Treasures of the Rhine

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.

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: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some 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. 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 citys highlights while tasting 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. Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of the city for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. 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. Hop on one of Scenic’s complimentary eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you as you take in the sights of the region. 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. 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.

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 afternoon, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences: Walking tour: 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. Cycling tour: Biking tour in Cologne offers an engaging way to explore the citys vistas and vibrant culture. You’ll start your pedaling along the scenic Rhine River, but we will also touch on some the historic sites that the city is known for. Guided Cologne Cathedral tour: The Cologne Cathedral, or Kolner Dom, as it is known locally, is the largest Gothic Church in northern Europe and features twin towers that stand 157 metres tall. Join a local guide who will take you through this magnificent World Heritage-listed site and learn its fascinating history as well as some quirky facts, including the legend that the cathedral is the final resting place of the bones of the three wise men from the Bible. Past and present tour of Cologne: Join your local guide and learn about Colognes fascinating heritage from Roman times to its Jewish heritage before gaining an understanding of how the city is developing into the future.     Enrich Tonights 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. 

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: Siegfrieds Musikkabinett & Cable Car: 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. Then board a return cable car that soars over the vineyards to a hilltop where the historic Neiderwald Monument stands. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany. Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rudesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town.   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.

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: Wertheim tour and winery: Transfer by coach to the nearby town of Wertheim am Main, another historic town filled with half-timbered houses. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Here you will meet the winemaker and gain an understanding of how wine is produced in this region of Germany. Gamburg Castle tour: Transfer to the town of Gamburg, where we will have 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 tour and local farm visit: Enjoy a tour of Miltenberg before visiting a local farm where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. Gain an understanding of daily farm life, see the animals and sample some of the local delicacies produced on site. Schnapps tasting: After an orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, visit a local Schnapps distiller to understand how this fruit brandy is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours. E-bike ride from Miltenberg to Wertheim: Cycle along this beautiful stretch of the river from the half-timbered town of Miltenberg to the fairy-tale town of Wertheim. Stop for refreshments while enjoying the spectacular views along the Main River.  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.

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: Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the palace to see its most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll into the city, where you will have some free time. Explore the shopping area and the many coffee houses, pubs and restaurants; if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up to Marienberg Fortress. Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern, where various clocks will show you the legendary story of the “Master Draught”. After the guided walking tour, you will have free time to discover the city on your own. 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.  

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: Bamberg Old Town Tour: 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. The city overlooked by an impressive castle, often considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Visit the castle which now houses a fascinating museum showcasing a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by many renowned artists.

Depart after breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. Please book your flight to depart out of Nuremberg after 12:00 PM. 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.