Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways and canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and charming cafés, the city is a delight to wander.
This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. (D)
Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. 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 canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.
Freechoice: This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice:
Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals.
This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight into the villages and sites you're passing as you relax on the Sun Deck. (B/L/D)
Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, later this afternoon.
Freechoice: This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich Classical Concert in the Beethoven Room at La Redoute recital hall: Attend a lavish dinner and classical concert where live music from Beethoven and Mozart will be played in the spectacular La Redoute recital hall in Germany's former capital, Bonn. Built by the last Elector of Cologne in 1792, this beautiful hall has hosted many important dignitaries over the centuries, including the Queen, Princess Diana and multiple US Presidents. Tonight, this elegant venue is just for you. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, relax on the Sun Deck and admire the landscape as you cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometre stretch of the river that is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy tale book.
The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends that have been passed on for generations, like the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however, on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.
After lunch, you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.
Freechoice: Select one of this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice activities:
This afternoon you will set sail for Miltenberg. Enjoy the passing scenery as you sit down for a sumptuous three-course dinner in Crystal Dining, with all-inclusive beverages. (B/L/D)
This morning you will continue cruising towards Miltenberg. You may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
After lunch you will arrive in Miltenberg. Located on the banks of the River Main, this historic town is one of the best preserved in Germany, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of Germany's oldest inns, Zum Riesen.
Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice tours:
After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Wertheim am Main and set sail for Würzburg. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you sail through the night. (B/L/D)
This morning you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque 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.
Freechoice: Spend your day at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice options:
This afternoon, sit back with a drink on the Sun Deck or in the privacy of your suite as you enjoy the scenery while sailing towards to city of Bamberg. (B/L/D)
The ship will dock in Bamberg after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship's wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage^, or perhaps join an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along the fascinating Main River.
Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. A charming Old 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 pretty ‘Little Venice' and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you'll see during your guided city tour.
Freechoice: Stay in Bamberg or choose to explore further afield with this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice tours:
You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, early this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year, this 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 façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies; the boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws'. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, when Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Freechoice: Make your choice from this morning's Scenic Freechoice experiences:
This afternoon you will sail towards Regensburg. Sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or relax in your suite watching life on the riverbanks from your Scenic Sun Lounge. (B/L/D)
You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. 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. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.
Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers up a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from:
Freechoice: Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. The breathtaking World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.
Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
After your tour, you will return to the Space-Ship, which is docked in Dürnstein. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this charming town or relax on board with a regional wine from Austria's Wachau Valley. (B/L/D)
We arrive early in Vienna this morning. Also known as the City of Music, Austria's imperial capital fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. The city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.
Spend the day exploring the city on your guided tour.
Enrich: Tonight's 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. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you'll be seated in Vienna's largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you'll remember for a lifetime. (B/L/D)
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.
Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava. The choice is yours from today's Scenic Freechoice activities:
This morning we arrive in Budapest, one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant cities. 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. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:
This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. (B/L/D)
Board an included flight from Budapest to Bordeaux where you will be welcomed on board by the friendly crew of the Scenic Diamond. (B/D)
This morning is spent on board relaxing as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. Head up to the Sun Deck to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the scenery along the Dordogne River rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing. Or perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class.
Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage-listed medieval village with world-famous wineries, beautiful architecture and historic monuments. It's also the birthplace of macarons. The town bears the name of a monk who is said to have performed miracles, such as restoring a local woman's sight, and lived in a natural grotto here in the 8th century. You will enjoy a guided tour of the caves and catacombs beneath the city, including a Monolithic church built from limestone, whose 38-metre-long bell tower can be seen above ground.
This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight in Libourne, a 13th-century city located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers. (B/L/D)
This morning, why not ask your personal butler to wake you with a coffee delivered to your suite? Then enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining.
Freechoice: This morning, choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice activities:
This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Fort Medoc where you will dock overnight. (B/L/D)
The name Médoc is synonymous with exceptional wines. Considered the world's leading red wine producer, Médoc has been a winemaking region since the 18th century. Today you will have the chance to explore this remarkable wine region.
Freechoice: Explore your way with a Scenic Freechoice excursion:
Enrich: Tonight, enjoy an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience: Classical Concert at Chateau d'Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d'Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Wander through the château and its gardens and soak in the ambiance of this magnificent property before a string quartet performs classical masterpieces for your enjoyment. (B/L/D)
This morning will be spent cruising towards Cadillac. Perhaps you'd like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage.
Founded in the 13th century, the charming, fortified city of Cadillac is centred around its magnificent château. It has a unique connection to the United States and, ultimately, the car that shares its name. Seventeenth century French explorer Anthony Laumet was born in a nearby village but reinvented himself as Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac (sire of Cadillac). He rose high in the French fur trade and in 1701 established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honour. (B/L/D)
Today you have the choice between many different experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its bucolic countryside to its historic castles.
Freechoice: This morning explore your way with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Freechoice: Choose from this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice activities:
Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner created by your on board team using regionally sourced Truffles. (B/L/D)
This morning you will wake in the fascinating city of Bordeaux, which you can explore by foot, bike or through a cooking class. The city of Bordeaux was founded by the Celts around 300BC and became part of Julius Caesar's Roman Empire in the 1st century. It has been an important trading port since the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location on the river flowing to a sea port, and even acted as the seat of French government at the start of both the First and Second world wars.
Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:
Back on board, your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh Oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.
Enrich: This evening's Scenic Enrich: Les Bassins de Lumiere: You will be given after-hours access to Les Bassins de Lumierès this evening, Bordeaux's former submarine base which has been transformed into an impressive art installation. On arrival, you will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and be immersed in the exhibit with an exclusive show. (B/L/D)
Today you'll continue your exploration of Bordeaux and its surrounding regions.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions:
This afternoon you'll enjoy time at leisure on board as you sail towards Bourg. You may want to relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Gironde. (B/L/D)
Your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. Built as a defensive château, it's a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the Dordogne. This quiet village sits among many famous World Heritage-listed sites and, though it is just as charming, remains largely undiscovered by the masses.
Freechoice: Choose from today's Scenic Freechoice activities:
This morning your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will sail towards Blaye, a small town with a rich military history and surrounded by vineyards known for red wine production. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux, 50 kilometres upstream, from enemy attacks.
Freechoice: This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice activity:
This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Bordeaux for your final evening on board. (B/L/D)
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey.
Please note: The Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne waterways are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region. Every effort is made to keep to the brochure itinerary however based on tides it will be amended or modified. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)
Regions