Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland & Austria

Welcome 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. 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.  Check in to your luxurious accommodation. Relax in your 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.

Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Your journey into wonder is about to begin.

Located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses restored to their former glory.  Freechoice: Explore the region with your choice of one of these Freechoice excursions: Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl: Thanks to its 16-million-year-old volcanic soil, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a top-quality wine-producing region. Visit a local winery today and sample some of these delicious wines. Excursion to Colmar: Visit Colmar and step into a fairy tale. Likened to Venice due to its quaint canals, the city centre features an abundance of half-timbered houses, some dating back a thousand years, cobblestoned streets lined with charming stores and cafes, and bustling markets serving up delicious local produce. Excursion to Freiburg: Discover picturesque Frieburg, located on the edge of the magical Black Forest. Your local guide will escort you through the medieval town centre to see the Cathedral, one of only a handful of structures that survived the bombings during WWII.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace wine region, where sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars. Freechoice: Explore the city and its surrounds on one of these Freechoice tours: Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cCathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.) Alsace wine region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar. Cycling tour through Strasbourg’s countryside: Hop on an e-bike and explore the sights of Strasbourg and its surrounds. With more than 500 km of bicycle trails, you can discover sleepy villages, lush vineyards and charming canals. Depart to Mannheim this afternoon.

Arrive in Mannheim this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th -century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region. Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences this morning: Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.) Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from the castle’s balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.) Excursion to Bad Durkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting.

This morning, discover 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, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. Freechoice: Make your selection from this mornings 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, descend on the cable car and return to town. Relax on board this afternoon 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.

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a fairy-tale. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.  Freechoice: Explore Cochem your way with one of these excursions: Walking tour of Cochem: Explore Reichsburg Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages and has a well-preserved Knight’s Hall and Trophy Room, then enjoy some free time to walk Cochem’s charming streets on your own. Cycling tour of Cochem: Hop on an e-bike to cycle along the flat path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Reichsburg Castle, the half-timbered houses of Cochem, and the nearby towns of Valwig and Belstein.

Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century and the relics of Landshut Castle sitting high above on a hill, where archaeological remains from the fourth and fifth centuries were uncovered in 2012. It also sits at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, is just on the edge of town. Freechoice: Discover Bernkastel your way on one of these excursions: Walking tour of Bernkastel: Your expert guide will explain the local architecture and culture during a guided tour or the town’s highlights, including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall). Then enjoy some time at leisure. Excursion to Trier: Drive to Trier, a charming Roman city located near the Luxembourg border and birthplace of Karl Marx. Join a local guide to see the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Germany, as well as the Trier Cathedral. Wine tasting along the Moselle: The fertile banks of the Moselle River are a winemakers paradise. Learn about the varieties that are grown and produced at one of the most renowned wineries in the region, then sample a selection of local wines. Enrich Tonight, experience an enchanting private classical concert in the breathtaking surroundings of the World Heritage-listed Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, in the heart of the Roman city of Trier. During the concert, admire the incredible architecture and intricate stained-glass windows of the church  as you are immersed in magnificent classical music.

Today is a highlight of your journey. Enjoy a full day on board your luxurious Space-Ship as it cruises through the spectacular Moselle Valley, renowned as one of the most picturesque passages of waterways in Europe. The steep banks are lined with postcard-perfect villages, terraced vineyards, historic half-timbered houses and hilltop castles. Open the windows to your private Scenic Sun Lounge and admire the uninterrupted vistas as you cruise gently through the valley. You can also use this day to relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge or book in for a spa treatment (at an extra cost).

One of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley. Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.Marksburg Castle visit: Drive to Marksburg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River below. Dating back to 1117, it’s the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction over the years. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility.)Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the Cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alte Lahnbrucke, the old bridge that straddles the Lahn River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

The city of Düsseldorf is known for its art scene and fashion industry. This affluent centre was dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon and is filled with museums, galleries and luxurious shops. Its charming old town is home to around 260 pubs and bars, and the harbour precinct blends the old with new: historic quay walls, warehouses and silos rub shoulders with striking architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry. Freechoice: Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Walking tour: Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour. Discover its gentrified harbour, charming old town, the modern tech hub of Media Harbour, and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century. Cycling tour: Active travellers can explore the banks of the Rhine on two wheels, cycle on an e-bike to one of the most historic regions of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth. Düsseldorf‘s Altbier: Learn about Düsseldorf long tradition of beer production, visit well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region. Düsseldorf , the city of art: Uncover the artistic heritage of Düsseldorf starting in the historic Old Town and making your way to Media Harbour, then visit the K21 Museum for a self-guided exploration of the contemporary exhibits.

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict. Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions: Arnhem Airborne Museum: Military buffs should visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation. The Netherlands Open Air Museum: Learn about the lives and traditions of local Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses. Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal familys summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens.

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is considered one of the coolest cities in Europe, famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes. Freechoice: These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today: Walking tour of Antwerp: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings. Excursion to Ypres & Passchendaele: On a full day excursion, visit the towns of Passchendaele and Ypres to learn about their significant WWI battles, see memorials dedicated to the 325,000 allied troops who perished, and learn how this region was rebuilt in the aftermath. This tour includes lunch in a local restaurant. Craft beer & chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a sensory journey with two of Belgiums most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer.

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands. Freechoice: Choose from a range of excursions this morning: Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding. Oyster farm visit: The crisp, cold waters of the nearby North Sea are ideal for oysters. Visit a local farm to learn how they are grown and taste some fresh from the ocean. 

Arrive this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres. Freechoice: Choose one of the following excursions this morning: Walking tour of Dordrecht: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower. Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the masters at work. Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderjik to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture.

Your cruise finishes in Amsterdam. The Netherland’s capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneway, and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges. 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.