Rhine Highlights

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 city's 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.  

Baden-Baden is a spa town in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest, near the border with France. Its thermal baths led to fame as a fashionable 19th-century resort. Alongside the Oos River, park-lined Lichtentaler Allee is the town’s central promenade. The Kurhaus complex (1824) houses the elegant, Versailles-inspired Spielbank (casino). Its Trinkhalle has a loggia decorated with frescoes and a mineral-water fountain.

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.

Strasbourg is a picturesque city in northeastern France, notable for its unique blend of French and German influences. Thanks to well-preserved, awe-inspiring medieval architecture such as the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the historic La Petite France district, Strasbourg has earned its spot on the map as a famous, must-visit European destination.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Basel airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

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.

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Our spacious main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award-winning Chefs prepare buffet, while regional wines are hand-picked by our sommelier.

• Á la carte menus
• Four-course dinner
• Open seating with tables from 2 to 8
• Wide range of cuisine from local specialties to a Seafood Gala evening
• Buffet and á la carte menus available daily
• In-room dining served by a butler

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Exclusive and intimate, Portobellos boasts the best vantage point at the front of the ship showcasing sumptuous regional specialities from the freshest local produce.

• Authentic Italian, French or Portuguese dining
• A maximum of 32 guests an evening
• All guests will dine here at least once during their cruise
• Five-course menu featuring regional specialties paired with local wines from the region’s best wineries
• Floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view as you dine

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This intimate affair is the ultimate treat for your palate.

Royal and Junior suite guests as well as Diamond Deck guests are invited, by our Executive Chef, to join Table La Rive for an evening of sumptuous dégustation.

• Exclusive for Royal and Junior suite guests on cruises of 7 nights or less, and for all Diamond deck guests on cruises of 10 nights or longer
• Six-course dégustation menu with sommelier paired wines
• Intimate dining for only 10 guests per evening

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Enjoy a refreshing afternoon aperitif or pick-me-up light bite on the Riverview Terrace, an open-air lounge and bar area located on the Sun Deck. Alfresco living doesn’t get better, with all-inclusive refreshments to complement the rapturous views.

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The River Café provides you with a wonderful range of complimentary delicious light meals, snacks and refreshments that you can take anywhere at any time.

• Open from early in the morning until late afternoon
• Casual and flexible dining options to suit your schedule
• Offers full service and mouth-watering buffet style food
• A great meeting spot, open for all day grazing and socializing
• Gelato bar, light snacks, healthy options, tasty treats

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Add to the five-star feel of your luxury river cruise and upgrade to a higher category cabin- depending on the category, you will enjoy the added benefit of some fantastic in suite dining options. If you’re staying on the Sapphire Deck or above, your butler can arrange cocktail drinks and serve early morning tea or coffee in your cabin. If you’re staying on the Diamond Deck, you will also be treated to the added option of breakfast served in suite. Junior and Royal Suite guests can enjoy all of this, plus fresh seasonal fruit skewers, petit fours delivered each afternoon and canapés before dinner. If you are a Royal Suite guest, enjoy in suite dining whenever it suits you.

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Take a ride on a Scenic E-Bike and experience the wonders of Portugal like never before. These power-assisted bicycles are perfect for seeing the sights at a pace that suits you.

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Immerse in the wonders of Europe with Scenic Tailormade, a GPS-powered discovery system, which can be downloaded from The App Store or Google Play, lets you see more of the continent both on board and on shore.

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Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.

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Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.

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The Panorama Lounge is the main bar area on board the Scenic Ruby. Here, you can explore our extensive bar menu, which is complete with premium wines, beers and spirits, whilst enjoying a programme of entertainment from local musicians, dancers and performers.

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Ideal for those sunlit days on the river, the Sun Deck is a designated open-air space equipped with everything you might need to relax and enjoy the great outdoors on your river cruise – think deck chairs, games area and a bar where you can make the most of our all-inclusive service.

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Whatever you need on your cruise through Europe, our welcoming reception team is here to ensure your trip goes down without a hitch. The reception area is also the meeting point for the day’s shore excursions; you’ll find it in the middle of the Scenic Ruby.

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The Wheelhouse is where our expert crew pilot your Space-Ship, negotiating the twists and turns of the Danube with the utmost precision and care. Stop by to chat with the team and take a peek behind the scenes.

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Feel pampered throughout your river cruise at the Wellness Area. From facials to massages, our beauty therapist provides a selection of indulgent treatments to help you truly relax.

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Relax and unwind with a unique wellness session at our Salt Therapy Lounge. New to the Scenic Ruby, this purpose-built therapy space uses the natural healing power of salt to help you relax, promoting improved wellness and sleep.

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Featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including both cardio and weight-training machines, the Fitness Centre is ideal for those who want to stay active on their travels. Drop by and get ready for the day.

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Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

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These suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

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At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

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Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

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These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

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These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.