Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours “Space Ship”.
SCENIC FREE CHOICE Today choose from: (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; (2) a guided bicycle tour of Amsterdam (limited availability); or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans. Enjoy SCENIC FREE TIME this afternoon to explore this colorful and cultural Dutch capital on your own. This evening join your fellow passengers in the Crystal dining room for the Captain’s welcome dinner.
Disembarking our cruise in Nijmegen, journey to Arnhemand the 5,500-hectare De Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to many endangered plant and animal species in a unique and varied landscape. Here you will visit the Kröller Müller Museum featuring works of Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat and Vincent van Gogh and Europe's largest sculpture garden, displaying the creations of such noted sculptors Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. Crossing the board to Germany you will rejoin your cruise in Xanten.
Today we visit Germany’s administration and political centre, Bonn, where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour and walk through the Old Town. Former capital of Germany between 1949 to 1991, it is also the birthplace of the great Ludwig van Beethoven.
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. Turn back the clocks as you explore the ancient towering Reichburg Castle before making your way down to the old quarter with its timber framed houses, Baroque town hall and ancient town gates. The Moselle area is well renowned for is great tasting wine and today we invite you to experience centuries-old winemaking traditions with a tasting at a local family-owned winery.
This morning our ship docks in Bernkastel and we journey to one of Germany’s oldest cities, Trier, where you will stroll through history to sites dating back to the Roman times, such as Dom St. Peter Cathedral. After lunch on board your Scenic ‘Space -ship’, join your local guide as you discover Bernkastel, with its famous medieval market square and reputation for great wine. Tonight we overnight onboard in Bernkastel.
Journey today to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Luxembourg is one of three capital cities to house administrative offices for the European Union. Join your guide on an included walking tour highlighting Luxembourg’s well preserved old town. Enjoy leisure time back in Bernkastel before setting sail along the beautiful Moselle River where you can sit back and relax on your own private balcony or one of three viewing areas onboard.
Today we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its stunning vistas of castles perched above the steep vine-covered slopes. We stop in the heart of Rhine country to discover Boppard, a medieval town with a 2000 year old history. As we set sail again learn about the legend of the Lorelei and fall under the spell of the magic Rhine Valley as you listen to your Cruise Director tell the stories and history of this awe-inspiring stretch of the river.
Situated on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful towns. Today you will have the opportunity to visit Germany’s first and one of Europe’s oldest universities. Your guided city tour will highlight some of the best examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture before ascending to the red sandstoned Heidelberger Schloss castle resting above the township. Enjoy lunch in town followed by time to explore the city at your own leisure.
After the ship docks in Gambsheim, we take an excursion to the exquisite town of Baden-Baden located in the majestic Black Forest. Try your luck in the 250 year old Casino, the oldest and largest in Germany and said to be one of the most beautiful in the world as well as feel the healing powers of the thermal hot springs, as we showcase what has attracted Celebrities, Royals and the wealthy to this beautiful town since the 19th Century. Lunch today is off board in a local restaurant in town.
A taste of France awaits you as we journey to “the crossroads of Europe”, Strasbourg. Soaring over the old town, be impressed by Strasbourg famous gothic Cathedral de Notre-Dame, with its magnificent stained glass windows and Astronomical Clock. Located on the Grande lle, we discover La Petite France, with its half-timbered houses and lovely canals. SCENIC FREE TIME this afternoon allows you time to explore the local traditions and arts and crafts at your leisure.
Straddling the Rhine and sitting in the northernmost corner of Switzerland, welcome to Basel. The old town remains the heart of the city and is a maze of fine streets and squares, including Marktplatz, with its daily fresh food markets and the striking red painted Rathaus, Basel’s City Hall. Perhaps visit Kunstmuseum with it impressive range of 20th-century artists while enjoying SCENIC FREE TIME this afternoon. This evening join your Captain in a farewell reception and dinner.
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to Zurich airport.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: IS/ERC/GBP1011
Tour code: AMBA.1