Jewels of Europe with Wonders of Switzerland & Austria

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. 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.

Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these excursions: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals. See some of the prettiest sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges. Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed. Dutch countryside e-bike tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. 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. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Leave Amsterdam  to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to a number of authentic 16th-century windmills. Then travel to the charming town of Alkmaar, known for its historic buildings and picturesque canals.

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. Enrich Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall:  An exclusive experience awaits you this evening. Travel to Bonn by coach 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. Your Scenic Space-Ship will meet you in Bonn later that evening.

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. 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.  Freechoice: Make your selection from this afternoons 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 return to town.

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, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  This afternoon, dock 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 the country’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. Today is all about connecting with culture and meeting the locals.  Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice tours that will immerse you in local life. Wertheim tour and winery: Start your excursion in Miltenberg, another historic town filled with half-timbered houses for an orientation tour and some free time. Then visit the nearby town of Wertheim before visiting a local winery to meet the winemaker and learn about the production process. Gamburg Castle tour: Visit the town of Gamburg for 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: Take a guided tour of Miltenberg, then visit a charming, family-owned farmstead. Meet the owners, discover the rhythms of daily farm life, get up close with the animals, and enjoy tastings of local delicacies made right on the farm. Schnapps tasting: After an orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, visit a local schnapps distiller to understand how this flavoured liqueur is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours before transferring to the town of Wertheim where you will meet your ship.

With its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, you’ll be captivating by the glamorous port of Würzburg. This 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: Walking  tour and Würzburg Residence: Visit the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, for a guided tour to see its many valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Then take a short stroll into the city for some free time. Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, drive by coach to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town and enjoy some free time to explore 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 cruising towards to city of Bamberg.

Dock in picturesque Bamberg after lunch. You could spend this morning relaxing in your spacious suite or enjoying the vistas of the Main River from the Sun deck.  Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, Bamberg’s Old Town is resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Admire the charming 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. Freechoice: Stay in Bamberg or choose to explore further afield: Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town: 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. Visit the impressive castle, which looks over the city, and is considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Its museum houses a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists.

Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city,where the Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall.  The 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.  Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies and many of the anti-Jewish laws began here. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. After the war, Nazi leaders were tried here for their war crimes.  Freechoice: Make your choice from today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences: Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town: Drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the ancient city walls, then join your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square. World War II tour: Your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Learn about this dark time in Germanys history and visit some of the most important sites. Nurembergs Castle and City Walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Follow the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial castle and admire the impressive city walls that remain since medieval times. This afternoon you will depart towards Regensburg.

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings 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 a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from: Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will 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 1050. Thurn und Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join an active walking tour from the ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, for a guided tour followed by free time. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century. Cycle to Walhalla Memorial: Cycle through the wonderful scenery of the Donau Valley along the river and through the countryside, to Walhalla Memorial. Commissioned by King Ludwig l of Bavaria, Walhalla Memorial honours notable Germans from past centuries.

Arrive in Passau early this morning. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style.  Freechoice: Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions. Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time. Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Spend this morning in  Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore this World Heritage-listed town, perched on the edge of the Danube River and surrounded by ancient, terraced vineyards.  Freechoice: Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from: Göttweig Abbey: Founded in the sixth century, the abbey burned down during the 18th century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will show you its magnificent frescoes as well as the 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 winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site. E-biking from Dürnstein to Krems: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.   Join your local guide and take a coach ride from the ship to Vienna’s city centre, where you will embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St Stephens Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander around the city or relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.   Enrich Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe 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. 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. A city full of grandeur, Austria’s imperial capital is famous for having the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Slow down and spend a full day exploring Vienna or venture further afield.  Freechoice: Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens. Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces. Excursion to Bratislava: Travel to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. This modern multicultural metropolis has an intriguing history. The glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. Your local guide will show you Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

This morning you will arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. It’s 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: Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning: Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. Budapest’s past and present: This walking and coach tour will give 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: Go underground to explore 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. Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture. Hungarian culinary market tour: This foodie tour in Budapest promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s culinary delights. Visit the bustling Grand Central Market, taste local delicacies and hear fascinating stories about the city’s traditions. This afternoon is at leisure.

Disembark your Scenic Space-Shop and transfer to Vienna, a city that oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. You will spend the next two nights in a luxurious hotel in Austria’s grand capital. Known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. The city boasts the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, a legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.  Relax in your luxurious hotel for the evening or head out to explore the city at leisure.

This morning, join your local guide on a guided tour to see the city’s highlights such as the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark, and St. Stephens Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant.

Continue your exploration of Austria and visit the city of Steyr. Your Tour Director will give you an orientation tour of this historic city before allowing you free time to explore at your leisure.   This afternoon, continue through Austria to Salzburg, your home for the next two nights.

Surrounded by alpine peaks and sitting on the banks of the Salzach River, 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, a Baroque old town, and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe’s largest intact fortress that sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city.   Join a local guide who will escort you through this spectacular city to see the iconic Mirabell Gardens, Mozarts’ birthplace and residence, the Getreidegasse shopping street, and the Old Market Square. You’ll also learn about some of the citys most famous residents including Mozart and the Von Trapp family, the inspiration for the classic movie.

Travel by coach through the beautiful Salzkammergut region, often called the Lakes District of Austria. The hills truly are alive in this region, and you will recognise some of the marvellous landscape from scenes of the famous movie, The Sound of Music.   You are bound for the historical Schwangau region, where mountains, lakes, castles and villages with half-timbered house make it one of the dreamiest regions of Europe.

Schwangau is known as a health resort, revered for its clean air, lush green spaces and indulgent spas. This morning, you’re about to step into a fairytale. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Explore its opulent rooms before returning to the hotel to relax.

Depart the pretty alpine region of Schwangau and travel to the town of Chur when you will board the famed Glacier Express train, taking an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps to Zermatt. See snow-capped mountains and breathtaking valleys from the window of your seat aboard this world-famous railway.  Nestled at the foot of the world’s most famous mountain, the 4,478-metre Matterhorn, the village of Zermatt looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. When the landscape is blanketed in thick white snow, visitors flock here for exhilarating winter sports, and in summer they come to hike more than 100 trails that weave around its valleys, lakes and ridges.

Zermatt is the highest mountain resort in Switzerland. This morning, go even higher as you ascend the Swiss Alps by rail to Gornergrat. Soak in the magnificent 360-degree views with the highlight being the magnificent Matterhorn.

Travel through the Alps today to the picturesque town of Montreux. Set on the banks of Lake Geneva it has been home to artists ranging from Lord Byron and Tchaikovsky to Freddie Mercury. It’s still a popular retreat for the rich and famous, drawn to its gorgeous scenery and fairytale castle.  Enrich Tonight, you will be taken to a chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux where you will be treated to a delicious meal accompanied by traditional live music. Members of the Alphorn Academy of Switzerland will introduce you to the cultural importance of the Alphorn, a long wooden horn that was traditionally used by shepherds to call cows in from the pastures.

Awake in your luxurious hotel room and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before setting out to explore this charming resort town.  Freechoice: Explore your way this morning with one of these excursions: Vaud wine region: The surrounding area is filled with rolling vineyards and this morning you will have the chance to tour one of the region’s best-known wineries. Visit the cellar door and enjoy a tasting of fine wines in idyllic surrounds. Chaplin’s World Museum: Visit the house, studio and park where the legendary comedian, Charlie Chaplin, lived and worked for 25 years. Learn all about one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists.

Board the Golden Pass Train for a panoramic journey through the Alps. Running between Montreux and Lucerne, the train passes through tall mountains, green valleys, and endless vineyards. Sit back and enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and charming villages.  Arrive in Interlaken this afternoon. As the name suggests, Interlaken sits between two lakes in the beautiful Jungfrau region. It’s a charming resort town that is famous for its grand hotels and adventure activities.

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and overshadowed by the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Interlaken is known for its stunning alpine scenery. Discover more of it on an excursion today.  Freechoice: This morning, choose from these Scenic Freechoice excursions: Cruise on Lake Brienz, the spectacular alpine lake that offers breathtaking views of mountain scenery, picturesque villages and graceful castles. Cogwheel train: Discover Jungfraujoch, which is one of Switzerlands most popular excursions. Take the famed cogwheel train to the top of Europe, the peak of the Jungfrau. Enjoy fabulous views of the towns and valleys below.

Today take a full day excursion to two of Switzerlands most beautiful locations. Your first stop is Engelberg, a quintessential Swiss mountain village, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Your Tour Director will take you on an orientation tour of the village before allowing you free time to explore at your leisure. Afterwards, continue to Lucerne, a charming city nestled at the foot of the Alps and on the shore of its namesake lake. After an orientation tour enjoy some time at leisure to explore the delightful Old Town.  Your final leg of the journey is to Zurich, the heart of Switzerland. Framed by alpine mountains at the confluence of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, this scenery-rich city is known for the extraordinary quality of life it offers to its citizens. It’s also Switzerland’s largest city, and its commercial and cultural centre.

Discover Zurich’s treasures on a guided walking tour. Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets, the medieval square of Niederdorf, walk across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and admire the ninth-century Fraumunster Church with its renowned stained-glass windows created by legendary artist Marc Chagall.  Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon.

Your journey comes to an end this morning. Farewell your fellow travellers and take with you unforgettable memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.