Jewels of Europe & Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest and most magnificent cities.

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Relax and raise a glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. Your ship will remain docked in Budapest overnight, so you may like to head out and discover some of the city's famed nightlife.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. It's an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. Budapest is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths, which you can visit at your leisure during an afternoon of free time.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of included Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:

• Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to Pest, the other side of the river to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.
• Budapest's past and present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest's communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture.
• Hospital in the Rock: Go underground to explore the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's Castle District. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker.
• Guided hike of Buda: Put on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Várkert Bazár and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.
• Hungarian culinary market tour: This foodie tour in Budapest promises an unforgettable journey through the city's culinary delights. Visit the bustling Grand Central Market and other locations for tasting the local delicacies, and hear fascinating stories about the city's traditions.

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Vienna. You may like to ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can savour it as the beautiful scenery rolls by your window.

Arrive in the Austrian capital of Vienna this afternoon. A centre of art, music and culture, the city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Scenic Enrich:

• Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists, and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. A city full of grandeur, Austria's imperial capital is famous for having the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Slow down and spend a full day exploring Vienna or venture further afield with Scenic Freechoice.

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

• Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
• Excursion to Bratislava: Travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993. This modern multicultural metropolis has an intriguing history. The glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. Your local guide will show you Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.
• Hidden Gems of Vienna: Experience the best of Vienna uncover the city's rich history, architectural splendour, and vibrant cultural spirit. Begin along the famous Ringstrasse, past the Austrian Parliament, grand City Hall (Rathaus) with its gothic spires, the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the renowned Vienna State Opera.
• Klosterneuburg Abbey guided tour and wine tasting: Visit Austria's oldest wine estate, Klosterneuburg Abbey, which has been producing wine for 900 years. Explore the serene halls and magnificent Imperial Apartments, before a guided tasting inside the historic winery.

This morning, arrive in the charming town of Krems, located in the spectacular Wachau Valley.

Scenic Freechoice: Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

• Göttweig Abbey: Founded in the sixth century, the abbey burned down during the 18th century and was rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will show you its magnificent frescoes as well as the staircase, the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.
• Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.
• UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Join your guide on an electronic bicycle tour along the Danube to the pretty town of Dürnstein. Pass by charming villages and vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Later, dock in Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in the Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore this World Heritage-listed town, perched on the edge of the Danube River and surrounded by ancient, terraced vineyards.

Arrive in Passau today. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, Passau was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire, and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style.

Scenic Freechoice: Select from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart's birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.
• Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov, brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
• Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Boasting a staggering 2,000 year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:

• Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.
• Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site since 1050.
• Thurn und Taxis active walking tour: Join an active walking tour from the ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, for a guided tour followed by free time. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century.
• Cycle to Walhalla Memorial: Cycle through the wonderful scenery of the Danube Valley along the river and through the countryside, to Walhalla Memorial. Commissioned by King Ludwig l of Bavaria, Walhalla Memorial honours notable Germans from past centuries.

Cruise into Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, where the Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall. The city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.

Behind its charming facade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies and many of the anti-Jewish laws began here. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. After the war, Nazi leaders were tried here for their war crimes.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your choice from today's Scenic Freechoice experiences:

• Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town: Drive into Nuremberg's city centre, passing by the ancient city walls, then join your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and the market square.
• World War II tour: Your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Learn about this dark time in Germany's history and visit some of the most important sites.
• Nuremberg's castle and city walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Follow the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial castle and admire the impressive city walls that remain since medieval times.

Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, Bamberg's Old Town is resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Admire the charming Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral, and the Old and New Residences – comprising an episcopal palace, a picturesque ‘Little Venice' and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills.

Scenic Freechoice: Stay in Bamberg or choose to explore further afield:

• Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town: Bamberg is known for its charming World Heritage-listed Old Town, one of Europe's largest intact old town centres. Learn about its fascinating history as you wander through stunning medieval and Baroque buildings on a guided city tour.
• Excursion to Coburg: Journey via coach to Coburg, which was the seat of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert and has close ties to the British royal family. Visit the impressive castle, which looks over the city, and is considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Its museum houses a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists.

This afternoon, spend some time relaxing in your spacious suite or perhaps join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck.

After a relaxed morning on board, dock in Würzburg. With its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, you'll be captivating by this glamorous port. This city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria's oldest.

Scenic Freechoice: Spend today at your preferred pace with one of these Scenic Freechoice options:

• Walking tour and Würzburg Residence: Visit the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, for a guided tour to see its many valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Then take a short stroll into the city for some free time.
• Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, drive by coach to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Arrive in Wertheim this morning, a small town with a medieval centre sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. Look out for the distinctive Spitze Turm, a 13th century pointed watchtower that stands tall above the town. Today is all about connecting with culture and meeting the locals, an experience that is unique to Scenic guests.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice tours that will immerse you in local life:

• Wertheim tour and winery: Enjoy an orientation tour of Wertheim, the historic town filled with half-timbered houses for a tour. After some free time, visit a local winery to meet the winemaker and learn about the production process before transferring to the nearby town of Miltenberg.
• Gamburg Castle tour: Visit the town of Gamburg for a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Here you will also meet the Baron and Baroness for a private reception and learn about their modern aristocratic life over a glass of sparkling wine.
• Miltenberg hike: Be immersed in the elegant Franconian landscape on a guided hike through the hills and forests encircling Miltenberg. This active walk reveals panoramic views of the Main River, ancient vineyard terraces, and timeless villages. Along the way, discover the region's quiet charm and hear stories of its medieval past.
• Tastes & treasures of Miltenberg: Step into the local life of Miltenberg as you seek out the town's finest local producers, from artisanal butchers and bakers to independently run Schnapps producers, offering an authentic taste of Franconian craftsmanship. Cobblestone lanes and half-timbered houses set the scene for a delicious journey of discovery.
• Schnapps tasting: Visit a local schnapps distiller to understand how this flavoured liqueur is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours before taking an orientation tour of Miltenberg followed by some free time to enjoy the town.

After touring, you will reboard your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship in Miltenberg and depart for Rüdesheim. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you cruise through the night.

This morning, disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for more than two millennia. The charming town centre 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from today's Scenic Freechoice tours:

• Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum: A local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Then explore on your own or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument.
• Hike & cable car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. Start with a cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument before returning to town on foot.

Relax on board this afternoon 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 1000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden whose voice enraptured sailors as she avenged the sweetheart's betrayal.

Scenic Enrich:

• La Redoute Recital Hall: An exclusive experience awaits you this evening. Travel to Bonn by coach and the magnificent La Redoute recital hall, built in 1792 by the last Elector of Cologne, previous guests include Princess Diana and Queen Elisabeth II of England. Sit down to a lavish dinner accompanied by classical music.

Dock in the 2000 year old city of Cologne today. 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, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. After lunch, cruise onwards to Amsterdam.

The Netherlands' capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets busy 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:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals. See some of the most picturesque sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges.
• 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.
• Dutch countryside e-bike tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels.
• Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Leave the capital to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to a number of authentic 16th-century windmills. Then travel to the charming town of Alkmaar, known for its historic buildings and picturesque canals on this experience only available with Scenic.

Enjoy a free day in Amsterdam and explore the wonderful sights of this delightful city or simply relax and stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

An early departure out of Amsterdam allows for relaxed cruising before arriving 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, the canals, the picturesque alleyways and the 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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 renowned for 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.

Arrive in Nijmegen late afternoon and take your time exploring. 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.

Willkommen to Germany and the city of Düsseldorf. 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: Experience the best of the city with one of these Scenic Freechoic excursions:

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

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). Arrive in Cochem this evening.

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.

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 romantic 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, perched high above 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 Lahnbrucke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge this morning 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.

Disembark in Rüdesheim, a stunning 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart late this evening, giving you the opportunity to meander through the enchanting laneways of Rüdesheim.

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 before 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).

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: Glide on an e-bike along the region's impressive cycling trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of trails cover the city and you will explore some of these while cycling through the city's 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.

There's plenty 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. 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: 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 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.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship and toast to your final evening on board.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Basel (Huningue). Enjoy one final breakfast on board before disembarking and transfer to Zurich 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.