A dazzling "Jewels of Europe" river cruise itinerary from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Restored castles still stand watch from their position atop dramatic hilltops, just as they did in the days of feudal knights and land barons. However, today the sites of ancient battles and medieval skirmishes have been replaced by a tranquil countryside with thriving towns and villages. Elsewhere, romantic ruins echo with a timeless beauty and Gothic spires rise out of the picturesque communities nestled along the river banks. This is a journey that will take you through the Europe of your imagination, full of wonder, recalling medieval jousts, cobbled streets and childhood fairytales while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
And with the current “Stay, Fly, or Save” promotion*, when you book this itinerary or any of the other 2019 Europe River Cruises by October 31, 2018, you have the choice of one of the following:
FREE pre or post cruise extension - Includes hotel accommodations + most meals + city tours + all transfers
FREE air - Premium Economy Air for Diamond Deck Suites on 11+ day sailings; Roundtrip Economy Air for all suites
Up to $1,500 in Scenic Savings - $1,500 Savings for 11+ Day Sailings; $1,000 Savings for 8-10 Day Sailings
PLUS an additional $800 per couple when you pay in full!
*Terms & Conditions Apply
Itinerary spotlight:
Jewels of Europe in 2019
14 Nights • Amsterdam to Budapest
Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Amsterdam Photo by Jace Grandinetti on Unsplash
Day 1: Amsterdam
Your journey into wonder begins with a fabulous welcome reception this evening! Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead.
Meals included:
Dinner
Amsterdam Photo by Jace Grandinetti on Unsplash
Day 2: Amsterdam
Highlights:
A canal cruise! Explore wonderful Amsterdam – with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles. Alternatively, you can make the most of your free time by letting your Tailormade GPS device open your eyes to its many key attractions.
Freechoice:
Hop aboard one of our e-bikes and take a guided bicycle tour outside the city or walk the streets of Amsterdam with a local guide and taste the Dutch delicacy of herring. You also have the opportunity to experience an iconic canal cruise and see the city from a different angle or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans, with its windmills and open-air conservation area.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cologne Cathedral Photo by Dominik Kuhn on Unsplash
Day 3: Cologne to Marksburg
Highlights:
Enrich Medieval castle banquet
Freechoice:
Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral, or take a walking tour with a difference and learn about the Jewish history of the city. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, choose to cycle through the historic streets of Cologne.
Enrich:
Delight in the medieval ambience of Marksburg Castle, which has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Partake in a magnificent medieval feast, with an abundance of fine fare and free-flowing local red wine. You can also look forward to being entertained in the grand tradition of Europe’s great royal houses, with minstrels and colourful court jesters, there for your exclusive pleasure.
Rhine George Photo by Deposit Photos.
Day 4: Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
Highlights:
Enjoy the unrivalled views of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Then alight in Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views of the river.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photo of Scenic Sapphire by Scenic River Cruises & ours
Day 5: Rüdesheim to Würzburg
Highlights:
A full day cruising! Take in the vistas of the Main River as you spend a full day relaxing on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Enjoy the passing scenery from the comfort of your suite or the panorama lounge and bar. Commentary from your Scenic Tailormade device will describe the captivating view unfolding before you in vivid detail. Or simply indulge in the on board amenities of your 5-star floating hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bishop’s Residenz Palace Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 6: Würzburg
Highlights:
Romantic Rothenburg
Freechoice:
Visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine. Or explore the famous Romantic Road, an important trade route during the Middle Ages, then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem that overlooks the Tauber River.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Old Town of Bamberg Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 7: Bamberg
Highlights:
Immerse yourself in the Old Town of Bamberg, a World Heritage-listed Site alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. During your leisure time you might like to savour the traditional smoked beer of the region.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Nuremberg
Highlights:
Gain some WWII history and enjoy this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.
Freechoice:
Explore Nuremberg by foot on a guided walking tour or visit moving WWII sites. Alternatively, choose something a little lighter and learn new techniques at a gingerbread baking class.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Regensburg
Highlights:
Exploring Danube Gorge! There is much to explore in the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, situated at the confluence of three rivers.
Freechoice:
Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg or hop on board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, and sample beer from one of the world’s oldest monastic breweries. Alternatively, cycle to the Walhalla monument, a memorial dedicated to Germany’s elite, or take an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Salzburg Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 10: Passau to Salzburg
Highlights:
Enrich The Wonder of ‘The Sound of Music’
Enrich:
Based on the timeless movie of the same name, the exclusive ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg and will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy an authentic Austrian lunch before an afternoon of humming along to some of the catchy classics.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wachau Valley Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 11: Melk to Dürnstein
Highlights:
Sundowners in Wachau Valley! As the day ends, enjoy the fine view over the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley. Of course, we can’t take all the credit for this one. It’s nature who’ll provide the view, we’re just bringing the drinks.
Freechoice:
Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour. Alternatively, the more active can embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Melk to one of the most enchanting villages in the region, Dürnstein. Or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photo of Vienna, Austria by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
Day 12: Vienna
Highlights:
Enrich private Viennese concert- acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking a fascinating guided tour of its most famous sights, including the Ringstrasse.
Enrich:
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photo of Schönbrunn Palace by Deposit Photos
Day 13: Vienna
Highlights:
Schönbrunn Palace
Freechoice:
Take a guided tour of Bratislava or visit Schönbrunn Palace, and witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School for either a tour of the stables or to see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or you might wish to explore this majestic city on a guided cycling tour.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budapest, Hungary Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 14: Budapest
Highlights:
Hospital in the Rock Museum... and the fact that Budapest is one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities!
Freechoice:
Make the most of a guided tour of Budapest including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Or, if you’re feeling more active, choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock or take a hike to Buda Hill for breathtaking views over the Danube.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budapest, Hungary Photo by Deposit Photos
Day 15: Budapest
Farewell! Depart after breakfast, with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Meals included:
Breakfast