Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland

Welcome to Germany. Upon arrival in Frankfurt you will be transferred to Mainz, where you will embark your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)

Wake up this morning in Koblenz, located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Koblenz is a melange of French and German cultures and one of Germany’s oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest and mountain ranges and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Freechoice: Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice:

• Guided walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide through one of the oldest cities in Germany. Explore the Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city. On your way through the winding streets of the old town, you will see impressive townhouses, each with its own unique history, charming squares and historic churches.
• Guided tour of Burg Eltz: Considered one of the most magical castles in Germany, Burg Eltz is perched on a rocky outcrop deep in a valley of the Eltz Forest. Unscathed by wars that have crumbled so many other castles in Germany, Burg Eltz is the epitome of a fairytale castle with eight towers and turrets. It has been under the ownership of the same family for more than 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th century murals. Inside the castle walls, you can visit the treasury and armoury, which exhibits nine centuries of artefacts.
• Koblenz Biking Tour: Ride along the Moselle and Rhine River on your guided cycling tour using Scenic’s complimentary e-bikes*. Let the bike do most of the hard work while you cycle past many city attractions and cross over the Rhine River twice, while learning the historic background of Koblenz from your local guide.

This afternoon you will enjoy at leisure, while sailing along the Moselle. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the picturesque scenery rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you’re passing. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Bernkastel early this morning. Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century; one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor; and the ruins of Landshut Castle, where archaeological remains from the 4th and 5th centuries were discovered in 2012.

Freechoice: Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking Tour of Bernkastel: Discover the town of Bernkastel, settled on the banks of the Moselle River. Your local guide will explain the local architecture and culture during your guided tour, and you will also have some time at leisure to discover Bernkastel on your own. Explore the pretty town with highlights including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall).
• Wine tasting along the Moselle: The fertile banks of the Moselle River are home to a plethora of vineyards. Learn about the varieties grown here on a tour where you will sample some of the delicious drops, including Riesling, for which the region is best known.

Enrich: This evening’s Scenic Enrich:

Classical Concert at Liebfrauenkirche in Trier: Founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the year 16 BC, Trier is the oldest city in Germany. Located in the Moselle wine-growing region, close to the Luxembourg border the city offers a series of well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings. The Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, shares a wall and cloister with the Trier Cathedral and has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1986. This evening you will transfer from Bernkastel to Trier (approximately one hour) and enjoy a marvellous classical concert surrounded by the spectacular stained glass windows in this magnificent church. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Cochem this morning. A historical gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a medieval romance. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.

Freechoice: Choose to walk or cycle through town with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Cochem: Take a short transfer to Reichsburg Castle, which dates to the Middle Ages. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which features a knight’s hall, trophy room and cellars, before wandering down to the Old Town seeing many historic buildings along the way.
• Cycling tour of Cochem: Join a local guide and hop on one of Scenic’s e-bikes* to explore the town of Cochem and the surrounding region. See the impressive Reichsburg Castle sitting proudly above the city and ride through winding streets past half-timbered houses.

Return to your luxury Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and relax with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar as you cruise along the Moselle. If you feel like really winding down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage^. (B/L/D)

This morning, we will cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley towards Rudesheim. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river 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 fairytale 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.

After lunch, your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the charming town of Rudesheim. Surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia, Rudesheim is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

Freechoice: Explore your way with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: From the pier take a mini train through the quaint winding streets of Rudesheim to Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum where a local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards enjoy free time to wander the town or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, where you’ll have breathtaking views over the river. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany.
• Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rudesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town. (B/L/D)

This afternoon your Space-Ship will dock in Ratstatt, your base for today’s explorations. Why not enjoy a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and a hearty breakfast at Crystal Dining before your day of sightseeing.

Freechoice: Decide how you want to spend your afternoon from this selection of Scenic Freechoice:

• Excursion to Baden Baden: Located on the fringes of the Black Forest, this luxurious town was a favoured summer escape during the Belle Epoque and is World Heritage listed as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It oozes relaxation, has tranquil green spaces and pretty public gardens, and grand historical architecture. Enjoy a walking tour, taking in the opulence of the town, including its famous casino and the remains of Roman baths.
• Schloss Favorite: Originally built as a hunting lodge and summer palace for Margravine Sibylla Augusta, who ruled Baden-Baden in the early 18th century when her husband Louis William, margrave of Baden-Baden, died of a war injury. The palace was only used for several weeks each year, and houses a large collection of Chinese porcelain, black lacquer work and Schwartz porcelain. It is the oldest of the German ‘porcelain palaces’ and the only one to survive intact to this day.
• Walking tour of Strasbourg: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming town of Strasbourg, seeing many of the most important sights of the city including the Cathedral, Petit France, the Grand Ile and its many half-timbered houses and beautiful canals. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and ownership of the town has changed hands many times between the two countries. Due to this, Strasbourg is a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Drive to Strasbourg passing by many notable sites including the European Parliament. Please Note: this is an active walk. (B/L/D)

This morning is spent at leisure on board. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the river. Or you may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

We will arrive in Breisach this afternoon. Located between the Rhine River and the Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during WWII but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

Freechoice: This afternoon offers up a wonder selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:

• Excursion to Colmar: Take an excursion over the French border to the colourful town of Colmar, a unique Alsatian town that is often referred to as ‘Little Venice’ for its network of canals and bridges, originally used by fishermen and market gardeners. These quaint waterways are lined with half-timbered houses in an array of pastel colours and its town centre is charming with cobblestoned streets and traditional architecture. In town, you’ll get to taste traditional Flammkuchen, a flatbread that is the specialty of the region.
• Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl: Volcanic rocks make up a large part of the central and western Kaiserstuhl thanks to numerous volcanic eruptions more than 16 million years ago. Because of its loose covered volcanic soils, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a very good wine-producing region. During your visit, sample some of these delicious wines.
• Excursion to Freiburg: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively medieval town centre to see the Freiburg Minster, a 13th century cathedral that was one of only few that survived the bombings during the Second World War.
• Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg: Sitting on a hilltop in the Alsace region of France, this ‘royal castle’ was constructed in the 12th century but was burnt down during the Thirty Years War. Left for 200 years in ruins, the castle was restored in the early 20th century and was classified as an historical monument. Visiting the castle will feel like stepping back to the Middle Ages. (B/L/D)

Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Vevey. Learn about one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin’s World Museum. This afternoon check in to your luxurious hotel for your two night stay. (B)

Why not take the opportunity to wake early and walk along a section of the path that runs around the shore of Lake Geneva. There are beautiful views over the calm water, with boats bobbing at anchor and mountains in the distance. You can join the path right out the front of the hotel.

You’ll be thankful you made time for some exercise, because today you’re going to dive into the gooey cheese culture of Montreux.

Enrich: Today’s Scenic Enrich:

All aboard the cheese train: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. 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)

It’s back on the road this morning for your first taste of the Swiss Alps in the village of Gstaad. A favourite with the international jet set, Gstaad is renowned as a ski resort in winter and an outdoor adventure playground in summer. The first thing you’ll see is the magnificent Gstaad Palace hotel, which looks like a fairytale castle perched above the tiny village. Stroll through the chic shopping district and admire the jaw-dropping views.

Arriving in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, check in to your luxurious hotel for some well-deserved rest. (B)

From Bern, travel through the impossibly pretty town of Lucerne. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Lake Lucerne, you’ll find exquisite medieval architecture, a 685-year-old wooden footbridge (the oldest in Europe), and glimpses of the majestic Alps in the distance.

This afternoon we arrive in the city of Zurich, the largest in the country and one of the most liveable in the world. Here, residents cycle along wide streets, relax in leafy parks and dine under the stars in open-air restaurants. It’s known as a global financial centre, but there’s also one of Europe’s most eclectic cultural scenes, world-class contemporary art and a fascinating history.

Set off on foot this afternoon for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with a flat centre, many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street that’s lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores. Straddling both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Old Town is a pleasant jumble of tiny laneways, cobbled squares and medieval buildings. Don’t miss St Peter’s Church, where the original 9th century foundations are still visible beneath the chancel and the iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster church.

Check into your grand hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay. (B/D)

After one final sumptuous breakfast – and a last cup of delectable Swiss hot chocolate – it’s time to say farewell to Switzerland.

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)