Rhine Highlights with Paris

The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, meandering along the banks of the Seine as you see local life passing by and chic cafes lining the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace and marvel in this great city. Later, check in to your luxury hotel for a three-night stay.

This morning, join a guided coach tour of the city, exploring its most mesmerising districts and iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Drive along the banks of the beautiful River Seine and see such highlights as the Palais Garnier Opera, built in the 19th century; the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most impressive art museums; and Les Invalides, a complex of ornate military buildings.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon to discover Paris at your leisure.

Enjoy another full day in the City of Light.

Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Secrets of Montmartre: Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine.
• Atelier des Lumières: This captivating digital art centre in Paris is renowned for its immersive exhibitions that blend art and technology. Located in a former iron foundry, it offers visitors an enchanting experience where classic and contemporary artworks are brought to life through large-scale digital projections and synchronised music. NOTE: Exhibition changes every year, and 2027 will only be published in January 2027.

This afternoon is yours to explore more of Paris at your own pace.

Travel by high speed train to Amsterdam, where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, you'll get to toast the journey ahead at this evening's welcome reception.

Spend this morning in Amsterdam. The Netherlands' capital is a unique blend of history and art. Discover a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets bustling with cyclists. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North', much of the World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges.

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

• Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture, travel out of town, enjoy the sweeping countryside landscape and explore the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of World Heritage-listed windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar.
• Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.
• Fabrique des Lumières: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17 metre high walls, accompanied by music to create an immersive ambience.
• Cycling tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for an active biking tour to experience life on two wheels. Your local guide will be on hand to offer information about the everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom are sharing your cycle path.

Dock in the 2,000 year old city of Cologne. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, complete with a voucher to purchase a local beer, and admire its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. With a late departure tonight, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own and get a taste of the nightlife.

The ship docks in Koblenz this morning, giving you the opportunity to explore one of Germany's oldest cities. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town's winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.
• Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alten Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.
• Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its picturesque centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch, the ship sets sail, giving you the chance to relax on board as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65 kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 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.

Arrive in Mannheim today. 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. Your Scenic Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region before you cruise to Rastatt.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Scenic Freechoice experiences this morning:

• Orientation tour of Heidelberg: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground).
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from the balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world's largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground).
• Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit the famed Fritz Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and you will be treated to a tour and tasting. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required).

Scenic Enrich:

• Private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, the Baroque Palace of Rastatt was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and hosts an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Explore the opulent palace and gardens before sitting down to a private performance from an accomplished pianist and accompanied vocalists.

The capital of the Alsace wine region is a captivating blend of France and Germany. It has a Gothic cathedral and an Old Town surrounded by a river, with sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses bordering a complex network of canals. Strasbourg proudly wears its medieval past while looking firmly towards the future and is known for its youthful energy and infectious spirit.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice experiences today:

• Alsace wine route with tasting: Explore this culturally diverse wine-growing area and visit one of the region's most famous wine growing villages to do a tasting at a local wine cellar before exploring the neighbouring town of Obernai.
• Cycling through Strasbourg: Journey by e-bike the region's impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of trails cover the city, and you will explore some of these while cycling through charming suburbs past historic buildings, beautiful parklands and sparkling canals.
• Walking tour of Strasbourg: Located on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg has been influenced by both cultures. See the city's most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile as you learn how the two nations shaped this unique city.

A late departure gives you plenty of time to explore

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Breisach for the day, giving you ample time to discover the region. There's lots of reasons Breisach is a must-visit food and wine destination. Not only does it share a border with the Alsace region, it's also located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest. Don't leave without trying the German Pinot Noir. The town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

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

• Guided tour of Colmar: A walking tour of the cultural centre of the Alsace shows off Colmar's confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. A highlight of the tour is tasting a slice of the famed Kugelhopf cake at a local bistro.
• Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting: It's location right on the edge of the Black Forest makes Freiburg a magical place to visit. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively medieval town before a tasting of delicious black forest cake.
• Walking tour of Breisach with wine tasting: This leisurely guided walk through Breisach's Old Town will take in its pastel facades and cobbled lanes. Look up to see the hilltop cathedral of St. Stephansmünster before indulging in a tasting of delicious local sparkling wine.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Basel (Huningue). Enjoy one final breakfast on board, then disembark, taking with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.