Rhine Highlights, Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Welcome to 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. It's particularly charming in spring, when the signature Dutch tulips are in full bloom.

Board your ultra-luxury 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.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board before arriving in Dordrecht. As 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.

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

• 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.
• Delft pottery factory visit: Delft is a charming city famed for its blue and white pottery. Enjoy a guided tour before visiting the 17th century pottery factory where master painters still decorate in the traditional manner.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Windmills are an icon of Dutch culture and the traditional village of Kinderdjik boasts 19 of them. Explore the town and the role these World Heritage-listed windmills play in agricultural life, on an experience only available with Scenic.
• Cycle to Kinderdijk: Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Dutch countryside on this easy, flat cycling route from Dordrecht to the World Heritage-listed village of Kinderdijk and its iconic windmills. Pedal along peaceful canals in an e-bike by charming villages, and picturesque dikes, taking in views of lush pastures and traditional waterways.

Dock this morning in the 13th century town of Veere, considered one of the most stunning in the Netherlands. Known as the ‘Pearl of Walcheren', it is dotted with striking heritage buildings like the magnificent Grote Kerk, the elegant Town Hall, and the unique Schotse Huizen (Scottish Houses) that represent the town's strong history of trade with Scotland.

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.
• Excursion to the Delta Works: This fascinating series of dams was designed to protect the population on the Delta plain from flooding. As well as being an impressive feat of engineering, it's essential in protecting low-lying areas of the Netherlands from surges and flooding.

On board later 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.

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: Belgium's culinary reputation is renowned for chocolate and beer. Find out why these two work so well together on this unique tasting journey.
• 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.

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 during 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 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 back 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 decor, art collection and grand gardens.

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:

• Guided tour with tastes of Hoorn: 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 Salt Therapy Lounge only available on Scenic, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

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 world's most renowned artists projected onto the 17 metre high walls, accompanied and complemented by a musical soundtrack.

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 array of tulips. In a truly breathtaking kaleidoscope, 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 cycling 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.

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Amsterdam.

Spend the day 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 World Heritage-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 your way on one of these excursions:

• Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture, so get out of town, enjoy the sweeping rural landscapes in the brilliant greens of spring and explore the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of World Heritage-listed windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar, only with Scenic.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cycling tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a e-bike tour. Your local guide will be on hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels.

Arrive in the 2,000 year old city of Cologne today. 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, and admire its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.

With a late departure tonight, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own and get a taste of the nightlife.

The ship docks in Koblenz this morning, giving guests the opportunity to explore one of Germany's oldest cities. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:

• Guided 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 and Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its picturesque centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle.

The ship departs after lunch, giving you a chance to relax on board 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.

Arrive in Mannheim today. 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Your Scenic Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region this morning:

• 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 the 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: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit Fritz Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and guests are treated to a tour and tasting. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required).

Scenic Enrich:

• Private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: 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 an accomplished pianist and vocalists.

The capital of the Alsace wine region is a captivating blend of France and Germany. It has a Gothic cathedral and an Old Town surrounded by a river, with sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses bordering a complex network of canals. Strasbourg proudly wears its medieval past while looking firmly towards the future and is known for its youthful energy and infectious spirit.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice experiences today:

• Alsace wine route with tasting: Explore this culturally diverse wine growing area and visit one of the region's most famous villages to do a tasting at a local cellar before exploring the neighbouring town of Obernai. Look out for blooming wildflowers, like the rare wild tulip, along the way.
• Cycling through Strasbourg: Explore Strasbourg's impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of paths cover the city and you will explore some of these while cycling through the charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and canals.
• Walking tour of Strasbourg: Located on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg has been influenced by both cultures. See the city's most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile as you learn how the two nations shaped this unique city.

A late departure gives you plenty of time to explore.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Breisach for the day, giving you ample time to explore the region. There's lots of reasons Breisach is a must-visit food and wine destination. Not only does it share a border with the Alsace region, it's also located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest. Don't leave without trying the German Pinot Noir. Luckily for you, the town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel house

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

• Guided tour of Colmar: A walking tour of the cultural centre of the Alsace shows off Colmar's confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. A highlight of the tour is tasting a slice of the famed Kugelhopf cake at a local bistro.
• Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting: It's location right on the edge of the Black Forest makes Freiburg a magical place to visit. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively medieval town and sample delicious black forrest cake.
• Walking tour of Breisach with wine tasting: This leisurely guided walk through Breisach's old town will take in its pastel facades and cobbled lanes. Look up to see the hilltop cathedral of St. Stephansmünster before indulging in a tasting of delicious local sparkling wine, ideal for a spring day

Your cruise concludes this morning in Basel (Huningue). Enjoy one final breakfast on board, then disembark, taking with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.