Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. There are icons at every turn in the French capital, from the chic boutiques of the Champs Elysees to the meandering riverbank of the Seine and the bustling crossroads of the Arc de Triomphe, with the intricate metalwork of the Eiffel Tower always in view above. Paris is a city that almost defies description; stroll the historic streets and you’ll soon see why it has inspired generations of artists, musicians, filmmakers and fashionistas.
Check in to your luxurious hotel, located in the bustling 9th Arrondissement, also known as the Opera district. It’s known for its wide boulevards; many theatres, including the opulent Palais Garnier opera house; and grand Belle Epoque department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
It’s your first morning in Paris, so why not start the day with a pain au chocolat and a café au lait? Paris is a city that has been immortalised in endless movies, TV shows, books and paintings, so even if you’re a first-time visitor you will feel like you already know it. Its elegant streets, grand buildings, shady parks, stylish cafes and even more stylish residents, you’ll quickly be swept up in the joie de vivre.
Freechoice: Today’s Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon, discover the part of Paris that most inspires you. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the legendary art galleries, like The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay or Centre Pomidou. Splash some cash at the flagship boutiques of the world’s best designer labels or hunt out a treasure at one of the city’s vintage stores and flea markets. Then there’s the food; you could spend the whole afternoon (and more) at the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries and bistros that line every street. Then pick up some supplies and retreat to one of the many elegant parks for a classic Parisian picnic. (B)
Today is yours to enjoy, with a full day to explore Paris.
Discover some of the city’s most famous districts, like the charming Latin Quarter, the modern La Défense, the Neoclassical Place Vendôme or the fashionable Le Marais. Visit one of the excellent museums, like the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the world’s oldest science museum dating back to 1794, or the Musée Carnavalet, which charts the history of Paris from the Gauls to the 20th century. You could plan a literary tour of the city, taking in the favourite writing spots of Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Simone de Beauvoir. And of course there are endless options for shopping, art galleries, historic sites or eating and drinking.
Or you might like to do as the French do and embrace the ‘art of doing nothing’. The French word flâneur means to wander aimlessly through a city with no destination in mind. It’s a relaxed way to soak in the sights and mingle with the locals, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine when you feel like it or perhaps browsing in an appealing bookstore or gallery. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day and gives you a real feel for life in Paris.
Travel by high speed train to Amsterdam, where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, you'll get to toast the journey ahead at this evening's welcome reception. (B/D)
Amsterdam 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 UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.
Freechoice: This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you’re passing as you relax on the Sun Deck. (B/L/D)
Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, after lunch.
Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, 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.
Take the time to 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. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally, is also the location for magnificent Christmas Markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don’t forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart during dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine on offer in this lovely town. (B/L/D)
Cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometre stretch of the river that 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 fairy tale book.
The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female 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 her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.
After lunch you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering 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.
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. Then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the charming streets lined with thriving bars, cafes and, of course, Christmas markets.
Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this afternoon, so you can take the time to explore this lively city at your pace. Perhaps indulge in a traditional Rüdesheimer Coffee, a strong coffee mixed with flambéed Brandy and covered with a delicious thick whipped cream. The perfect way to stay warm during the chilly winter months. (B/L/D)
This morning you will continue sailing towards Miltenberg. You may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
After lunch you will arrive 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 Germany’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen.
Your expert local guide will take you on an exploration of this beautiful town through the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses. After some free time to discover on your own, we continue to the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. (B/L/D)
This morning you will cruise into Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.
Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your afternoon from the following Scenic Freechoice options:
Tonight, you can choose to attend a midnight mass in a local church in Würzburg or stay on board and rejoice in extraordinary all-inclusive culinary experiences. (B/L/D)
Merry Christmas - celebrate with newfound friends on board your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards Nuremberg.
You may wish to take advantage of the state-of-the-art gym or relax with a massage^ in the wellness centre. (B/L/D)
You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this 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. The boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. 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, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Freechoice Dining: Make your choice from today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2000-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 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.
Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore on a walking tour. Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria all while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The city’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.
Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
After your tour, you will return to your Space-Ship, which is docked in Dürnstein. Spend the afternoon at leisure or relax on board with a regional wine from Austria’s Wachau Valley. (B/L/D)
This morning we arrive in Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital. A city full of grandeur, it’s famous for having 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.
Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava.
Freechoice: The choice is yours - take your pick from today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Enrich: Tonight’s Scenic 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. 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. (B/L/D)
After a leisurely day of sailing, we arrive in Budapest this afternoon, 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. The city 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.
This evening, ring in the New Year in style in this magical city. We are docked in the heart of the city, so it's just a short walk to many bars and restaurants if you wish to celebrate off board. On board, your Cruise Director and Enrichment manager have planned a fun party and would be delighted to celebrate with you on board your Scenic Space-Ship. (B/L/D)
Happy New Year - after a leisurely start this morning, explore the fabulous city of Budapest with a range of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from.
Freechoice:
This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. (B/L/D)
Depart after a delicious breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful 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. (B)
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. There are icons at every turn in the French capital, from the chic boutiques of the Champs Elysees to the meandering riverbank of the Seine and the bustling crossroads of the Arc de Triomphe, with the intricate metalwork of the Eiffel Tower always in view above. Paris is a city that almost defies description; stroll the historic streets and you’ll soon see why it has inspired generations of artists, musicians, filmmakers and fashionistas.
Check in to your luxurious hotel, located in the bustling 9th Arrondissement, also known as the Opera district. It’s known for its wide boulevards; many theatres, including the opulent Palais Garnier opera house; and grand Belle Epoque department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
It’s your first morning in Paris, so why not start the day with a pain au chocolat and a café au lait? Paris is a city that has been immortalised in endless movies, TV shows, books and paintings, so even if you’re a first-time visitor you will feel like you already know it. Its elegant streets, grand buildings, shady parks, stylish cafes and even more stylish residents, you’ll quickly be swept up in the joie de vivre.
Freechoice: Today’s Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon, discover the part of Paris that most inspires you. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the legendary art galleries, like The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay or Centre Pomidou. Splash some cash at the flagship boutiques of the world’s best designer labels or hunt out a treasure at one of the city’s vintage stores and flea markets. Then there’s the food; you could spend the whole afternoon (and more) at the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries and bistros that line every street. Then pick up some supplies and retreat to one of the many elegant parks for a classic Parisian picnic. (B)
Today is yours to enjoy, with a full day to explore Paris.
Discover some of the city’s most famous districts, like the charming Latin Quarter, the modern La Défense, the Neoclassical Place Vendôme or the fashionable Le Marais. Visit one of the excellent museums, like the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the world’s oldest science museum dating back to 1794, or the Musée Carnavalet, which charts the history of Paris from the Gauls to the 20th century. You could plan a literary tour of the city, taking in the favourite writing spots of Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Simone de Beauvoir. And of course there are endless options for shopping, art galleries, historic sites or eating and drinking.
Or you might like to do as the French do and embrace the ‘art of doing nothing’. The French word flâneur means to wander aimlessly through a city with no destination in mind. It’s a relaxed way to soak in the sights and mingle with the locals, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine when you feel like it or perhaps browsing in an appealing bookstore or gallery. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day and gives you a real feel for life in Paris.
Travel by high speed train to Amsterdam, where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, you'll get to toast the journey ahead at this evening's welcome reception. (B/D)
Amsterdam 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 UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.
Freechoice: This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany. (B/L/D)
Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, after lunch.
Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, 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.
Take the time to 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. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally is also the location for magnificent Christmas Markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don’t forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart during dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine on offer in this lovely town. (B/L/D)
Cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometre stretch of the river that 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 fairy tale book.
The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female 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 her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.
After lunch, you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.
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. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
Tonight, your on board culinary team have prepared a delicious festive dinner to celebrate Christmas Eve. (B/L/D)
Merry Christmas - celebrate with newfound friends on board your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards Würzburg.
You may wish to spend time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties or enjoy the fresh air on board the Sun Deck as your sail past charming villages and spectacular scenery. (B/L/D)
This morning you will cruise into Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities including Bavaria’s oldest.
Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your afternoon from the following Scenic Freechoice.
The ship will dock in Bamberg after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship’s wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage^, or perhaps join an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along the fascinating Main River.
Built on seven hills, this UNESCO-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 which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you’ll see during your guided city tour. (B/L/D)
You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this 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. The boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. 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, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Freechoice: Make your choice from today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
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 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.
Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore on a walking tour. Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria all while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The city’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.
Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
Spend the afternoon at leisure on board while sailing through the beautiful Wachau Valley as you cruise towards Vienna.
This evening, ring in the New Year in style in the magical city of Vienna. Celebrate off board at one of the many lively bars and restaurants or stay on board, where your Cruise Director and Enrichment manager have planned a fun party and would be delighted to cheer the New Year with you. (B/L/D)
After a leisurely start this morning, you have the opportunity to explore the fabulous city of Vienna. 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. 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.
Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava. The choice is yours - take your pick from today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Enrich: Tonight’s Scenic Enrich:
After a leisurely day of sailing, we arrive in Budapest this afternoon, 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. The city 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. (B/L/D)
After a leisurely start this morning, explore the fabulous city of Budapest with a range of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:
Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. 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.
City Tour and Hospital in the Rock: Start your coach tour with a visit to Gellert Hill for magnificent views across the city, followed by a tour of Budapest. See the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church before visiting the Hospital in the Rock – a former top-secret nuclear bunker and emergency hospital.
Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. The baths are said to have medicinal 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 – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. (B/L/D)
Depart after a delicious breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful 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. (B)
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