New Year on the Rhine

Welcome to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city. 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.  Your Scenic Space-Ship is not due to arrive into Nuremberg until 2pm. Please book flights to arrive after 1pm.

Built on seven hills, this UNESCO-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 – 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. This morning, you will tour the Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact city centres, featuring a range of stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings. This evening, ring in the New Year in this magnificent town. Perhaps make your way into the historic Old Town and celebrate like the locals or stay on board and celebrate with newfound friends.

Happy New Year! Start 2025 off in relaxation mode as you cruise along this picturesque stretch of the river towards Wertheim. Enjoy time on board your Scenic Space-Ship, delight in the wonderful vistas from the privacy of your Scenic Sun Lounge or relax on the Sun Deck with a drink in hand.

Arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. Explore this beautiful town before transferring to Miltenberg, where your local guide will take you on an orientation tour through the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses.

This morning you will arrive 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 traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. On arrival take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. This afternoon we set sail for Cologne. As we cruise the Rhine River, enjoy spectacular views of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge.

Today you will arrive in Cologne, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural centre for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous World Heritage site that dates to 1248, was severely damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city. Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the citys centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. After lunch, set sail for our final destination, Amsterdam.

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 UNESCO-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 experiences: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentleman’s Canal, where you will see The Skinny Bridge and The Prince’s Canal, which was known for its warehouses and common people. You will go past the Old Lord Mayor’s House, The Seven Bridges, Anne Frank’s House and head to the Brewer’s Canal. As the historic centre glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouses dating from the Golden Age. Flavours of Holland walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting some delicious local treats. Pickled herring, a favourite street food, tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (traditional fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are some delicacies youll savour. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: 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, also known as ‘the city of cheese’.

Depart after a wonderful breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise but will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. 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. ^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.