15 Day Rhine Highlights with Switzerland & Bruges

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Cruise Length

15 Days

Cruise Starts

Zurich

Cruise Finishes

Brussels

15 Day Rhine Highlights with Switzerland & Bruges Itinerary (Scenic)

Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium

Cruise Line

Scenic

58 Reviews

Ship

Scenic Crystal

Passengers

163

Crew

Launched

2012

Refurbished

2019

Cruise Code

AMSB-2

Overview

Switzerland has always existed slightly apart from the rest of Europe, fiercely cherishing its independence and neutrality. You’ll get the opportunity to discover this beautiful land starting in Zurich. But that’s just the beginning. Your all-inclusive cruise will take you through the heart of Germany and into the port city of Amsterdam. Finish your unforgettable adventure in the historic Flemish city, Bruges.

Itinerary

Start your journey in Zurich with an overnight stay.

Repeatedly named the city with the best quality of life, Switzerland’s largest city is full of treasures and you’ll discover them first hand on a walking tour. Later, explore Lucerne, overlooked by the magnificent Swiss Alps, before arriving in the Swiss capital of Bern and your centrally located hotel. (B)

Ascend the Swiss Alps to the charming alpine village of Gstaad. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your luxurious hotel, located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, where you will enjoy a two night stay. (B/D)

Enrich: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Œx. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in your private demonstration, the cheesemaker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes. (B/L)

Transfer today to Basel where you will be greeted by your friendly crew and welcomed on board your Scenic Space-Ship. (B/D)

Freechoice: Visit Strasbourg and stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace region and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer, or join a guided tour through the picturesque Black Forest, stopping along the way for a tasting of the famous Black Forest cake. (B/L/D)

Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a spa town famous for its Roman baths. Freechoice: Tour the ruins of the Roman baths that have made this city famous, or take an active hike to Hohenbaden Castle and be rewarded with wonderful views overlooking the town. Alternatively, visit the Mercedes-Benz factory and be transported into the world of this luxury car brand, learning about the history and prestige of this global product, or relax and rejuvenate during a visit to a thermal spa.

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. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Join a local guide on a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit the Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, or join a guided orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by free time at leisure to explore the sights of this beautiful city as you wish. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Koblenz, the city straddling two of Europe's most beautiful rivers, or discover Cochem and the beautiful Moselle Valley on a guided tour including a visit to Reichsburg Castle that dates back to the Middle Ages. Alternatively, visit a local winery and sample some of the fine wines of this region. Learn about the wine making process while being surrounded by picture postcard scenery. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a scenic ride on the oldest cog railway in Germany and discover splendid Drachenburg Castle, or stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous Cathedral. Alternatively, learn the history of one of the city’s most famous namesakes, Eau de Cologne on a guided tour.

Visit the house of Farina, the world’s oldest fragrance company and discover what makes it so unique and why it was the scent of choice for many European royals, or stay on board for a beer tasting sampling a variety of beers including the most famous and popular brew from the region, the pale ale called Kolsch. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore Amsterdam on a guided walking tour, pausing along the way to sample Dutch favourites, or cruise the iconic canals that have made Amsterdam world famous. Amsterdam has over 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city such as elegant merchant’s houses, churches and historic warehouses.

Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour outside of the city, or discover charming Volendam and Edam. The quaint fishing village of Volendam is home to many wooden houses and a beautiful harbour, explore the charm of the village before a short drive to the nearby town of Edam, where you will visit a local farm for a delicious cheese tasting. (B/L/D)

After breakfast farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer via coach to Bruges, the historic flemish city that was founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. (B)

This morning you will have the pleasure of exploring the beautifully preserved medieval centre with your local guide. Meander through the cobbled laneways that reveal charming town squares, see sights such as the Belfry of Bruges, the medieval bell tower, and enjoy a tasting of local Belgian beer while learning about the fascinating history of this ancient town. (B/D)

Enjoy this fabulous city at your leisure. Perhaps wander along the romantic canals crossing some of the 80 plus bridges of the city, some dating back to medieval times. If you’re feeling active, climb the 366 steps of the Belfry Tower for sweeping views across the city or indulge in some of the local specialities such as the famed Belgian waffles and chocolates. (B)

After breakfast, farewell beautiful Bruges, taking with you many wonderful memories. Please book your flight to depart out of Brussels after 12:00 PM. (B)