Welcome to Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other.

You’ll take a guided tour this morning, led by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s secrets in all their Gothic glory. The red-roofed Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone laneways, medieval buildings, bustling squares and elaborate statues. It’s compact and almost completely flat, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 Apostles.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through this magnificent city, situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia. Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. Your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan. (B)

You have the morning at leisure to explore this wonderful city, perhaps rise early and take a stroll along the Charles Bridge, without the crowds or relax and people watch in one of the many cafes around the picturesque Old Town.

Freechoice: This afternoon choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Communist Walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, take in the city’s most famous sites and hidden gems and learn how everyday life was under Communism. During the tour your local guide will take you to a local brewery where you’ll taste local beers that have been produced here for generations, like pilsner larger and wheat beer.
• Prague Castle tour: Journey to the hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague to explore the seat of Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering more than 70,000 square metres that’s considered the largest castle complex in the world. The castle has its roots in the 9th century, though there are buildings dating from every period of history spread throughout the grounds. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic as well as the Old Royal Palace the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane, the historic street lined with colourful houses, inhabited by soldiers, goldsmiths or alchemists in the past.
• Terezin Memorial: Take an excursion outside of Prague to the nearby town of Terezin, a former Austrian imperial military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto, which served as a concentration camp during World War II. Visit the Terezin Memorial sites including the small fortress and the Ghetto Museum to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation during World War II and pay your respects to those that lost their lives during this atrocity. (Please note due to the amount of walking involved, this tour is only recommended for guest with a good degree of fitness).

The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)

Journey by coach to Budapest where you’ll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. (B/L/D)

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873, when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. At Christmas time, it comes alive with twinkling lights strewn around the city, wooden huts popping up in magnificent locations and seductive scents filling the air with festive spices.

Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:

• Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.
• Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the underground former hospital that is furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. This is an exciting part of history. The underground is moderately flat but there are a few stairs to get there and then again once inside.
• Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round, allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season.

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs for Vienna later this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Today, cruise the magnificent Danube River towards Vienna. Austria’s imperial capital oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich:

• Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned Orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime. (B/L/D)

A city full of grandeur, Vienna comes alive during the festive season. A visit to the Austrian imperial capital during this time of the year will create some unique, magical moments.

See the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, all lit up with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations. You'll also enjoy the city's musical heritage in full display with the sounds of famous festive tunes and classical pieces around every corner. After all, you're in the City of Music, which fostered musical geniuses like Mozart and Beethoven.

Freechoice: Explore your way with today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
• Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
• Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is overflowing with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you extended free time to explore as you wish.
• Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Take a tour with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Krems, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley.

Freechoice: A variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions are on offer to choose from:

• Göttweig Abbey: Visit the renovated Göttweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria.
• Wachau Valley Wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about this long tradition while sampling the wine he produces.
• E-biking from Krems to Durnstein: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Durnstein. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube. (B/L/D)

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist’s mile’ where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.

Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral: originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world’s largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.

Tonight, you may wish to visit a local church and attend a Christmas Mass or simply stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and delight in a delicious celebratory Christmas Eve dinner. (B/L/D)

Merry Christmas - celebrate with newfound friends on board your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards Nuremberg.

You may wish to spend time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties or enjoy the fresh air on board the Sun Deck as your sail past charming villages and spectacular scenery. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, this afternoon. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.

Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies, the boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, when Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Freechoice: Make your choice for today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:

• Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle, which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square.
• The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi regime. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore the Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse, where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place.
• Traditional Gingerbread cooking class: Nürnberger Lebkuchen was invented by medieval monks in Germany during the 13th century. Today join an experienced local chef and learn how to bake this soft, moist and nutty traditional German gingerbread yourself. Enjoy tasting this regional delight whilst learning about the region and its history. You may be surprised how different this is to today's modern-day gingerbread.

This evening you will sail towards Bamberg. Sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or join a lecture to gain insight into the history and culture along the river. (B/L/D)

Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – comprising an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you’ll see during your guided city tour.

Bamberg is known for its charming World Heritage-listed Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres. Learn about its fascinating history as you wander through stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings on a guided city tour.

Back on board your Space-Ship, you may wish to spend time in the wellness centre with a soothing massage^. (B/L/D)

After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.

Freechoice: Spend your day at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice options:

• Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the palace to see its most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll into the city, where you will have some free time. Explore the shopping area and the many coffee houses, pubs and restaurants; if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up to Marienberg Fortress.
• Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern, where various clocks will show you the legendary story of the “Master Draught”. After the guided walking tour, you will have free time to discover the city on your own. (B/L/D)

This morning you will arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers.

Enjoy an orientation tour of Wertheim before transferring via coach to the stunning town of Miltenberg. Here your local guide will showcase the city during a walking tour through the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses.

After so time at leisure, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Miltenberg and set sail for Rüdesheim. (B/L/D)

This morning you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment.

This afternoon, relax on board the Sun Deck and admire the scenic landscapes as you cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometre stretch of the river that is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy tale book.

The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Cologne today, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural centre for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous World Heritage-listed site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city.

Discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral.

This evening, ring in the New Year in style in the grand city of Cologne. Celebrate off board at one of the many lively bars and restaurants or stay on board, where your Cruise Director and Enrichment manager have planned a fun party and would be delighted to celebrate the New Year with you. (B/L/D)

Start the New Year off relaxing in style. Cruise for the full day on board your Scenic Space-Ship towards your final destination, the Dutch city of Amsterdam.

Perhaps you’d like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you’d prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage^. (B/L/D)

Disembark in Amsterdam after a farewell breakfast this morning, taking with you a lifetime of 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 refer to our terms and conditions.

^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. (B)

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe's best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other. The city is particularly resplendent at Christmas, with decorations, market stalls and the occasional snowfall making its streets a joy to wander in the festive season.

Join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world's most striking architectural wonders. The Old Town Square's Christmas market is a highlight at this time of year, and be sure to look for Prague's tallest Christmas tree nearby. (B)

Freechoice: Today, explore Prague with your choice of Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Communist walk of Prague with beer tasting: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague's famous sites and hidden gems and learn about everyday life under Communism. Visit a local brewery for a tasting of local beers.
• Terezin Memorial: Head to the town of Terezin, a former military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation.
• Prague Castle Tour: Explore Prague Castle, considered one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest cathedral in the Czech Republic, the Old Royal palace, former residence of Bohemian Royalty, and the picturesque Golden Lane. (B)

Journey by coach to Budapest where you'll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. (B/L/D)

Get a different perspective of Budapest with a variety of fascinating activities to choose from today.

Freechoice:

• Budapest in Depth: Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube. See the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square.
• Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker.
• Hungarian Culinary Market Walk: Explore the Grand Central Market, a treasure trove of Hungarian flavours. Sample local specialties and hear fascinating stories about Budapest's food culture. (B/L/D)

Today perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your butler as you cruise the majestic Danube River towards Vienna, the Austrian capital. Perhaps recline in the Salt Therapy Lounge, enjoy an aperitif on the Sun Deck or make new friends in Panorama Lounge, before arriving in the evening. (B/L/D)

Merry Christmas! Spend this special day admiring the spectacular scenery of Vienna, a city full of festive grandeur. Discover the world's most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Today, choose how you'd like to explore.

Freechoice:

• Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.
• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. As you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lived here and marvel at its impressive gardens.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Discover a wealth of artistic treasures in Vienna's premiere art museum. (B/L/D)

This morning your Space-Ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.

Over lunch, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages, before arriving in Melk. This small town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.

Freechoice: This afternoon offers two Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

• Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th-century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
• E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from the quaint village of Dürnstein to Melk. You'll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views. (B/L/D)

Today, choose from two completely different yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions, or relax with a walking tour.

Freechoice:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: Journey via coach to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and on the banks of the Salzach River, explore before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
• Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: From Brandstatt journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov. Wander this fairytale location with your guide and explore the historic centre before lunch at a local restaurant.
• Highlights of Passau walking tour: Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading route for centuries. Wander through narrow laneways before visiting St. Stephens Cathedral. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Regensburg just before lunch today. Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore.

Freechoice:

• Regensburg walking tour: Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria all while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period.
• Bavarian beer tasting: Visit a series of traditional breweries, learn about the intricacies of brewing and sample a variety of distinctive Bavarian beers. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, this afternoon. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.

Freechoice:

• Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg's city centre, where your local guide will take you on a walking tour to see the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien's church and market square.
• The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your expert local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Third Reich.
• Gingerbread cooking: Embrace the festive spirit and join a cooking class with an experienced local chef. You will learn how to bake traditional German gingerbread biscuits, known as Lebkuchen. (B/L/D)

Cruise into Bamberg this morning and join a guided tour to explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice' and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you'll see. (B/L/D)

Cruise into Würzburg this morning. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities including Bavaria's oldest.

Freechoice:

• Guided city tour: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the centre of Würzburg. Your local guide is delighted to show you their hometown as you stroll towards the historic market square where you will have time to wander.
• Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors' Tavern.

Tonight, watch fireworks light up the nights sky as you ring in the new year in Würzburg. (B/L/D)

Happy New Year! After an early morning departure from Würzburg, enjoy a day cruising the spectacular Rhine River and enjoying time to relax on board. Hit the modern gym, catch up with friends in River Cafe or simply kick back on the Sun Deck with a drink and watch the world pass by. (B/L/D)

This morning you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for 2,000 years.

Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. Afterwards, explore the charming centre of Rudesheim, filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns.

Enrich: This evening enjoy an exclusive Enrich event at Schloss Johannisberg.

• Schloss Johannisberg, located in Germany's Rheingau region, is a historic winery dating back to the 12th century, it is one of the oldest vineyards dedicated to Riesling, having produced the varietal exclusively since 1720. Today, Schloss Johannisberg is celebrated for its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and high-quality Riesling wines. Tonight, be treated to a wonderful concert in the historic Metternich Hall at Schloss Johannisberg - a grand, elegant venue within the historic estate, named after the Austrian statesman Prince Klemens von Metternich, who owned the castle in the 19th century. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Cologne this morning. This is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, a unique beer culture, thriving auto industry and cathedral that dominates its skyline.

Discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. You will have further free time afterwards to explore the city on your own. (B/L/D)

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of urban beauty. Look around and you'll find architectural marvels, masterpiece-filled galleries, boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, the World Heritage-listed waterways are lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Freechoice:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals, with some of the prettiest sights of the city visible from these historical waterways on this one-hour cruise.
• City walking tour: Explore Amsterdam on foot today, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will cover history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture.
• Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals. (B/L/D)

It's time to farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you a wealth of memories and festive cheer.

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)