Beautiful Bordeaux & Jewels of Europe

Cadillac is close to the Sauternes wine region, which is known for its sweet, fortified styles. Today, choose between a variety of experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its peaceful countryside to its historic castles. With a full day here, you have the option to choose multiple excursions.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Sauternes by coach: Drive through the picturesque Sauternes region. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the intricate winemaking process, from the careful harvesting of botrytised grapes to the skilled techniques used in fermentation and aging. Enjoy a guided tour of a local wine estate followed by a tasting.
• Sauternes by bike: If you are feeling active, choose to cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to visit a local wine estate for a guided tour and tasting. The trail is mostly flat and you'll cycle for around two hours, including rest stops.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore further with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Roquetaillade Castle: Château de Roquetaillade is a magnificent medieval fortress with a history stretching back to the 8th century when Charlemagne reputedly built the first wooden fort on the site. Tour the ancient castle, which has been inhabited by the same family for more than 700 years. Biking in the Loupiac wine region: Join a local guide as you cycle the lush landscapes of the Gironde in the wine region of Loupiac, from where you can admire the breathtaking Château Benauge. You'll ride through gently rolling backroad to Sainte-Croix-du-Mont for an impressive view of the region
• Château Toulouse-Lautrec: Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the rich history of the château and delve into the life of its most famous resident, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You'll have the rare opportunity to wander through the rooms, including the artist's private apartments, which still showcase some of his remarkable artworks.

Your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. It began life as a defensive château in the 12th century and has expanded over the centuries. Today, it's a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the banks of the Dordogne.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Bourg with Carriages Museum: Your guided walk will lead you through the village's charming streets to the bustling main square. Explore the historic Citadel, a symbol of the village's strategic importance through the centuries, and then step inside its grounds to visit the fascinating Horse Carriage Museum.
• Historic Saintes: Take a tour of Saintes, a charming town that's steeped in 2,000 years of history. Admire the Arch of Germanicus, a testament to its Roman past, and the World Heritage-listed Saint-Eutrope Basilica. This immersive walking tour offers a blend of Roman history, medieval architecture and local charm on this tour exclusively available for Scenic guests.
• Full day excursion to Cognac: The fortified city of Cognac is renowned for producing some of the world's finest brandy. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, an included lunch, and tour the estate of famed Rémy Martin before sampling some of the Cognacs.

This morning you will arrive in Blaye, set at a strategic position on the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city from enemy attacks.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Walking tour of Blaye: Join a local guide to stroll through the charming town of Blaye, proudly recognised as a World Heritage site. Walk through the town's most iconic feature, the impressive 17th-century Vauban Citadel, and through picturesque streets that reveal its historical significance, cultural traditions, and architectural treasures.
• Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating Citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.
• Cycling along the Captain's Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain's Road, named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Pass charming riverside villages, the ruins of ancient villas, splendid manor houses and limestone quarries.
• Visit Château de La Roche Courbon: Originally a fortress, Château La Roche Courbon has been transformed over centuries and is now an elegantly restored Renaissance château. Family owned and still inhabited, this beautiful property and its superb gardens will allow you to leap back in time.

Spend this morning exploring 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 stunning 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 Amsterdam 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.

Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65 kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden whose voice enraptured sailors as she avenged the sweetheart's betrayal.

This afternoon, disembark in Rüdesheim, a picturesque 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, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from this afternoon'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 up to the Niederwald Monument before returning to town on foot.

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Miltenberg. You may like to book a massage in the spa (additional cost) or relax in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

This afternoon, dock in Miltenberg. Located on the banks of the Main River, this historic town is one of the best preserved in Germany, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of the country's oldest inns, Zum Riesen. Today is all about connecting with culture and meeting the locals, an experience that is unique to Scenic guests.

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

• Wertheim tour and winery: Start your excursion in Miltenberg, a historic town filled with half-timbered houses for an orientation tour and some free time. Then travel to the nearby town of Wertheim to visit a local winery to meet the winemaker and learn about the production process.
• 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. Led by an expert local guide, 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: After an orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, visit a local schnapps distillery to understand how this flavoured liqueur is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours before transferring to the town of Wertheim where you will meet your ship.

Dock in picturesque Bamberg after lunch. You could spend this morning relaxing in your spacious suite or enjoying the vistas of the Main River from the Sun Deck.

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 pretty ‘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.

Arrive in 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 façade, 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.

You will arrive in Regensburg 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.

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.

Arrive in Passau early this morning. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it 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: Take your pick 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 Heritag-listed Czech 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.

Spend this morning in Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in Austria's picturesque 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.

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 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 a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems. Pass by charming villages and vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

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.

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 Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, since its' 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.
• 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.