vibrant displays. This is one of the most magical gardens in the world, seen at its most colourful moment.

Return to Amsterdam this afternoon for free time to explore this city steeped in history, art and quirky culture. Cruise the canals, do as the locals do and hop on a bike, visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, or take a poignant walk-through Anne Frank’s House. (B/L/D)

Your journey concludes this morning. After one final breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam airport for your onward journey.

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. (B)