Europe's Heartland

Welcome to France and the City of Light. Whether it's your first or fiftieth time to this romantic city, there is always something new to discover. Your journey will also culminate in Paris where you'll have the opportunity to rediscover the City of Lights all over again.

Board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and set off on a cruise you will treasure forever.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board as you cruise gently along the Seine to Les Andelys. This exquisite waterside village dates back almost 900 years and is resplendent with well-preserved Norman-era houses and exquisite public buildings and overlooked by the imposing ruins of King Richard the Lionheart's castle, Château Gaillard. Take a stroll alongside the river, admiring the striking limestone cliffs rising from it, or through the charming centre of town where the buildings are a living catalogue through time.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart': Step back to the age of Robin Hood on this Medieval-themed walking tour with your guide donned in traditional attire. Uncover the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venture up to Lionheart's castle, Château Gaillard, to wander among the remnants.
• Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard: Explore the picturesque Norman town of Les Andelys on the banks of the River Seine with your local guide before reaching the Château that looks over the city.
• Cider farm visit: Normandy's cider production embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and rural charm. Visit a local farm to see the process in action and taste this distinctive effervescent drink.
• Renaissance-era Château Gaillon: Explore the extraordinary 16th-century Château Gaillon, one of the earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France. Admire the remnants of its lavish interior as you learn about its importance to French history.

Normandy's capital, Rouen, has a history that spans over 2,000 years, from Viking legends to its significant role in both World Wars. It was also the place where Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. A considerable amount of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, but much of the city has been faithfully restored, including the exquisite Old Town. It's an engaging and historically rich destination, packed with museums, stylish bistros and coffee shops, and a wealth of churches, including the famed 12th century Rouen Cathedral.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Rouen city tour: See why Victor Hugo once described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires' on this guided tour. Visit the cathedral district, old marketplace and Saint-Maclou Quarter. Step into a fairytale of Medieval alleys and half-timbered houses. Learn about Joan of Arc and see where she was put to death in 1431. Enjoy free time afterwards.
• Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking: Authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker – who was famously too tall to ride a horse – your guide will take you around the city to learn about the Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital. This tour focuses on the city's Medieval past and before some free time afterwards to explore.
• In the footsteps of Joan of Arc: Discover the gripping and heroic story of Joan of Arc on a captivating walking tour through Rouen. Immerse yourself in the dramatic narrative of this young heroine from the magnificent but haunting St. Ouen Church, a silent witness to her faith and trials, to the evocative Old Market Square, the site of her fiery martyrdom.

Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating expert lecture.

WWI Lecture – A day in the life of a Tommy: During this interactive evening, you will gain an understanding into the life of a soldier on the Western Front and learn why this was known as ‘the Great War'. From the curious 1914 Christmas armistice football match to the horrors of trench warfare involving machine guns, tanks, mining and the deadly flamethrower, you will experience the war through the eyes of an Allied soldier, ‘a Tommy'. Try on his equipment and weapons and taste his rations. This immersive experience will bring the history of war to life.

With another full day in Rouen today, you can uncover some of the region's fascinating military history or explore its artistic legacy.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with today's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park: Take a full day excursion to the site of the WWI Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visit the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), the Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater and Newfoundland Memorial Park, one of the largest areas on the Western Front whereshell holes and trenches are visibly a sign of its sombre past.
• Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval: This full-day excursion will follow the same itinerary as the tour above, visiting the Somme Battlefields, the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) and the Franco-Australian Museum. After lunch, travel to Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, which contains more than 5,500 Commonwealth graves, then visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater.
• Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen: Step into the world of Claude Monet, exploring the city's iconic landmarks that inspired the famed Impressionist artist. Wander through Rouen's charming Medieval streets while your guide shares rich historical insights and captivating Monet-related anecdotes. See the breathtaking Rouen Cathedral, immortalised in his famous series of over 30 paintings, and visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Back on board this evening, indulge in an exquisite dessert buffet, where the artistry of a local pastry chef brings classic French cakes to life. Savour a variety of beautifully displayed desserts, each slice a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with fine coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Please note: The Sir John Monash Centre is a state-of-the-art immersive sensory experience that uses technology to tell the story. In order to maximise your experience, we suggest you download the Sir John Monash Centre app on your phone prior to embarking on your cruise.

Enjoy another relaxed morning on board as we cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel. Over the years the town has captured the imaginations of countless artists and was the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. Your Scenic Space-Ship has been purpose-built to cruise further into the harbour, providing an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond.

A guided walking tour of the city will show you its charming Inner Harbour, the Church of Sainte-Catherine and the Garden of Personalities, before you can explore on your own with some free time.

Back on board, experience the very best of French cheesemaking traditions with a presentation and cheese tasting, featuring a spotlight on Normandy's celebrated classics like Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l'Évêque, and Neufchâtel. Later, history comes alive with an engaging lecture about Operation Fortitude and the daily life of Honfleur's citizens during the D-Day campaign in World War II.

With a full day in Honfleur, this is your opportunity to learn more about the important role this region played in WWII. Your central docking location allows shorter transfers to today's activities for a more seamless experience.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions:

• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused): Start at the memorial on Utah Beach, where more than 20,000 US troops landed on June 6, 1944, before a visit of Sainte-Mère-Église, the town where 30 US Paratroopers landed during the Normandy Invasion. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial. Omaha Beach is often referred to as ‘Bloody Omaha', as it resulted in the most casualties during the operation, with 2,400 paying the ultimate sacrifice.
• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused): The small town of Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the D-Day Landings and became the French capital for the summer of 1944, until the liberation of Paris. Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which describes the chronological events from D-Day in detail. Then explore the state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches, located across the artificial harbour that was built to dispatch reinforcements. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the British Normandy Memorial, the Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and stop at the Ranville War Cemetery.
• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused): Begin at Abbey d'Ardenne, which was founded in the 11th century and is now a memorial to the Canadian Prisoners of War from the D-Day landings. Next you will head to Juno Beach Centre, a memorial to where 20,000 Canadian troops landed on that day. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery where the 335 Canadian men who were killed in the D-Day Landings and the early stages of the campaign are buried. You'll also visit Pegasus Bridge & Museum, which is a site of an important battle.
• Bayeux tour: If your interest sits in a different era of history, join a guided tour of Bayeux, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and considered a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You will have free time afterward to explore the town of Bayeux.

Begin cruising inland early this morning to the small town of Caudebec-en-Caux. Set on a curve of the Seine, the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec-en-Caux dates back to the Middle Ages and a handful of historic buildings survived the bombardments of WWII, including the ornate 15th century Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux.

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

• Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum: Enjoy an active biking tour to the charming village of Villequier, cycling on an e-bike along the banks of the River Seine, following a flat eight-kilometre each way route. Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, the famous French poet, playwright and novelist before returning to the ship.
• Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace: Take a coach transfer to Fecamp, an historic seaside town surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in Normandy. Join a guided tour of the Bénédictine Palace, a 19th century architectural masterpiece, famous for producing Bénédictine liquor, said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.
• Tales of the French Resistance: Set off on a walking tour and learn stories of the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic city.
• Normandy Abbey Road: Spiritual health and wealth have been important in Normandy since the Middle Ages. Explore this fascinating history with a local guide on the Abbey Road, where many grand abbeys sit on the banks of the River Seine.

Historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, Vernon has a rich heritage and many distinctive buildings. Nearby Giverny was the home of Impressionist artist Claude Monet for more than 40 years.

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

• Monet's House and Garden: Journey to Giverny to tour the town and visit the home of the founder of Impressionism. Built by Monet, the gardens comprise a Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies, which inspired his most famous works. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own leisure.
• Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny: Take a self-guided biking tour from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way). When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet's House and Garden or wander about this charming town, before returning to the ship.

After exploring these beautiful gardens during this morning's touring, you may feel inspired to create a masterpiece of your own during an on board painting class. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise towards La Roche-Guyon, where this evening's exclusive Scenic Enrich experience will take place.

Scenic Enrich:

• Classical concert at Château de La Roche Guyon: Take a short walk from the ship to Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens producing fresh juices, then admire the decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries. On arrival you'll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers.

Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. Though it's just a short distance from the centre of the city, it feels a world away. A castle was built here by monks in the 9th century to protect the relics of Saint Honorine, from whom the town gets its name. It became a popular pilgrimage site in the 11th century, a practice which lasted for more than 700 years. Wander the quiet streets and the riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air café, and admire the beautiful ancient church.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise: Travel to the village where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces. See landmarks that were immortalised in his works, such as the famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church. The tour includes entry to Van Gogh's room, an attic that he rented during his final months and which has sat empty since 1890. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village.
• Château de Chantilly: Take a guided tour of the castle, a magnificent tribute to France's cultural heritage, built by Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last King of France. See the fine collections he amassed in his lifetime, explore the gardens and enjoy some free time. (Please note: Chantilly Castle is closed on a Tuesday, and will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Garden instead)
• Active walk with Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum): Join this active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to visit the Inland Water Transport Museum. Conflans, sometimes called the barge capital of the world, is located on the confluence of Oise and Seine rivers, and water has played a very important role in the lives of its residents.
• Château de Malmaison: This historic estate was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais. Renowned for its elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the château reflects Josephine's refined taste and passion for botany. Today, it houses a museum showcasing furniture, artwork, and personal items from the Napoleonic era, providing a glimpse into the private lives of one of history's most famous couples.

This afternoon you'll spend time on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris.

Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend the day uncovering this iconic city. First timers may prefer the highlights tour, which allows you to visit renowned sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, while those rediscovering Paris may wish to explore the trendy Marais District or Opera Garnier, an opulent architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century. Or take a tour south-east of the city to an exquisite château.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from today's Scenic Freechoice options:

• Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide. A melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, an eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion, the Marais is one of the most diverse districts in Paris.
• Highlights of Paris city tour: Join a local guide on a coach tour of the city to see some of its most famous sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and Concorde Square. You will also view the 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened after a devastating fire in 2019.
• Opera Garnier: Located in the theatrical heart of Paris, the spectacular Opera Garnier is resplendent with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and glistening chandeliers. Tour this opera house and learn about the magnificent building that was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.
• Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located an hour's drive from Paris. This château is credited as the founding French formal garden that was the inspiration for Versailles. The property is laid out in a typical symmetrical fashion with its stunning gardens creating a theatrical setting.

This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own leisure. Perhaps you'd like to people-watch on the Champs-Elysee from a sidewalk café, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, or venture to Montmartre, the artist's district and where the famed Moulin Rouge is located. Alternatively, relax back on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. You will remain docked here overnight giving you one final chance to soak up the atmosphere of the City of Light.

Today, transfer to the airport for your onward journey to Zurich. Enjoy a welcome reception aboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

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. Luckily for you, the town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region with your choice of 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: Its 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 and sample the local delicacy, Black Forest Cake.
• Kaiserstuhl winery visit and wine tasting: Thanks to numerous volcanic eruptions over 16 million years ago, the volcanic soil of the Kaiserstuhl produces excellent grapes. Which make even better wines. Sample them for yourself and taste the difference.

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

• 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: Let an e-bike do the hard work on the region's impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of paths cover the city and you will explore some of these while cycling through the cities charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and charming 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.

The ship docks in Mannheim today, a large metropolitan centre that's used as a base to explore the surrounding region, including the historic charms of Heidelberg and the stunning vine covered landscapes Bad Dürkheim where you can sip on aromatic wines.

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

• Historical tour of Heidelberg: Enjoy a guided tour of the town as well as a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Take in the breathtaking views from the balcony then see the great Heidelberg Tun, the world's largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Tour of Heidelberg with free time: A coach transfer to Heidelberg is followed by a brief walking tour of the town and then a chance to explore on your own.
• Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit the famed Fitz-Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and guests are treated to a tour and tasting on an experience only available with Scenic. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required).

Disembark in Rüdesheim, a picturesque town surrounded by steep vineyards that's known for its medieval architecture and wine culture – locals have been cultivating wine for more than two millennia.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions:

• Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum: Arrive to this quirky museum by mini train, where a local guide will introduce you to its weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards, explore the surrounding streets on your own or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument.
• Hike & cable car: Take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument then join a local guide on foot as you hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim, known for its Riesling. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below.

Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge this afternoon and relax as you take in landscapes that could have come straight from a fairytale. The stunning 65-kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of 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 whose voice distracts sailors – the potential inspiration for the Sirens who tempted Odysseus.

Cochem is a medieval gem with a castle overlooking the town. While this may be its crowning feature, the traditional town is known for being part of the German wine route and is a great place to sample local varietals.

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

• Guided tour of Cochem: Explore a castle with a unique well-preserved Knight's Hall and Trophy Room. After wandering the halls of Reichsburg Castle make your way to the old town to take in the historic buildings and charming streetscapes.
• Cycling tour of Cochem: Hop on an e-bike and cycle along the gentle path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Cochems gems, from the majestic castle to the town's half-timbered houses.

Oenophiles will have earmarked Bernkastel. It sits at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and one of the world's most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, is just on the edge of town. You'll also fall in love with this wonderfully preserved riverside town for its atmospheric market square, with buildings that date to the 13th century, and the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover Bernkastel your way on one of these excursions:

• Guided Hike to Landshut ruins: Take an active hike up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, situated on a hill overlooking Bernkastel and the Moselle River. The ruins have been here since the 13th century and a guide will reveal its fascinating history.
• Walking tour of Bernkastel: Learn about the local architecture and culture on a guided tour of the town, which includes perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance Rathaus (Town Hall), before enjoying some time at leisure.
• Wine tasting along the Moselle: Find out why the fertile banks of the Moselle River are the breeding ground for world-renowned Rieslings. Learn about local varietals before sampling a selection of prestigious local drops.

Scenic Enrich:

• Classical Concert at Liebfrauenkirche in Trier: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime classical music concert. Not only is the Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, a magnificent building named on the UNESCO world heritage list, but it boasts exemplary acoustics. Trier, founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the year 16BC, is the oldest city in Germany and this is an exclusive Scenic Enrich only available to Scenic guests.

One of the wonderful things about cruising is gliding past rolling hillsides, which is what makes today a highlight of your journey. Revel in a full day on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as it winds its way through the majestic Moselle Valley. With its vine-covered banks dotted with quaint villages, historic half-timbered houses and hilltop castles it is some of the most charming scenery in Europe.

Open the windows to your private Scenic Sun Lounge and make the most of the landscape as you gently cruise past. You may wish to make the most of the ship's facilities today and visit the Salt Therapy Lounge or book in for a massage treatment (at an extra cost).

Koblenz is many things; a wine hub, a fortress city and one of Germany's oldest metropolises. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Its long history ensures there's something for everyone, from rich history to a melange of French and German cultures and beautiful scenery. It is, of course, also the gateway to both the historic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with today's Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Koblenz: A guide will lead you on a journey through the old town's winding streets, charming squares, impressive townhouses and historic churches as well as the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.
• Marksburg Castle visit: Drive to Marksburg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River, to marvel at this perfect example of medieval architecture. Dating back to 1117, it's the only castle on the Middle Rhine that hasn't been destroyed. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility).
• Medieval Limburg: A coach will take you to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn, where you can walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alte Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart Koblenz late this evening, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

An early arrival and late departure gives you ample time to discover a city known for its art scene and fashion industry. Once dubbed ‘Little Paris' by Napoleon, it blends the museums, galleries and luxurious shops of the ‘City of Lights' with a historic old town and unique harbour precinct where historic quay walls share the same space as architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry. With a late departure, there's time to explore its buzzing waterfront and glamorous bars by night.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from one of today's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Walking tour: Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour. Discover its gentrified harbour, charming old town, the modern tech hub of Media Harbour, and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century.
• Cycling tour: Active travellers can explore the banks of the Rhine on two wheels, cycle on an e-bike to one of the most historic regions of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth.
• Düsseldorf‘s Altbier: Learn about Düsseldorf long tradition of beer production, visit well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region.

Today you will arrive in Nijmegen. Dating back more than 2,000 years, it's officially recognised as the oldest city in The Netherlands. Its large population of university students gives it a lively atmosphere, with many excellent museums, trendy coffee shops, independent stores and a buzzing nightlife.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions:

• Arnhem Airborne Museum: You don't have to be a military aficionado to enjoy the museum's account of the Battle of Arnhem as you follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after many years of German occupation.
• The Netherlands Open Air Museum: This fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum complete with replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses will show you how the Dutch lived and celebrated through the ages.
• Palais Het Loo: Royalists or anyone fascinated by monarchies will revel in wandering this museum, which was the Dutch royal family's summer home for centuries. Dating back to 1685, it's now a museum showcasing the lineage's rich history, elaborate decor, art collection and grand gardens.

It's time to delve into a new culture, as the ship docks in Antwerp. It's the largest city in Flanders, Belgium's second city and the unofficial Diamond Capital of the world, having dominated global trade since the 15th century. The seaport, located 80km inland, is one of the world's most important. Antwerp's charm lies in its contradictions, a city with a medieval heart of cobbled lanes and riverside fortress combined with a creative pulse that champions innovation, including modern architecture and a thriving culinary scene.

Scenic Freechoice: These interesting Scenic Freechoice excursions are available today:

• Guided walking tour: Let a local guide show you the real Antwerp on a walking tour of the city. As well as being the Diamond Capital of the world, it's home to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, a medieval fortress and main square lined with extravagant buildings.
• Craft beer & chocolate pairing: Belgium's culinary reputation is based on chocolate and beer. Find out why the two work so well together on this unique tasting journey.
• Excursion to Fort Breendonk: This former Nazi prison camp has been preserved as a national memorial. A guided visit takes in the original barracks, courtyards and cells as you hear the moving stories of those once imprisoned here.

Scenic Enrich:

• Concert at Cleydael Castle: Learn about its fascinating history before being serenaded by eight musicians, two singing soloists and a host on this classical concert in an enchanting setting, only with Scenic. New in 2027.

This historic small-town set on the Veerse Meer Lake is known as the ‘Pearl of Walcheren'. Wander through its narrow streets and along the charming marina nestled at its heart to see why. Dating back to the 12th century, it was a popular trading hub and the town's wealth can be seen in the grand architecture of its buildings.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of excursions today:

• Guided tour of Veere: Wander along the quaint streets of Veere on this guided walking tour. Take in a picturesque harbour lined with Scottish merchant houses, a 15th century town hall with tower and Grote Kerk, an imposing Gothic church that moonlighted as a hospital and poorhouse.
• Oyster farm visit: Gourmands will be talking about this excursion for a long time. It's not everyday you get to taste plump, briny bivalves straight from the crisp, cold waters of the North Sea.
• Excursion to the Delta Works: This fascinating series of dams was designed to protect the population on the Delta plain from flooding. As well as being an impressive feat of engineering, it's essential in protecting low-lying areas of the Netherlands from surges and flooding.

An early arrival allows for a full day in Dordrecht. It's the oldest city in Holland and its location as a port city made it an important merchant stop. As you explore the port, canals, picturesque alleyways and town square you'll discover more than 1,000 historic monuments dotted around the town, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose one of the following excursions this morning:

• Walking tour of Dordrecht: A local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city's winding canals, picturesque streets and historic buildings. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.
• Delft pottery factory visit: Delft is a charming city famed for its blue and white pottery. Enjoy a guided tour before visiting the 17th century pottery factory where master painters still decorate in the traditional manner.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Windmills are an icon of Dutch culture and the traditional village of Kinderdjik boasts 19 of them. Explore the town and the role these World Heritage-listed windmills play in agricultural life, on an experience only available with Scenic.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Amsterdam. Enjoy one final breakfast on board before disembarking and transfer to Amsterdam Airport, taking with you lifelong memories of a cruise that captured your imagination.

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.