Welcome to Switzerland and 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.
Check in to your historic hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay.
Set off on foot this morning 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.
Then, 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.
Arriving in Bern check in to your luxurious hotel for some well-deserved rest. (B)
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.
Wind your way back down to the lakeside town of Montreux. It sits on the edge of Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Western Europe that is shared between Switzerland and France. Montreux is known as the Swiss Riviera for its stunning scenery, charming waterfront, perfect climate and chic lifestyle.
Check in to your hotel for a two night stay. It’s just a few steps from the shore of the lake, and offers elegant rooms, fine Swiss cuisine and an indulgent spa. (B/D)
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)
Transfer today to Basel where you will be greeted by your friendly crew and welcomed on board your Scenic Space-Ship. (B/D)
We will arrive in Breisach this morning. 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 morning offers up a wonderful selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:
This morning your Space-Ship will dock in Ratstatt, your base for today’s explorations. Set on the northern edge of the Black Forest region, it has a well-preserved Baroque centre and a vibrant modern arts and theatre scene. Enjoy a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and a hearty breakfast at Crystal Dining before setting of on a day of sightseeing.
Freechoice: Decide how you want to spend your day with these Scenic Freechoice options:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the charming town of Rudesheim this morning. 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 morning’s Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon, we will cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley towards Cochem. 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.
The Rhine abounds in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting woman 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 it her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today. (B/L/D)
You will arrive in Cochem this morning. An historic 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:
Return to your luxurious 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)
Wake this morning in Bernkastel. 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 this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:
Enrich: This evening’s Scenic Enrich:
Classical Concert at Liebfrauenkirche in Trier: Founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the year 16BC, 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 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)
Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Koblenz, later this afternoon.
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: This afternoon choose from the following Scenic Freechoice:
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Frankfurt airport.
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.
*Safety helmets will be supplied and should be worn while riding e-bikes. ^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. (B)
Regions