Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights with Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Welcome to Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneway, and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago. It’s particularly charming in spring, when the signature Dutch tulips are in full bloom.

Board your ultra-luxury 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon, meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)

Arrive early this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres. In spring and summer, the nearby town of Gouda also hosts its famous Cheese Markets.

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

• Walking tour of Dordrecht: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.
• Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the masters at work.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderdijk to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture.
• Gouda Cheese Markets: A local guide will show you around the historic city of Gouda, known for its namesake cheese. Visit the main square where a traditional cheese market, first initiated in 1395 and is still operating. (Note: the cheese market is open every Thursday morning; tours that fall on a different day will still visit Gouda but not the market.) (B/L/D)

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th-century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands. On board today, you can savour locally grown oysters in the ultimate 'farm-to-table' experience, with the shellfish brought directly from the icy waters of the North Sea.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following for your morning excursion:

• Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.
• Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding. (B/L/D)

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Scenic Freechoice: These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

• Walking tour of Antwerp: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.
• Craft Beer & Chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a journey of flavour with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer.
• Excursion to Ghent: Visit one of Belgium's most historic cities and join a local guide to explore its wealth of medieval buildings, charming canals and factories, relics of its industrial past that have been reborn as cultural hotspots. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict. This evening, learn about The Netherlands’ famed tulips and how they are grown at an engaging on board lecture.

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

• Arnhem Airborne Museum: Visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation.
• The Netherlands Open Air Museum: Learn about the lives and traditions of ordinary Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses.
• Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens. (B/L/D)

Spend this morning in Hoorn, a prosperous trading centre from the Middle Ages to the 17th century and once a bustling Dutch East India Company port. Its main harbour, Binnenhaven, is lined with beautiful warehouses, while there are many historic buildings and monuments throughout town, including a well-preserved city gate first built in 1578.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region with one of today's selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Walking tour of Hoorn with tasting: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Hoorn and its inner harbour. You can also sample some local delicacies, such as fish and cheese.
• Cheese farm: Learn the tradition of cheesemaking in the Netherlands. Meet a local producer, tour the farm and discover the secrets behind their long-standing techniques.
• Ancestry of the Kitchen – traditional Dutch apple pie making class: Recipes hold a special place through the generations. Become part of the family in the kitchen today as you learn to make an authentic Dutch apple pie with a local cook.
• Cycling tour of Hoorn: Join your local guide on an active cycling tour of Hoorn. See some of the key sights of the city, like the Oosterkerk (the Old Church), as you cycle towards Ijssel Lake dyke, the biggest lake in The Netherlands.

This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure as you cruise towards Amsterdam. Relax with a massage (additional cost), or head to the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Scenic Enrich:

• Tonight's Scenic Enrich – Fabrique des Lumierès: Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the immersive digital art installation Fabrique des Lumierès. Sip a glass of champagne as you step inside the former 19th century gas works, admiring the works of the worlds most renowned artists projected onto the 17-metre-high walls, accompanied and complemented by a musical soundtrack. (B/L/D)

Today is a celebration of spring. Join your fellow guests on an excursion to the legendary Keukenhof Gardens, home to the nation’s most magnificent display of tulips. In a truly breathtaking display, more than seven million tulips from 800 varieties are carefully arranged into artistic patterns and vibrant displays. This is one of the most magical gardens in the world, seen at its most colourful moment.

Return to Amsterdam this afternoon for free time to explore this city steeped in history, art and quirky culture. Cruise the canals, do as the locals do and hop on a bike, visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, or take a poignant walk-through Anne Frank’s House. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Amsterdam. (B/L/D)

Arrive early this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, 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: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.
• Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th century pottery factory to see the masters at work.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderdjik to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture. (B/L/D)

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and delectable seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of excursions this morning:

• Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.
• Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding.
• Oyster farm visit: The crisp, cold waters of the nearby North Sea are ideal for oysters. Visit a local farm to learn how they are grown and taste some fresh from the ocean. (B/L/D)

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is considered one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, famed for its stylish fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Scenic Freechoice: These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

• Guided walking tour: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.
• Excursion to Ypres & Passchendaele: On a full day excursion, visit the towns of Passchendaele and Ypres to learn about their significant WWI battles, see memorials dedicated to the 325,000 Allied troops who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice and learn how this region was rebuilt in the aftermath. Tour includes lunch in a local restaurant.
• Craft Beer & Chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a journey of flavour with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict.

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

• Arnhem Airborne Museum: Military buffs should visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. 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: Learn about the lives and traditions of ordinary Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses
• Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Germany and the city of Düsseldorf, known for its art scene and fashion industry. This affluent city was dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon and is filled with museums, galleries and luxurious shops. Its charming old town is home to around 260 pubs and bars, and the harbour precinct blends the old with new: historic quay walls, warehouses and silos rub shoulders with striking architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice 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.
• Dusseldorf – City of Art: Uncover the artistic heritage of Düsseldorf starting in the historic Old Town and making your way to Media Harbour, then visit the K21 Museum for a self-guided exploration of the contemporary exhibits. (B/L/D)

Today is a highlight of your journey. Enjoy a full day on board your luxurious Space-Ship as it cruises through the spectacular Moselle Valley. The steep banks are lined with postcard-perfect villages, terraced vineyards, historic half-timbered houses and hilltop castles. Open the windows to your private Scenic Sun Lounge and admire the uninterrupted vistas as you cruise gently through the valley. You can also use this day to relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge or book in for a spa treatment (at an extra cost). Arrive in Cochem this evening. (B/L/D)

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a fairy-tale. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore Cochem your way this morning with your choice of one of these excursions:

• Walking tour of Cochem: Explore Reichsburg Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages and has a well-preserved Knight’s Hall and Trophy Room, then enjoy some free time to walk Cochem’s charming streets on your own.
• Cycling tour of Cochem: Hop on an e-bike to cycle along the gentle path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Reichsburg Castle, the half-timbered houses of Cochem, and the nearby towns of Valwig and Belstein.

Depart for Bernkastel this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century and the ruins of Landshut Castle sitting high above on a hill, where archaeological remains from the fourth and fifth centuries were uncovered in 2012. It also 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.

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

• Walking tour of Bernkastel: Your expert guide will explain the local architecture and culture during a guided tour or the town’s highlights, including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall). Then enjoy some time at leisure.
• Excursion to Trier: Drive to Trier, a charming Roman city located near the Luxembourg border and birthplace of Karl Marx. Join a local guide to see the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Germany, as well as the Trier Cathedral.
• Wine tasting along the Moselle: The fertile banks of the Moselle River are a winemaker's paradise. Learn about the varieties that are grown and produced at one of the most renowned wineries in the region, then sample a selection of local wines.

Scenic Enrich:

• Tonight, you are in for a special treat with a private classical concert in the breathtaking surroundings of the World Heritage-listed Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, in the heart of the Roman city of Trier. During the concert, admire the incredible architecture and intricate stained-glass windows of the church as you are immersed in magnificent classical music. (B/L/D)

One of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a melange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers, and is 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: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit 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. Dating back to 1117, it’s the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction over the years. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility.)
• Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. 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 Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark. (B/L/D)

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

Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice tours:

• Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: Visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum, where 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. After your hike, board the cable car to descend to town.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart late this evening, allowing you some free time to wander the enchanting laneways of Rüdesheim. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Mannheim this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th-century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences this morning:

• Orientation Tour of Heidelberg: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from the castle’s balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)
• Excursion to Bad Durkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting.

This afternoon your Space-Ship will depart for Strasbourg. (B/L/D)

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace wine region, where sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city and its surrounds on one of these Freechoice tours:

• Walking tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.)
• Alsace wine region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar.
• Cycle through Strasbourg: Hop on board an e-bike and explore the sights surrounding the city. Strasbourg has over 500 km of bicycle trails and you will explore some of these while cycling through the city’s charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and charming canals. (B/L/D)

Located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses restored to their former glory.

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

• Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl: Thanks to its 16-million-year-old volcanic soil, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a top-quality wine-producing region. Visit today and sample some of these delicious wines.
• Excursion to Colmar: Visit Colmar and step into a fairy tale. Likened to Venice due to its quaint canals, the city centre features an abundance of half-timbered houses, some dating back a thousand years, cobblestoned streets lined with charming stores and cafes, and bustling markets serving up delicious local produce.
• Excursion to Freiburg: Discover picturesque Freiburg, located on the edge of the magical Black Forest. Your local guide will escort you through the medieval town centre to see the Freiburg cathedral, one of only a handful of structures that survived the bombings during WW2.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship and toast to your final evening on board. (B/L/D)

Your cruise concludes this morning in Basel. Enjoy one final breakfast on board, then disembark and transfer to Zurich Airport, taking with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey across a continent.

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)