River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Amsterdam

   Wed, Jul 10, 2024

   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 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.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Amsterdam

   Thu, Jul 11, 2024

   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 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:
   This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice:
   
   Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentleman’s Canal, where you will see The Skinny Bridge and The Prince’s Canal, which was known for its warehouses. You will go past the Old Lord Mayor’s House, The Seven Bridges, Anne Frank’s House and head to the Brewer’s Canal. As the historic centre glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouses, dating from the Golden Age.
   
   Flavours of Holland walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city's highlights while tasting delicious local treats. Pickled herring, a favourite street food, tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (traditional fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are some delicacies you'll savour.
   
   Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of the city for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. Hop on one of Scenic’s complimentary eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you as you take in the sights of the region.
   
   Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals.

   Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals.  

   This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cologne

   Fri, Jul 12, 2024

   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, later this afternoon. 

   Freechoice:
   This afternoon, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
   
   Walking tour: 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.
   
   Cycling tour: Using Scenic’s e-Bikes, join an active paced ride. You will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in the historic village of Zons and cycle to Cologne tracing the riverbanks.
   
   Guided Cologne Cathedral tour: 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-listed site and learn its fascinating history as well as some quirky facts, including the legend that the cathedral is the final resting place of the bones of the three wise men from the Bible.
   
   Past and present tour of Cologne: Join your local guide and learn about Cologne's fascinating heritage from Roman times to its Jewish heritage before gaining an understanding of how the city is developing into the future.    

   Enrich
   Tonight's Scenic Enrich
   
   Classical Concert in the Beethoven Room at La Redoute recital hall: Attend a lavish dinner and classical concert where live music from Beethoven and Mozart will be played in the spectacular La Redoute recital hall in Germany’s former capital, Bonn. Built by the last Elector of Cologne in 1792, this beautiful hall has hosted many important dignitaries over the centuries, including the Queen, Princess Diana and multiple US Presidents. Tonight, this elegant venue is just for you. 

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim

   Sat, Jul 13, 2024

   After breakfast, relax on the Sun Deck and admire the landscape as you 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 that have been passed on for generations, like 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 cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.
    

   Freechoice:
   Select one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:
   
   Siegfrieds Musikkabinett & Cable Car: 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 board a return cable car that soars over the vineyards to a hilltop where the historic Neiderwald Monument stands. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany.
   
   Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rudesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town.
    

   This afternoon you will set sail for Miltenberg. Enjoy the passing scenery as you sit down for a sumptuous three-course dinner in Crystal Dining, with all-inclusive beverages.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Miltenberg to Wertheim

   Sun, Jul 14, 2024

   This morning you will continue cruising 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.
    

   Freechoice:
   This afternoon, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice tours:
   
   Wertheim tour and winery: Transfer by coach to the nearby town of Wertheim am Main, another historic town filled with half-timbered houses. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Here you will meet the winemaker and gain an understanding of how wine is produced in this region of Germany.
   
   Gamburg Castle tour: Transfer to the town of Gamburg, where we will have a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Here you will also meet the Baron and Baroness for a private reception and learn about their modern aristocratic life over a glass of sparkling wine.
   
   Miltenberg tour and local farm visit: Enjoy a tour of Miltenberg before visiting a local farm where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. Gain an understanding of daily farm life, see the animals and sample some of the local delicacies produced on site.
   
   Schnapps tasting: After an orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, visit a local Schnapps distiller to understand how this fruit brandy is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours.
   
   E-bike ride from Miltenberg to Wertheim: Cycle along this beautiful stretch of the river from the half-timbered town of Miltenberg to the fairy-tale town of Wertheim. Stop for refreshments while enjoying the spectacular views along the Main River. 

   After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Wertheim am Main and set sail for Würzburg. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you sail through the night.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Würzburg

   Mon, Jul 15, 2024

   This morning you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.  

   Freechoice:
   Spend your day at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice options:
   
   Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the palace to see its most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll into the city, where you will have some free time. Explore the shopping area and the many coffee houses, pubs and restaurants; if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up to Marienberg Fortress.
   
   Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern, where various clocks will show you the legendary story of the “Master Draught”. After the guided walking tour, you will have free time to discover the city on your own.

   This afternoon, sit back with a drink on the Sun Deck or in the privacy of your suite as you enjoy the scenery while sailing towards to city of Bamberg.  

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bamberg

   Tue, Jul 16, 2024

   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 World Heritage-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 – comprising 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.
    

   Freechoice:
   Stay in Bamberg or choose to explore further afield with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice tours:
   
   Bamberg Old Town Tour: Bamberg is known for its charming World Heritage-listed Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres. Learn about its fascinating history as you wander through stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings on a guided city tour.
   
   Excursion to Coburg: Journey via coach to Coburg. The city overlooked by an impressive castle, often considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Visit the castle which now houses a fascinating museum showcasing a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by many renowned artists.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Nuremberg

   Wed, Jul 17, 2024

   You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, early this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year, 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, when Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.  

   Freechoice:
   Make your choice from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:
   
   Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle, which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square.
   
   The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi regime. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore the Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse, where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place.
   
   Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial castle and admire the impressive city walls that remain since medieval times. 

   This afternoon you will sail towards Regensburg. Sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or relax in your suite watching life on the riverbanks from your Scenic Sun Lounge.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Regensburg

   Thu, Jul 18, 2024

   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 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.

   Freechoice:
   Today, Regensburg offers up a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from:
   
   Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.
   
   Cycling to Walhalla: Join a guided bike tour through the wonderful scenery of the Donau Valley. You will ride for approximately 60 minutes along the riverside and through countryside to Walhalla. Reached by 358 steps, this memorial is considered the most important of all works commissioned by King Ludwig l of Bavaria, a Parthenon-like structure built to commemorate distinguished people in German history.
   
   Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site, which has been produced here since the year 1050 making it the oldest monastic brewery in the world.
   
   Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join an active walking tour from the ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by free time. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov

    Fri, Jul 19, 2024

    Freechoice:
    Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions.
    
    Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau, from where you will cross the border into Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and 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 where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace, and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe’s largest intact fortress, which sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and some free time at your leisure. You will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the Austrian city of Linz.
    
    Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, journey via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful World Heritage-listed town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its vast array of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Melk > Dürnstein

    Sat, Jul 20, 2024

    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 breathtaking World Heritage-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:
    
    Glorious Melk Abbey: Your visit to Melk will only be complete with a guided tour to its magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
    
    E-biking from Melk to Durnstein: Embark on a 32km guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.
    
    Fairy tales of Burg Aggstein: Visit Burg Aggstein, a ruined castle that sits high above the Danube River, 480 metres above sea level. Take a guided tour of this remarkable piece of history, which dates to the 12th century, and enjoy coffee and cake at the castle.

    After your tour, you will return to the Space-Ship, which is docked in Dürnstein. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this charming town or relax on board with a regional wine from Austria’s Wachau Valley.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Vienna

    Sun, Jul 21, 2024

    We arrive early in Vienna this morning. Also known as the City of Music, Austria’s imperial capital fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. The city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.
     

    Spend the day exploring the city on your guided tour.
    
    Guided city tour of Vienna: Take a coach ride from the ship to Vienna’s city centre, where you will embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander around the city or relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.
     

    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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Vienna

    Mon, Jul 22, 2024

    Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. 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.

    Freechoice:
    Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava. The choice is yours from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:
    
    Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
    
    Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
    
    Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is overflowing with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you extended free time to explore as you wish.
    
    Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Take a tour with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Budapest

    Tue, Jul 23, 2024

    This morning we arrive in Budapest, 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.

    Freechoice:
    A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:
    
    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.
    
    Budapest’s Past & Present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture.
    
    Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the underground former hospital that is furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. This is an exciting part of history. The underground is moderately flat but there are a few stairs to get there and then again once inside.
    
    Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season.
    
    Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

    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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Budapest > Vienna

    Wed, Jul 24, 2024

    Disembark this morning and travel to Vienna where you will enjoy a two night stay.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
16. Day 16
    Vienna

    Thu, Jul 25, 2024

    This morning, embark 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 Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles). 

    Enrich
    This evening’s Scenic Enrich: Tonight will be an unforgettable evening of classical music. Visit the grand Kursalon Renaissance Palace, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Strauss and Mozart concert, followed by dinner. 

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Vienna > Salzburg

    Fri, Jul 26, 2024

    Today you’ll travel to Salzburg, stopping in the city of Linz on the way. Located on the mighty Danube River, this city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle.  

    Linz’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture, while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery. Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living. 

    Your final stop today is Salzburg. Surrounded by soaring peaks and 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 where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace, and Central Europe’s largest intact fortress, Hohensalzburg, which sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
18. Day 18
    Salzburg > Ötztal Valley

    Sat, Jul 27, 2024

    This morning you will take a walking tour of the Baroque Old Town of Salzburg to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about some of its most famous residents, including Mozart, whose birthplace at No.9 is now one of the most visited museums in Austria. You will also visit Mirabell Gardens, which was used as a filming location in The Sound of Music, and hear about the Von Trapp family, who were the inspiration for the classic movie.

    This afternoon you will drive to the Ötztal Valley, via alpine valleys and the rugged hills of the Salzkammergut region. Located on a picturesque plateau in the Tyrol region of Austria, the Ötztal Valley is a glorious resort region and a popular destination for skiing, hiking and mountain biking and swimming in its thermal baths.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
19. Day 19
    Ötztal > St. Moritz

    Sun, Jul 28, 2024

    This morning you'll cross the border into Bavaria, Germany, where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most iconic fairytale castles, Neuschwanstein. Built for King Ludwig II in the 19th century and inspired by an opera by acclaimed composer Richard Wagner, the castle is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world. 

    Then continue to glamourous St. Moritz. Known as the birthplace of alpine winter tourism, the city has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, but before snow pursuits put it on the global map it was a coveted spa destination due to the mineral springs that bubble underneath its surface. You will spend the evening in this luxurious town, which is a spectacular sight year-round.    

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
20. Day 20
    St. Moritz > Lugano

    Mon, Jul 29, 2024

    Today board the Glacier Express for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Relax in your first-class seat while you soak up views of snow-capped mountains, peaceful alpine meadows, rushing mountain streams and valleys, and the impressive 65-metre-high Landwasser viaduct, as you weave your way to Andermatt.  

    Then, continue via coach to Lugano, where you will spend the next two nights. Located on the shores of Lake Lugano and surrounded by impressive mountains, this city surprises with a unique Mediterranean flair, with its culture and language influenced by its nearest neighbour, Italy. Its historic town centre is a series of winding hillside stairways and terraces resplendent with Italianate Lombardy-style architecture.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
21. Day 21
    Lugano

    Tue, Jul 30, 2024

    Spend the day in Lugano on a culinary excursion or set off to explore the city's surrounding peaks on today’s Scenic Freechoice.

    Freechoice: Cable Car to Mt. Bre: Journey by funicular to the top of Monte Bre, considered Switzerland’s sunniest mountain. The observation point from the top allows for breathtaking views across Lake Lugano and the Alps.Tastes of Lugano walking tour: Explore the highlights of Lugano with a local guide. Learn how the region’s cuisine has been influenced by Swiss and Italian flavours by sampling some of the local delicacies.
    
    Return to Lugano, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Take a walk along the promenade that traces the glacial lakeside, where citrus and cypress trees grow thanks to the temperate climate.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
22. Day 22
    Lugano > Stresa

    Wed, Jul 31, 2024

    Driving along winding alpine roads with views of snow-capped mountains, cross the border into Italy towards Stresa, an elegant lakeside town that prospered during the 19th and 20th centuries when it was a playground for the wealthy and a muse for creatives such as Ernest Hemingway who based his 1929 novel A Farewell to Arms here. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel where you’ll enjoy beautiful rooms overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lake Maggiore.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
23. Day 23
    Stresa > Zermatt

    Thu, Aug 01, 2024

    This morning, take a special cruise on Lake Maggiore, a stunning waterway with Switzerland on one side and Italy on the other. Pause along the way to visit the splendid Isola Bella, ‘the beautiful island’, which is home to a 17th century baroque palace and landscaped gardens that took centuries to complete.

    Then continue to Zermatt for a two-night stay in a luxurious hotel. 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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
24. Day 24
    Zermatt

    Fri, Aug 02, 2024

    Zermatt is located at the north end of a hanging valley with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. This morning you will bear witness to some of the most spectacular views as you ascend the Swiss Alps on the historic Gornergrat Bahn. For 125 years, this cog railway has been taking passengers to 3,100 metres above sea level, with mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see, and the magnificent Matterhorn present at every moment, a craggy triangular peak standing sentinel in the Alps.

    This afternoon is at leisure to explore Zermatt on your own. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, its main street, where you’ll find everything from souvenirs to jewellery to traditional food mongers selling baked goods, cheese and chocolate.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
25. Day 25
    Zermatt > Montreux

    Sat, Aug 03, 2024

    This morning, journey via shuttle train to Täsch before boarding your coach to Montreux, a lakeside gem that has attracted the creative likes of Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and Freddie Mercury. This afternoon you will enjoy some free time to explore the city, which is home to the renowned annual Montreux Jazz Festival, the medieval Chateau de Chillon perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, and a scenic three-kilometre promenade walk.  

    Enrich
    Tonight’s Scenic Enrich: 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 traditional used by shepherds to call cows in from the pastures.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
26. Day 26
    Montreux > Gruyeres > Bern

    Sun, Aug 04, 2024

    This morning board a cruise on Lake Geneva to Chateau de Chillon, which you will explore on a guided tour. This 13th century castle was built on a rocky island on Lake Geneva. Learn about its defence strategies and view around 300 historic items on display from furniture to weapons to armour.  

    Afterwards, travel to Bern, stopping en route in the charming village of Gruyères, a town that looks like it hasn’t changed since the Middle Ages with its fortified castle standing atop the hill. Then visit a renowned Chocolaterie where you will sample delicious Swiss chocolate.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
27. Day 27
    Bern > Lucerne > Bern

    Mon, Aug 05, 2024

    Today you will enjoy an excursion to charming Lucerne, a city nestled at the foot of the Alps and on the shore of its namesake lake. Its famous 14th century wooden Chapel Bridge spans Lake Lucerne from the New Town to the Old Town and is home to the octagonal water tower built around 1300.

    Start the morning ascending the impressive Mount Rigi, also known as Queen of the Mountain, on Switzerland’s oldest cog wheel train before boarding a a cruise on Lake Lucerne from the village of Vitznau. The cruise will end in the heart of Lucerne where you’ll take a guided tour of the Old Town, including the flower-adorned bridge which is decorated with 17th century paintings that depict the history of both city and country. You’ll also visit the Baroque Jesuit Church of Saint Francis Xavier and the Lion Monument, a detailed sculpture that commemorates the Swiss guards who were massacred during the French Revolution.

    Return to Bern for an evening at leisure.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
28. Day 28
    Bern > Zurich

    Tue, Aug 06, 2024

    This morning we will make our way to our final stop, Zurich, the heart of Switzerland. Framed by alpine mountains at the confluence of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, this scenic-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. 

    On arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour. Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets, visit the medieval square of Niederdorf, walk across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and admire the 9th century Fraumunster Church with its renowned stained-glass windows created by legendary artist Marc Chagall.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
29. Day 29
    Zurich

    Wed, Aug 07, 2024

    Depart Zurich after breakfast, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers