Jewels of Europe

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 cafes, the city is a delight to wander. 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.
Meals: Dinner

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: Walking tour of Amsterdam – explore on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre, with a taste of herring, a local delicacy not to be missed. Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar – visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to World Heritage-listed 16th-century windmills, then the charming town of Alkmaar. Rijksmuseum visit – one of the premier museums in the Netherlands, with more than 8,000 pieces including works from Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer. Canal cruise – a one-hour cruise along Amsterdam’s historic waterways, admiring Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this afternoon. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. Scenic Enrich: Gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute – travel to Bonn and the magnificent La Redoute recital hall, built in 1792 by the last Elector of Cologne. Sit down to a lavish dinner accompanied by classical music, whose previous guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and US Presidents. The ship will meet you in Bonn afterwards.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend this morning in Koblenz, a historic hub that is a wine city, a fortress city and one of Germany’s oldest cities. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, it sits strategically where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet – the gateway to both the Rhine and Moselle Valleys. Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Koblenz – through the old town’s winding streets, charming squares, impressive townhouses and historic churches, including the famed Florinsmarkt. Winter winery visit – learn about the production of Ice Wine at a local vineyard, with a tasting of locally produced vintages. This afternoon, relax on board as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometre stretch dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses spanning 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Miltenberg. You may like to book a massage in the spa or relax in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge. This afternoon, dock in Miltenberg – one of Germany’s best preserved historic towns, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of the country’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. Scenic Freechoice: Wertheim tour and winery – an orientation tour of Miltenberg, then a visit to a local winery in nearby Wertheim am Main to meet the winemaker. Gamburg Castle tour – a guided tour of Gamburg Castle, with a private reception with the Baron and Baroness over a glass of sparkling wine. Miltenberg hike – a guided walk through the Franconian landscape with panoramic views of the Main River and ancient vineyard terraces. Tastes and treasures of Miltenberg – discover the town’s finest artisanal producers, from butchers and bakers to Schnapps distillers. Schnapps tasting – visit a local distiller to understand how this flavoured liqueur is produced, with a tasting of multiple flavours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, glamorous Wurzburg straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge and three universities including Bavaria’s oldest. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour and Wurzburg Residence – a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, with valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Romantic Road to Rothenburg – drive by coach along the famed Romantic Road to the well-preserved medieval old town of Rothenburg. This afternoon, sit back with a drink on the Sun Deck as you cruise towards Bamberg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock in picturesque Bamberg after lunch. Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn, with a charming Town Hall occupying its own island, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral, and the Old and New Residences comprising an episcopal palace and a quaint Little Venice. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town – one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres, with stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings. Excursion to Coburg – visit the impressive castle considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Guided tour of Neue Residenz – explore the opulent Baroque and Rococo interiors and breathtaking views over the historic city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, where the Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall and dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle, once the preferred residence of German kings. Behind its charming facade, Nuremberg also carries a turbulent WWII history. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town – the Imperial Castle, St Egidien’s Church and the market square. World War II tour – the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Nuremberg’s Castle and City Walls – an active walking tour following the cobblestone streets and impressive medieval city walls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Regensburg, boasting a staggering 2,000-year history and one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Regensburg – the old stone bridge, the Church of St James and the Porta Praetoria. Thurn und Taxis palace tour – a guided tour of the magnificent palace of this noble family tracing back to the 12th century. Bavarian beer tasting – learn the intricacies of beer making at a traditional brewery, tasting distinctive Bavarian brews.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Passau early this morning, set at the meeting point of three rivers close to the Austrian border, with an Old Town built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style. Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Salzburg – cross into Austria, a storybook city home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, visiting Mozart’s birthplace and the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov – a World Heritage Czech town with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Highlights of Passau – a walking tour admiring the brightly coloured buildings and St Stephens Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend this morning in Durnstein, a small and picturesque town in Austria’s Wachau Valley, perched on the edge of the Danube and surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards. Scenic Freechoice: Gottweig Abbey – founded in the sixth century, with magnificent frescoes and the largest Baroque staircase in Austria. Wachau Valley wine tasting – visit a local winemaker and learn about age-old winemaking traditions. UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience – a bicycle tour along the Danube to the village of Krems, with time to stop and enjoy breathtaking views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture, home to the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven. Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Arsenal Military Museum – take in the wonderful architecture while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt, then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake with Vienna on your doorstep, famous for the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Scenic Freechoice: Schonbrunn Palace – the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, with ornately designed rooms and impressive gardens. Guided tour of Vienna – a coach ride along the Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the historic downtown, including City Hall, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera. Excursion to Bratislava – Slovakia’s capital since 1993, with its glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, divided by the Danube with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, united in 1873 by a newly built bridge. Scenic Freechoice: Budapest in depth – by coach from Buda’s Varkert Bazar across Margaret Bridge to Pest’s Szechenyi Square and Elizabeth Square, ending with a piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. Budapest’s past and present – insight into the city’s communist past and life today, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Hospital in the Rock – underground labyrinths built as a secret WWII hospital, later a nuclear bunker. National Opera House – a glimpse into the stunning architecture and rich history of the Hungarian State Opera. This afternoon is at leisure, with the ship remaining docked in Budapest overnight so you may discover the city’s famed nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your journey concludes this morning. After one final breakfast on board, depart with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast