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Wondrous Europe: 25 days Lyon to Amsterdam

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Operated by Scenic
Tripcode: NZ-e6c40f235e9d0ceba
Overview
Destination:
France
Netherlands
Start:Lyon, France
Finish:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:25 days
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
August 2026 - August 2026

Cultures and cuisines of Europe

Cruising along four of Europe’s great waterways, this 25-day journey will take you from the tranquil south of France through Central Europe and into Amsterdam. It’s a feast for your eyes, soul and appetite.
Set off in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, for a decadent journey through the country’s southern waterways. Explore the legendary Burgundy wine region, enjoy an exclusive cooking class at a three Michelin star restaurant, forage for truffles and enjoy a sunset aperitif on the terrace of a castle. Then board your included flight to Basel where you’ll be captivated by the blissful waterways of the Rhine and its idyllic tributary, the Moselle. The banks are lined with medieval villages, terraced vineyards and ancient castles. Immersive experiences get you to the heart of the real Europe – cycle along the riverbank, pair beer with chocolate, eat oysters fresh from the ocean, tour the infamous battlefields of two World Wars, and be awed by a private concert in the staggering Liebfrauenkirche.
Standard inclusions
  • 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships
  • Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
  • Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
  • Personalise your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities
  • Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
  • Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day* – not just at meal times
  • Butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
  • Dedicated fitness area
  • The freedom of our e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
  • Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
  • Return airport transfers^
  • All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Lyon

Welcome to France and the ancient city of Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to Scenic Sapphire, where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board.

Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon.

Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 05:00 PM.

Day 2 - Lyon > Chalon-Sur-Saône

Spend a leisurely morning on board as you cruise towards Chalon-Sur- Saône. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can sip from your Scenic Sun Lounge as the riverside scenery slips by.

An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming town with half-timbered houses and a magnificent Gothic cathedral. It’s just south of Beaune, often referred to as the epicentre for oenophiles.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices: Travel through spectacular countryside for a guided tour of the beautiful town of Beaune. The highlight is Les Hospices de Beaune, a Gothic-style hospital founded in the Middle Ages and now housing a museum. Later, enjoy some free time to explore at your own leisure.

Burgundy wine tasting: Visit a local estate in the heart of Burgundy. This wine domain is a place full of history where you will be able to taste the wines from Côte de Beaune surrounded by unique architecture.

WW2 in Chalon-sur- Saône - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line: Learn about the crucial role Chalon-sur-Saône played during WWII. Walk along the old ‘Demarcation Line’, which once divided the town, separating families and shaping daily life. Discover the brave efforts of the French Resistance and learn about the challenges of living in a city torn apart by conflict, where courage and resilience prevailed.

Day 3 - Chalon-Sur-Saone > Tournus

Wake early this morning to admire the tranquil river scenery from your private balcony as the ship cruises towards Tournus. This riverside town was founded by the Romans and its grand abbey is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture.

Freechoice:
Make your selection from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Excursion to  Château de Cormatin: Explore this historic castle, built in 1606 and carefully restored back to its original glory. Admire its gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour.

Truffle Tasting: Meet a local truffle farmer and their hound and learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming before enjoying a tasting of their delicious produce.

Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Enjoy a short orientation tour of the village of Vonnas before arriving at the restaurant of the three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. Later, visit the village museum, which was created by Blanc in dedication to his family who have lived and worked in this region of France for 150 years.

This afternoon, all guests will enjoy a cooperage demonstration, showcasing the ancient craft of barrel making. Learn the secrets of this artisan skill and the importance of the barrels and lumber to wine and spirit making. 

Your ship will depart for Tournon later this afternoon. 

Day 4 - Tournon

Arrive in the pretty town of Tournon early this morning. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. 

Freechoice:
Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Walking tour of Tournon: Explore the town on foot. Learn its fascinating history and visit the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, that still dominates this town. Enjoy free time afterwards – you may like to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona.

Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get close to nature as you hike through the sloping vineyards that overlook the Rhône River above Tournon. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region.

Biking along the Rhône: Cycle the picturesque banks of the Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun.

This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town on your own. Later, meet your fellow guests for an aperitif on the terrace of Tournon Castle and admire the sweeping views over the Rhône River and surrounding terraced vineyards.

Day 5 - Avignon

Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former  papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Freechoice:
Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.

Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.

Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Be surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gardon River. Paddle a kayak beneath the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, giving you a unique perspective on its grandeur.

Enrich
When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner accompanied by classical concert from a trio of musicians, in the very room the Pope used to dine. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls. 

Day 6 - Avignon

Spend a full day in Avignon, soaking up more of its charms. It is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Today you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice options:

Excursion to Luberon villages and  Sénanque Abbey: Visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France. Its stone buildings spiral around the rock on which it is perched, with the church and castle at the apex. Later, visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays. On these days, the tour will include only an exterior visit.)

Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school, learning regional recipes. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).

Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Luberon is famous for its picturesque villages, lavender fields and ochre cliffs. Visit a local lavender producer to learn how it is grown, harvested and utilised in this region. Then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon and the striking Ochre Trail.

Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

Day 7 - Arles

The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The ruins of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings. 

Freechoice:
Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you’ll visit the heart of Arles to see the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arènes d'Arles, a 20,000-seat arena that’s still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists.

Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux. Visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrières de Lumières, an enormous 7,000 square-metre site that hosts an immersive visual and musical installation highlighting the works of notable artists. 

Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill: Visit a local olive farm where you will learn the techniques of olive oil production. Later, the owner will share their experience of life in this region as well as traditional Provencal recipes.

Lavender fields to cream, A Provence Herbal Workshop: Provence region is renowned for aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. Visit a local organic farm specialising in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender-based cream to take home.

This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your Scenic Space-Ship and join an on board painting class. Vincent Van Gogh once said “the whole future of art is to be found in the South of France”. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.

Day 8 - Viviers

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.

Freechoice:
The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent – first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.

French Resistance walking rour: On a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town.

Freechoice:
This afternoon, explore with one of the following Scenic Freechoice:

Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum: Explore the mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.

Explore the caves in the Ardèche Nature Park: Drive through the rugged natural beauty of Ardèche Nature Park, from the Ardèche Gorge to the Madeleine Caves, where you can admire the intricate rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, and underground lakes. (The Madeline caves are located underground and comprise of numerous steps, a moderate degree of fitness and sturdy shoes are required for this tour).

Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure.

Day 9 - Lyon

Enjoy a relaxed day on board as you cruise back towards Lyon, admiring the beautiful vistas of the Rhone River. Bask on the Sun Deck, soothe your muscles in the Salt Therapy Lounge or sharpen your skills with a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Enrich
Tonight, admire the beauty of one of the city’s grandest Baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrara marble. Exclusive to Scenic guests, you will be immersed in a breath-taking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting.

Day 10 - Lyon

Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.

Freechoice:
Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules and secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.

Excursion to Perouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.Silk painting workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk painting. 

Day 11 - Lyon > Zurich

Today board your included flight and transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship for your cruise along the romantic Rhine.

Day 12 - Breisach

Located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses restored to their former glory. 

Freechoice:
Explore the region with your choice of one of these Freechoice excursions:

Wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl: Thanks to its 16-million-year-old volcanic soil, the Kaiserstuhl is known as a top-quality wine-producing region. Visit a local winery today and sample some of these delicious wines.

Excursion to Colmar: Visit Colmar and step into a fairy tale. Likened to Venice due to its quaint canals, the city centre features an abundance of half-timbered houses, some dating back a thousand years, cobblestoned streets lined with charming stores and cafes, and bustling markets serving up delicious local produce.

Excursion to Freiburg: Discover picturesque Frieburg, located on the edge of the magical Black Forest. Your local guide will escort you through the medieval town centre to see the Cathedral, one of only a handful of structures that survived the bombings during WWII.

Day 13 - Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace wine region, where sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.

Freechoice:
Explore the city and its surrounds on one of these Freechoice tours:

Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cCathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.)

Alsace wine region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar.

Cycle through Strasbourg: Hop on board an e-bike and explore the sights surrounding the city. Strasbourg has over 500 km of bicycle trails and you will explore some of these while cycling through the city’s charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and charming canals.

Depart to Mannheim this afternoon.

Day 14 - Mannheim

Arrive in Mannheim this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th -century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.

Freechoice: Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences this morning:  Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)  Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from the castle’s balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)  Excursion to Bad Durkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting.

Day 15 - Rüdesheim

This morning, discover Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for more than two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

Freechoice:
Make your selection from this morning's Scenic Freechoice tours:

Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: Visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum, where a local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Then explore on your own or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument.

Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, descend on the cable car and return to town.

Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.

Day 16 - Cochem

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. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards. 

Freechoice:
Explore Cochem your way with one of these excursions:

Walking tour of Cochem: Explore Reichsburg Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages and has a well-preserved Knight’s Hall and Trophy Room, then enjoy some free time to walk Cochem’s charming streets on your own.

Cycling tour of Cochem: Hop on an e-bike to cycle along the flat path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Reichsburg Castle, the half-timbered houses of Cochem, and the nearby towns of Valwig and Belstein.

Day 17 - Bernkastel

Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century and the relics of Landshut Castle sitting high above on a hill, where archaeological remains from the fourth and fifth centuries were uncovered in 2012. It also sits at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, is just on the edge of town.

Freechoice:
Discover Bernkastel your way on one of these excursions:

Walking tour of Bernkastel: Your expert guide will explain the local architecture and culture during a guided tour or the town’s highlights, including perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall). Then enjoy some time at leisure.

Excursion to Trier: Drive to Trier, a charming Roman city located near the Luxembourg border and birthplace of Karl Marx. Join a local guide to see the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Germany, as well as the Trier Cathedral.

Wine tasting along the Moselle: The fertile banks of the Moselle River are a winemaker's paradise. Learn about the varieties that are grown and produced at one of the most renowned wineries in the region, then sample a selection of local wines.

Enrich
Tonight, experience an enchanting private classical concert in the breathtaking surroundings of the World Heritage-listed Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, in the heart of the Roman city of Trier. During the concert, admire the incredible architecture and intricate stained-glass windows of the church  as you are immersed in magnificent classical music.

Day 18 - Cruising Day

Today is a highlight of your journey. Enjoy a full day on board your luxurious Space-Ship as it cruises through the spectacular Moselle Valley, renowned as one of the most picturesque passages of waterways in Europe. The steep banks are lined with postcard-perfect villages, terraced vineyards, historic half-timbered houses and hilltop castles. Open the windows to your private Scenic Sun Lounge and admire the uninterrupted vistas as you cruise gently through the valley. You can also use this day to relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge or book in for a spa treatment (at an extra cost).

Day 19 - Koblenz

One of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice:
Guided tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city. Marksburg Castle visit: Drive to Marksburg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River below. Dating back to 1117, it’s the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction over the years. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility.) Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the Cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alte Lahnbrucke, the old bridge that straddles the Lahn River.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will overnight in Koblenz, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

Day 20 - Düsseldorf

The city of Düsseldorf is known for its art scene and fashion industry. This affluent centre was dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon and is filled with museums, galleries and luxurious shops. Its charming old town is home to around 260 pubs and bars, and the harbour precinct blends the old with new: historic quay walls, warehouses and silos rub shoulders with striking architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry.

Freechoice:
Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour: Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour. Discover its gentrified harbour, charming old town, the modern tech hub of Media Harbour, and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century.

Cycling tour: Active travellers can explore the banks of the Rhine on two wheels, cycle on an e-bike to one of the most historic regions of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth.

Düsseldorf‘s Altbier: Learn about Düsseldorf long tradition of beer production, visit well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region.

Düsseldorf , the city of art: Uncover the artistic heritage of Düsseldorf starting in the historic Old Town and making your way to Media Harbour, then visit the K21 Museum for a self-guided exploration of the contemporary exhibits.

Day 21 - Arnhem

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Arnhem Airborne Museum: Military buffs should visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation.

The Netherlands Open Air Museum: Learn about the lives and traditions of local Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses.

Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens.

Day 22 - Antwerp

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is considered one of the coolest cities in Europe, famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Freechoice:
These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

Walking tour of Antwerp: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.

Excursion to Ypres & Passchendaele: On a full day excursion, visit the towns of Passchendaele and Ypres to learn about their significant WWI battles, see memorials dedicated to the 325,000 allied troops who perished, and learn how this region was rebuilt in the aftermath. This tour includes lunch in a local restaurant.

Craft beer & chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a sensory journey with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer.

Day 23 - Bruinisse

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands.

Freechoice:
Choose from a range of excursions this morning:

Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.

Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding.

Oyster farm visit: The crisp, cold waters of the nearby North Sea are ideal for oysters. Visit a local farm to learn how they are grown and taste some fresh from the ocean. 

Day 24 - Dordrecht

Arrive this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres.

Freechoice:
Choose one of the following excursions this morning:

Walking tour of Dordrecht: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.

Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the master's at work.

Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderjik to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture.

Day 25 - Amsterdam

Your cruise finishes in Amsterdam. The Netherland’s capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneway, and streets busy with cyclists. 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 houses and intersected by charming bridges.

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.

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Operator
Scenic

At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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24 nights
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