A taste of the Rhine – A Wine Cruise

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your European journey. 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 into wine 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 wine region. Alsace is famous for its white wines, particularly its riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris, pinot blanc and muscat. Its unique combination of geography, geology and climate create ideal growing conditions and give a distinctive character to wines produced here.

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

• Vines and villages of Alsace: Visit one of the most famous winemaking villages in the Alsace region and enjoy a tasting in a local wine cellar. Afterwards, visit the vibrant town of Obernai to explore on your own.
• Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Discover the beauty of Strasbourg on foot, accompanied by an expert local guide who will share their insights. Admire the Cathedral, Petit France and half-timbered houses, and learn about its unique blend of French and German cultures. (Note: this is an active walk.)
• Cycling through Strasbourg: There are more than 500 kilometres of cycling trails in and around Strasbourg that wind past picturesque canals. Explore some of them by e-bike on this guided tour, taking you over to the German side, along the riverfront, past outdoor works of art and back through the city. (B/L/D)

Dock in Rastatt early this morning. Nestled in the green hills to the north of the Black Forest, its known for its grand Baroque architecture, including two of Germany’s most spectacular palaces. Nerby is the spa town of Baden Baden, where the curative waters, thermal baths and luxurious hotels have been drawing the European elite since the 19th century.

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

• Walking tour of Baden-Baden: Discover the charms of Baden Baden on foot. One of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, it was a favourite of celebrities and royalty during the Belle Epoque. Admire the opulent Old Town and the ruins of the original Roman baths.
• Schloss Favorite: Visit Germany’s oldest ‘porcelain palace’, so named for their extensive collections of ceramics. This Baroque former hunting lodge is the only one of the porcelain palaces to survive intact into modern times.

Scenic Enrich:

• Experience an evening of unparalleled grandeur at the magnificent Palace of Rastatt, a Baroque masterpiece modelled on Versailles. Beginning with a sparkling wine reception, you’ll have time to explore the palace and gardens, before sitting down to a private concert including classical and opera performances. (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. It is also the gateway to the Pfalz (Palatinate) wine region, the second largest in Germany. It’s Germany’s sunniest wine region, making for some of the country’s best Riesling. Your Scenic Freechoice excursions can take you into the town of Bad Durkheim in the Pfalz region to learn more.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Scenic Freechoice experiences today:

• The essence of Riesling – Bad Durkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Be guided around the vineyard before enjoying a tasting.
• Orientation Tour of Heidelberg with free time: On the southwestern edge of Mannheim is Heidelberg, a town with Roman roots, one of the oldest universities in the world and the centre of the 18th century German romantic movement. Join a brief walking tour then enjoy time at leisure. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: Learn more about the rich history of Heidelberg on this guided tour that takes you to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Then explore the town and enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.) (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometre stretch of the Upper Rhine Valley that has been given World Heritage status. Take in the dramatic landscapes, terraced vineyards and 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. A local wine expert will join you on board for an engaging lecture on viticulture accompanied by a tasting of regional wines.

This afternoon, dock in one of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz. Often called The Wine City, Koblenz was founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, who planted the first grapes in the Middle Rhine. Around half a million vines are cultivated on the sun dappled slopes, creating sparkling rieslings, strong pinot noirs and fruity dornfelders. It’s also the gateway to the beautiful Moselle Valley, another legendary wine region known for its steeply terraced vineyards and world-class riesling.

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

• Wine and culture of Koblenz walking tour: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses and charming squares. You’ll also visit the Wine Museum, set in an historic vaulted cellar, to learn about the production of wine in the area.
• Medieval Limburg: Visit one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval old towns in Limburg an der Lahn. The historic cobblestone streets are lined with half-timbered buildings from the 13th to 18th centuries and St George’s Cathedral is a rare example of late Romanesque architecture.
• Excursion to Moselle and Cochem: Admire the glorious landscapes as you travel through the Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem, a medieval gem perched on a hill overlooking the river. Join a guided tour of the Reichsburg Castle then wander down into the Old Town to see its many historic buildings. (B/L/D)

After cruising overnight, arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this morning. The twin spires of its famous cathedral dominate the skyline – the largest cathedral in Germany it was one of the few sites in the city to survive the extensive bombing of World War II. You will set out on a walking tour to explore the Old Town (which was faithfully rebuilt after it was destroyed during the war), then enjoy some free time to discover the city.

Depart for Amsterdam after lunch. As this will be your final free afternoon on board, you may want to relax on the Sun Deck, recline in the Salt Therapy Lounge, or booking an indulgent massage. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in The Netherlands’ capital early this morning. Often called the ‘Venice of the North’, Amsterdam is threaded with 16th-century canals lined with tall, narrow houses. Alongside this World Heritage-listed centre, you’ll find some of Europe’s best art galleries and museums, a thriving food and wine scene, and vintage boutiques. Amsterdam is also one of the world’s most bike friendly cities, so expect to see the majority of locals getting around on two wheels.

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

• Canal cruise: More than 165 canals, 1,500 bridges and 90 islands make up the historic centre of Amsterdam. Board a one-hour cruise to travel along these famous waterways, admiring the grand Golden Age mansions, Anne Frank's house and warehouses that line the banks.
• Walking tour of Amsterdam: Charming, compact and famously flat, Amsterdam is ideal to explore on foot. Join a local guide to wander the maze of canals and bridges in the centre, learn about Dutch culture, and taste herring, a local delicacy.
• Fabrique des Lumières: Be immersed in art at Fabrique des Lumières, a 3,800-square-metre digital exhibition space inside a 19th century gasworks. See works from the world’s greatest artists projected onto 17-metre-high walls, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack.
• Cycling tour: Do as the locals do and explore Amsterdam on two wheels. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town then hop on your e-bike to cycle through charming countryside and quaint villages. Your guide will share fascinating insights about everyday life in The Netherlands. (B/L/D)

Your cruise finishes this morning in Amsterdam. Savour one final breakfast on board before you disembark, taking with you a lifetime of memories of the wonders and wines of the Rhine.

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)