It is like wandering through the pages of a fairytale book or living the lyrics of a romantic poem.
The enchanting Black Forest, the fabled allure of the Rhine, stunning riverside castles, hamlets settled in the Middle Ages, famous Moselle wineries, the cobblestoned streets of Strasbourg, Antwerp, Koblenz … and just imagine living this river cruise dream in five-star luxury.
From Amsterdam to Basel, Scenic’s 15-day Romantic Rhine & Moselle is one of the great travel experiences.
And as with all Scenic cruises, the carefully crafted touring options available to you at each port makes for a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
There’s no time wasted when it comes to tour highlights – the day after your departure from Amsterdam, the Scenic Freechoice activities include a guided stroll through Antwerp or a visit to one of the world’s great medieval cities, the World Heritage Listed Bruges.
Since Scenic cruises are all-inclusive, you can settle straight into life on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship as you head towards the gorgeous Dutch fishing village of Veere, first proclaimed in 1353. Here you can take a guided walking or cycling tour of this picture postcard port town. Alternatively, you might choose to see the incredible Storm Surge Barrier of Holland’s Delta Works project.
Visiting this part of the world also makes some epic wartime battles come alive and on day four of the river cruise, you have the choice of visiting the Arnhem Airborne Museum that traces the path of the British parachutists who made their way across treacherous terrain to Arnhem in September 1944.
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Your opportunity to become immersed in the Second World War history doesn’t stop there however, you might also choose to visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and its accompanying historic houses, farms and windmills.
There’s also an option to join a cycling tour of one of Holland’s oldest cities. Beautiful Nijmegen, adjacent to the German border, boasts the country’s oldest shopping street.
As you sail along the Meuse toward the Rhine River, a visit to the fortified city of Maastricht is a highlight. The University town’s charming cobblestone streets, stunning buildings and town centre are a photographer’s dream.
You’ll enjoy a change of pace in Xanten with either a guided tour of its world famous archaeological park, or see why UNESCO decreed the artistic reinvention of industrial Zollverein should be recognised as a World Heritage site.
The meeting place of two of Europe’s greatest rivers, the Rhine and the Moselle, Koblenz is much more than a celebrated confluence. This stunning ancient German city is also considered the gateway to the world-famous wine terraces and stunning castles of the Rhine Gorge.
When it comes to castles, the incredible Reichsburg Castle on the Moselle is yours to behold in Cochem on day eight, a highlight of your journey through the beautiful Moselle Valley.
This full-day of cruising makes for superb sightseeing culminating, if you wish, with a guided bike tour through the pretty village of Bernkastel. From Bernkastel, travel to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or take a guided walk through Trier.
As you enter the Rhine Gorge, in Rüdesheim you’ll take great delight in boarding the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, followed by a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.
Hockenheim is a place well known to all motor racing fans who will enjoy the thrill of a guided tour of the famous Formula 1 circuit, Hockenheim. If history is more your passion, join an expert local guide for a tour of Heidelberg’s Renaissance castle or join an orientation tour of this important German centre.
To make your experience of this amazing journey even more memorable, the included Scenic Enrich opportunity is a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt for an evening of grandeur you will always cherish.
From Kehl, you are again spoilt for choice with an option to visit La Petite France, the fairytale quarter once home to millers, fishers and tanners or journey to Mittelbergheim in Alsace to enjoy its world famous wines.
On day 14, the Black Forest beckons from Breisach, where you can visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum or hike or bike through this amazing countryside.
The cruises ends in Basel, with the option to transfer to Zurich airport for a fitting end to a magical 15-days that you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
Romantic Rhine & Moselle
Anyone who doesn’t believe in the power of romance has never travelled down this stretch of the Rhine, or its idyllic tributary, the Moselle.
Day 1 – Welcome to Amsterdam
Toast the marvellous journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Please book your flight to arrive prior to 5pm in Amsterdam.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Antwerp
Freechoice
Be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges or take a guided stroll through Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Veere
Freechoice
Marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works and then visit the Storm Surge Barrier. Or discover charming Veere, either through a walking tour or a guided bike ride that will also take in the surrounding dykes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Arnhem
Freechoice
Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem. The Airborne Experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of the British parachutists who made their way across dangerous terrain to Arnhem in September 1944. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover the historic houses, farms and windmills, or join an active cycling tour to the town of Nijmegen.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Maastricht
Explore Holland’s oldest fortified city Maastricht and discover its magnificent buildings and historic cobblestone town centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Xanten
Freechoice
Discover the charming town of Xanten on a guided tour, including a visit to the town’s famed archaeological park. Alternatively, try something a little different with a visit to the Zollverein industrial site, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe, today a World Heritage-listed Site.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Koblenz
Freechoice
Take a guided city tour and be enchanted by the history and beauty of Koblenz, which straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. Alternatively, explore the city on two wheels on a guided cycling tour, or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Cochem
A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping into a fairytale. Explore this charming city on a tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Moselle Valley Cruising
Admire the beautiful Moselle Valley from the comfort of your Scenic Space-Ship as you relax on board during a full day of cruising. This afternoon if you’re feeling energetic, take a guided bike ride to the pretty village of Bernkastel, where you can rejoin the cruise.
Sundowners
Today you’ll have a great opportunity to mingle with newfound friends against yet another spectacular backdrop, while toasting the day’s end.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Bernkastel
Freechoice
Travel to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and tour this exquisite city. Alternatively, take a guided walk through Trier, or get acquainted with beautiful Bernkastel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim
Succumb to charming Rüdesheim, where you’ll board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Mannheim
Freechoice
Experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 track with a museum visit and an insider tour of the circuit, or join an expert local guide on a historic tour of Heidelberg, where you’ll visit Heidelberg’s Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, join a local guide for an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by leisure time.
Enrich
Enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt. It’ll be an evening of grandeur and a rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Kehl > Strasbourg
Freechoice
Visit Strasbourg and discover La Petite France, or journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Breisach
Freechoice
Be immersed in a truly magical experience during a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum in the heart of the Black Forest. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active discover the Black Forest during a hike, or take a guided bike ride.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – Basel > Zurich
After a delicious breakfast, prepare to head home. Your Scenic Representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. It may be the end of your cruise, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories. Please schedule flights to depart after 10am in Basel and 11.30am in Zurich.
Meals included: Breakfast
