Jewels of Europe with Prague

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other.

You’ll take a guided tour this morning, led by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s secrets in all their Gothic glory. The red-roofed Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone laneways, medieval buildings, bustling squares and elaborate statues. It’s compact and almost completely flat, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 Apostles.   The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through this magnificent city, situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia. Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. Your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan.

You have the morning at leisure to explore this wonderful city, perhaps rise early and take a stroll along the Charles Bridge, without the crowds or relax and people watch in one of the many cafes around the picturesque Old Town.  Freechoice: This afternoon choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Communist Walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, take in the city’s most famous sites and hidden gems and learn how everyday life was under Communism. During the tour your local guide will take you to a local brewery  where you’ll taste local beers that have been produced here for generations, like pilsner larger and wheat beer. Prague Castle tour: Journey to the hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague to explore the seat of Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering more than 70,000 square metres that’s considered the largest castle complex in the world. The castle has its roots in the 9th century, though there are buildings dating from every period of history spread throughout the grounds. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic as well as the Old Royal Palace the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane, the historic street lined with colourful houses, inhabited by soldiers, goldsmiths or alchemists in the past. Terezin Memorial: Take an excursion outside of Prague to the nearby town of Terezin, a former Austrian imperial military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto, which served as a concentration camp during World War II. Visit the Terezin Memorial sites including the small fortress and the Ghetto Museum to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation during World War II and pay your respects to those that lost their lives during this atrocity. (Please note due to the amount of walking involved, this tour is only recommended for guest with a good degree of fitness). The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Journey by coach to Budapest where you’ll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city came together in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.   Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from: Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube. Starting on the Buda side see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. Budapest’s Past & Present: This walking and coach tour gives an insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture. Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the citys Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the underground former hospital furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. Note: This excursion involves stairs. Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have healing properties and are warm year-round allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall. It’s the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. You may like to hop on board Scenics e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) to explore the city on two wheels or find one of the city’s famous ruin bars – housed in abandoned buildings – to enjoy an afternoon drink. Alternatively, make your way back to your luxury Space-Ship to relax in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. You will set sail for Vienna later this afternoon.

Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Today enjoy the amenities on board as you continue to cruise towards the Austrian capital, Vienna for an afternoon arrival. It’s a city full of grandeur, featuring the world’s most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century.    Enrich Tonight’s Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Take in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava.  Freechoice: Explore your way with a selection from todays Scenic Freechoice activities: Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. As you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lived here and marvel at its impressive gardens. Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the highlights of the city such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall. As you walk, learn about the history of the city including what everyday life was like under the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small and picturesque town of Dürnstein, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore the charming town at your leisure before we set sail to Krems.   Freechoice: This afternoon offers the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: Göttweig Abbey: Visit the magnificent Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its 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 youll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of wine making while sampling delicious drops produced on site. Later we cruise to the quaint town of Dürnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century. These include the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time exploring this charming town before we set sail.  

Freechoice: Today, choose from three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions. Excursion to Salzburg: Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Brandstatt and journey via coach to Salzburg, Austria. On the banks of the Salzach River, surrounded by alpine peaks, Salzburg is best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. This storybook city has a thriving art scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music. In this Baroque old town you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe’s largest intact fortress, which enjoys panoramic views of the city. Explore this incredible city on a guided tour before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore at your leisure. You’ll return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the German town of Passau. Excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Brandstatt, journey via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful World Heritage town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with a vast array of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairytale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After some free time to explore at your leisure, return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the German town of Passau. Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula, and admire the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral. Originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passaus Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world’s largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.

With a 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres. More than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings are listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.   Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers up a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from: Walking tour of Regensburg: 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 the year 1050, making it the oldest monastic brewery in the world. Explore Thurn and Taxis: Join your guide on a tour of Thurn und Taxis Castle. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century. Explore the history of the Family and the region followed by free time.

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, early this morning. Nuremberg boasts an Old Town where the enchanting Christmas Markets are held every December. The city is also 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. Nazi boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the eponymous laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, when Nazi leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.   Freechoice: Make your choice from today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences: Walking tour of the Old Town: Drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle, which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square. The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi era. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore the Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse, where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place. Nurembergs Castle and City Walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial castle and admire the impressive city walls that remain since medieval times.

 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 that 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 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 is topped by an impressive castle, often considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Now it houses a fascinating museum showcasing a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists.  Back on board your Scenic Space-Ship, you may wish to spend time in the wellness centre with a soothing massage^.

After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, 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: Take a coach 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. 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 the towns and villages along the way, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Explore Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town. With an expert guide, 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”. Afterwards, you will have free time to discover the city on your own.

This morning you will arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. Located on the banks of the River Main, the charming town of Wertheim is home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of Germany’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. After some free time, transfer by coach to the neighbouring town of Miltenberg for a guided tour before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship. Alternatively remain on board your Space-Ship and bask in the landscape of the Main River.  After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Miltenberg and set sail for Rüdesheim. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you sail through the night.

This morning you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for 2,000 years.  Freechoice: Explore Rudesheim and the surrounding region with the following Scenic Freechoice options: Rudesheim with Siegfrieds Musikkabinett   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. Afterwards, explore the charming centre of Rudesheim, filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns. Rheingau region wine tasting  Wine tasting in Germanys Rheingau region offers a chance to savor world-class Rieslings in a stunning setting – on the banks of the Rhine River. Known for its rich wine history and ideal climate, the regions vineyards produce aromatic, mineral-rich drops, making it a top destination for aficionados.  The Rhine abounds in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting woman 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 it her spirit cast spells on sailors who pass the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.    Enrich Tonights Scenic Enrich Classical Concert in the Beethoven Room at La Redoute recital hall; Attend a lavish dinner and classical concert of music by Beethoven and Mozart in the spectacular La Redoute recital hall. Located in Germany’s former capital, Bonn, and 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.

You will arrive in Cologne early this morning. This is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, a unique beer culture, thriving 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 badly damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city.   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. You will have further free time afterwards to explore the city on your own. 

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of urban beauty. Look around and you’ll find architectural marvels, masterpiece-filled galleries, boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, the World Heritage-listed waterways are lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges. Freechoice: Today, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals, with some of the prettiest sights of the city visible 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, known for its warehouses. You’ll pass 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, admire the elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouses, dating from the Golden Age. City walking tour: Explore Amsterdam on foot today, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will cover history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You’ll also get to taste herring, a local delicacy. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: 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.

Disembark in Amsterdam after a farewell breakfast this morning, taking with you a lifetime of 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.  Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.