Rhine Highlights with Switzerland

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 ultra-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.

The Dutch capital 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: The choice is yours to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice: Keukenhof Gardens: Transfer via coach to Keukenhof Gardens, where you’ll witness a display of more than seven million tulips in bloom. There are around 800 varieties of tulips carefully arranged here in beautiful patterns and colours, making it one of the most magical public gardens in the world. 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. Fabrique de Lumiere: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th-century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17-metre-high walls, accompanied and complemented by music. Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and more than 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. Your local guide will be on hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you’ll observe getting around on two wheels.

Arrive in Cologne after lunch. 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. Freechoice: Choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice options this afternoon. Walking tour of Cologne: 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. Cologne’s Cologne; Learn about one of the city’s namesakes, Eau du Cologne, on a guided tour of the Farina Museum, founded by John Maria Farina in 1709. Discover three centuries of fragrance and the history of Eau de Cologne. Tour of Cologne Cathedral: 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 site and learn its fascinating history as well as some quirky facts.

Your Scenic Space-Ship arrives in Koblenz this morning. Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, Koblenz is a medley of French and German cultures. It’s also one of Germany’s oldest cities, with a history spanning 2,000 years. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest and mountain ranges and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.  Freechoice: This morning explore the way you want with Scenic Freechoice: Guided walking tour of Koblenz: Follow your guide through one of the oldest cities in Germany. Explore the Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city. On your way through the winding streets of the old town you’ll see impressive townhouses, each with its own unique history, charming squares and historic churches. Excursion to Cochem: Journey to the town of Cochem, a medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River. Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a medieval romance; the traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards. Transfer via minibus to Reichsburg Castle, which dates to the Middle Ages. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which features a knight’s hall, trophy room and cellars, before wandering down to the Old Town seeing many historic buildings along the way. After lunch, cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river 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 fairytale.  After lunch, cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river 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 fairytale. After lunch, cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river 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 fairytale.

Arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Mannheim is known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its streets that were methodically laid out like a grid in the 17th century. It’s also home to some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz, who set up his workshop in the city. Nearby, the city of Heidelberg is a truly romantic setting, with an 18th-century arch bridge that straddles the Necker River and a 16th-century ruined castle on the hillside overlooking the town. Freechoice: Today there are a selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences on offer: Orientation Tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy free time to explore on your own. Note: the walking tour involves some stairs and uneven ground. Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this excursion includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and see the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel located in the castle’s cellar. Enjoy some free time before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship via coach. Note: the walking tour involves some stairs and uneven ground. Excursion to Bad Durkheim: From Mannheim, it’s a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. On arrival, visit Fitz Ritter, a 9th generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine.  You will have the opportunity to try some during your guided tour. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise towards Rastatt, home to an elegant, perfectly proportioned Baroque palace, which will be the setting for tonight’s Scenic Enrich experience. Enrich Private classical concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, this will be an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Travel by coach to the palace, where you will receive a drink upon arrival. Take some time to explore the opulent palace and gardens, which were modelled on Versailles and took almost a decade to complete. The performance will take place on the second floor and will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

This morning you will wake in Rastatt. Enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast in Crystal Dining before your excursion to Baden Baden, famous for its Roman baths. Located on the fringes of the Black Forest, this luxurious town was a favoured summer escape during the Belle Epoque period of the 1870s and is World Heritage listed as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It exudes relaxation, with tranquil green spaces, pretty public gardens, and grand historical architecture. Freechoice: Choose to spend this morning the way you want with Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Baden Baden: Walk in the footsteps of the German elite, who enjoyed this spa town as a summer retreat in the 19th century. See the elegant Kurhaus spa resort, built in the 1820s with a casino and luxury shopping in its colonnade, and explore the remains of Roman baths. Spa visit: The best way to enjoy the splendours of the town is to relax and rejuvenate in the thermal baths of the Caracalla Spa, permanently and naturally heated by thermal waters some 2,000 metres under the Earth’s surface. Comprising numerous baths, soak in these waters - said to possess healing properties - at your leisure. Schloss Favorite: Originally built as a hunting lodge and summer palace for Margravine Sibylla Augusta, who ruled Baden-Baden in the early 18th century after her husband Louis William, margrave of Baden-Baden, died of a war injury. The palace was only used for several weeks each year and houses a large collection of fine porcelain. It is the oldest of the German ‘porcelain palaces’ and the only one to survive intact to this day. This afternoon, return to your Scenic Space-Ship for lunch and take the time to relax on board. If you feel like something more active after your morning in the spa town, head to the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout.  

Awake in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg. It’s the capital city of the Alsace region, where sherbet-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. On its central island, the World Heritage-listed Grand Ile, is the Petite France district, so named for the 15th century hospital built here for patients suffering from syphilis, ‘the French disease’. It is also known as the Tanners’ Quarters thanks to its medieval industries. Its cobbled laneways are lined with a medley of buildings with shuttered windows and bright flowerboxes.  Freechoice: Choose to visit Strasbourg or other sights of the region with today’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Active walking tour of Strasbourg: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming town of Strasbourg. You’ll see many important city sights including the Cathedral, Petit France, the Grand Ile and many half-timbered houses and beautiful canals. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and ownership of the town has changed hands many times between the two countries. Due to this, Strasbourg is a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Excursion to Mittelbergheim: The French Alsace region is a culturally diverse wine-growing area that shares its border with Germany and Switzerland. Guests will visit the village of Mittelbergheim, a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France) association. In Mittelbergheim, guests will visit a local wine cellar for a tasting before visiting the town of Obernai. This enchanting town has retained its traditional character with medieval defences, fortified towers and half-timbered houses. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Cycling tour: Hop on board an e-bike and explore the sights surrounding the city of Strasbourg. Strasbourg has over 500 km of bicycle trails and you can explore some of these while cycling through sleepy villages, lush vineyards and charming canals.

Disembark and transfer to Vevey where you will learn about one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists, Charlie Chaplin, during a visit to the Chaplin’s World Museum. Then check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Why not take the opportunity to wake early and walk along a section of the path that runs around the shore of Lake Geneva. There are beautiful views over the calm water, with boats bobbing at anchor and mountains in the distance. You can join the path right out the front of the hotel.   You’ll be thankful you made time for some exercise, because today you’re going to dive into the gooey cheese culture of Montreux.  Enrich Today’s Scenic Enrich: All aboard the cheese train: Delight in a panoramic train journey to Château-d’Oex. Upon arrival you’ll view traditional cheese-making at the Restaurant Le Chalet. The restaurant makes its own cheese, and in a wonderful demonstration, the cheesemaker will transform milk into hard cheese right in front of your eyes. 

It’s back on the road this morning for your first taste of the Swiss Alps in the village of Gstaad. A favourite with the international jet set, Gstaad is renowned as a ski resort in winter and an outdoor adventure playground in summer. The first thing you’ll see is the magnificent Gstaad Palace hotel, which looks like a fairytale castle perched above the tiny village. Stroll through the chic shopping district and admire the jaw-dropping views. Then continue your journey through beautiful Swiss landscapes to the capital, Bern

From Bern, travel through the impossibly pretty town of Lucerne. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Lake Lucerne, you’ll find exquisite medieval architecture, a 685-year-old wooden footbridge (the oldest in Europe), and glimpses of the majestic Alps in the distance.  This afternoon we arrive in the city of Zurich, the largest in the country and one of the most liveable in the world. Here, residents cycle along wide streets, relax in leafy parks and dine under the stars in open-air restaurants. It’s known as a global financial centre, but there’s also one of Europe’s most eclectic cultural scenes, world-class contemporary art and a fascinating history.  Set off on foot this afternoon for a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with a flat centre, many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street that’s lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores. Straddling both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Old Town is a pleasant jumble of tiny laneways, cobbled squares and medieval buildings. Don’t miss St Peter’s Church, where the original 9th century foundations are still visible beneath the chancel and the iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster church.  Check into your grand hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay.

After one final sumptuous breakfast – and a last cup of delectable Swiss hot chocolate – it’s time to say farewell to Switzerland. 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. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.