27 Day Wondrous Europe

Wondrous Europe
Days: 27
From: Amsterdam to Nice
Countries Visited: Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France
Code: abfc
Code_ERC: abfc
( Brochure Price: $ 18,245 pp )
Our Price: $17,333 pp
Itinerary
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
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
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
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
5. Maastricht
Explore Holland’s oldest fortified city Maastricht and discover its magnificent buildings and historic cobblestone town centre. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
15. Zurich > Lyon
Today board your included flight and transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship for your South of France cruise. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
16. Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus
Freechoice Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Tournus > Mâcon
Freechoice Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18. Mâcon
You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. Freechoice Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
19. Lyon H
Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France Freechoice Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare. You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess. Enrich Experience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
20. Tournon
Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette. Sundowners Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
21. Tournon > Viviers
Freechoice Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines. Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
22. Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral. Freechoice Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
23. Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon
Freechoice Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
24. Avignon
Freechoice Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. Enrich Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
25. La Camargue
Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park. Freechoice Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
26. Tarascon
The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm. Freechoice Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
27. Tarascon > Marseille
All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport. Please book your flights to depart between 11am and 4pm if flying out of Marseille and after 1pm if flying out of Nice. Meals included: Breakfast
Cruise Enquiry
For more information about this European river cruise, or to make a booking, please complete the enquiry form below: