Europe's Heartland

Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Your journey into wonder is about to begin. (D)

Freechoice: Journey into the picturesque Black Forest region for a guided tour and tasting of the iconic Black Forest cake. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting in the Kaiserstuhl region, or if you’re feeling more active, take a guided bike ride from Breisach to Freiburg stopping along the way for a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, where you’ll discover the unique historic quarter and its impressive cathedral, or choose to see the picturesque city from a different perspective on board a canal cruise. Admire the stunning district known as Le Petite France and take in the sites such as the European Parliament and the Imperial quarter. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. Enrich: Enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Join a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit its Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, or join an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by some leisure time. Alternatively, experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 race track with a museum visit and an insider tour of the circuit. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, join an excursion to Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town and visit the Gutenberg Museum. Later, enjoy unrivalled views across the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. (B/L/D)

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping directly off the ship and into a fairy tale. Freechoice: Explore Cochem during a guided tour and visit the iconic Reichsburg Castle, or if you’re feeling more active, join a bicycle tour and explore the beautiful region. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Journey to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour, or take a guided walk through Trier, a city with an important Roman past. Alternatively, take in beautiful Bernkastel, with its perfectly preserved half timbered houses located on the picturesque Moselle river. (B/L/D)

Today sail along the curvaceous path of the Moselle River past quaint half timbered villages, vine covered slopes and hilltop castles that are perched proudly on their lookout over the river. Appreciate the allure of the Moselle Valley from the opulence of your Scenic Space-Ship as you delight in this full day cruise. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: On arrival to Koblenz take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour of this fascinating city, or visit Marksburg Castle for a guided tour. Perched high above the river, this is the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charming town of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour, or join a guided cycling tour along the river, passing by Düsseldorf’s bustling modern harbour precinct. Alternatively, learn about the city’s long beer producing traditions as you visit some local Microbreweries, you will also get to taste the local Altbier, a dark beer traditional to this region, or visit the Zollverein industrial site, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Maastricht, or visit Aachen and learn the tale of the city that borders three countries. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. Dedicated to the American soldiers who perished in this region during World War II. You will also get to visit the Eben Emael Fortress, which was built to protect the city from the German invasion during the second world war. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover historic houses, farms and windmills. Or if you’re feeling energetic, take an active bicycle tour throughout the city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges, or learn about the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour of Antwerp, followed by leisure time, or take the opportunity to visit the towns of Ypres & Passchendaele to learn about the World War I battle of Passchendaele. Visit the memorials dedicated to the Allied troops who perished during this terrible battle. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Choose a guided tour through the quaint streets of Veere, or cycle through the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier. (B/L/D)

Board your included flight from Amsterdam to Paris where you will embark the luxurious Scenic Gem for your 10 night cruise along the pictureque Seine river. (B/D)

Freechoice: Join a hike with a difference and visit King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider, the region’s specialty. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc, and admire the city’s half-timbered houses and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Or learn about the Viking Warlord Rollo ‘the Walker’, who will host a guided walking tour through the medieval laneways of Rouen. This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields and learn about what life was like for a soldier during WWI with a fascinating lecture. After dinner, a local pâtissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished during the Battle of the Somme. Or, you may choose to visit the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the Thiepval memorial. Alternatively, stay in Rouen and explore the collection of impressionist paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel. Freechoice: Explore Honfleur on a guided walking tour, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water, or visit charming Norman villages and discover their traditional Cheeses and Calvados. The small town of Pont l’Eveque is renowned for producing a cheese of the same name, and you will get to sample this and more during your guided tour. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June 1944. Here you have three equally fascinating options to choose from. Explore the involvement of the British forces as you visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Landing Museum in Arromanches, finishing at the British Normandy memorial, or learn about the US contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial before a visit to the Normandy American cemetery and visitor centre or view the battle through the eyes of Canadian forces as you visit Juno Beach Centre, a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort as well as the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery and Pegasus Bridge & Museum. Alternatively, learn about history of a different era and visit Bayeux including its famous Tapestry, a hand embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Afterwards visit the beautiful seaside town of Étretat, sitting proudly between dramatic rock faces. Or travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting a traditional Normandy farm nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum to learn more about the famous French writer. (B/L/D)

In a location rich in visual treasures, it’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired many of history’s most famous artists. Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. Many of the artists most famous art works were inspired by this impressive location, or get your heart pumping on a self-guided cycle through Vernon to Giverny where you have the opportunity to visit Monet’s garden. After exploring these spectacular gardens you may feel inspired to join a painting class on board this afternoon Enrich: Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The Château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this experience for many years to come. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. (B/L/D)

Today it’s your choice to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city, or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Freechoice: Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know, or admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. Alternatively, see the highlights of Paris during a city tour and marvel at the many iconic sights of the city, or you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. (B/L/D)

Your trip concludes after breakfast as you disembark and transfer to Paris 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. (B)