25 Day Europe’s Heartland

Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop. Meals included: Dinner

Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as you glide peacefully through the Île-de-France region to Les Andelys. Freechoice Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit Fleury-la-Forêt Castle. Sample cider, the region’s specialty, after touring this exquisite example of 17th century architecture. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and you’re able to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields with an on board lecture from a local expert. This evening a local patissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. This full-day excursion commemorates the 103 years since, and includes a visit to the Australian National Memorial, containing the newly built Sir John Monash Centre, and the Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux. Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax on board as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel. Freechoice Explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down on its waters. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beautiful La Côte Fleurie region on France’s northern beaches and discover dashing Deauville, playground of the rich and famous. Sundowners The estate of Manoir d’Apreval exclusively welcomes Scenic guests for a cocktail event showcasing their prestigious apple spirits. Celebrate your visit to the picturesque Calvados region with a beverage of the same name and let your eyes soak up the surrounding beauty, from the many flowering apple trees to the blue waters of the English Channel in the distance. Back on board, kick up your heels on the dance floor as a fabulous local swing band performs the best of the 1920s in the Panorama Lounge tonight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. You’ll be struck by the sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery. While there, take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach. Alternatively, with steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Sitting proudly atop this dramatic seascape is the town of Étretat, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Alternatively, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting the Normandy Traditions Museum nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery as you cruise into Vernon. It’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of history’s most famous artists. Freechoice Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore by bike with a self-guided cycling tour that starts in Vernon. You can also discover Vernon with Scenic Tailormade at your own pace. Enrich Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this special experience for a long time. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within reach of the quaint main square. Freechoice Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for horses living on the estate. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. After a leisurely afternoon of cruising, the evening will see us returning to Paris, the ‘city of light’, and you’ll have the chance to view the beautiful illuminated skyline, and the soaring Eiffel Tower. Make sure you have your cameras at the ready. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s your choice today to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Freechoice Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris’ local food markets, and enjoy exquisite tastings, or walk the city with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Alternatively, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. Featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker, the Palace of Vicomte has been leaving visitors in awe of its magnificence for centuries. With remarkable attractions at every turn, enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to explore Paris and create your own unique memories. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your cruise along the Seine River concludes this morning. You’ll disembark and transfer to Zurich where you will join your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship for the next leg of your journey. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Freechoice Be immersed in a truly magical experience as you step inside the setting of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale during your visit to the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum in the heart of the Black Forest. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, discover the magical Black Forest during a hike and cable car ride, or take a guided bike ride. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, where you’ll discover La Petite France, the unique historic quarter, and stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. Enrich Enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 race 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, for a gentler pace, join a local guide for an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by some leisure time. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Be charmed by 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 for a spectacular view of the river. Later, you can look forward to unrivalled views across the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping directly off the ship and into a fairy tale. Explore this charming city on a guided tour, culminating in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Appreciate the allure of the Moselle Valley from the opulence of your Scenic Space-Ship as you delight in a full day cruise. This afternoon, if you’re feeling energetic, you may wish to join a guided bike ride to the pretty village of Bernkastel, where you’ll be welcomed back on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Sundowners Mingle with newfound friends against yet another spectacular backdrop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Journey to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour, and enjoy some free time to discover the many delights of one of Europe’s smallest countries. Alternatively, take a guided walk through Trier, or take in beautiful Bernkastel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice On arrival in Koblenz take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, lapped by the waters of two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. You also have the option of a guided cycling tour of this fascinating city. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Discover the charming town of Xanten on a guided tour, including a visit to the town’s famed archaeological park, showcasing the remains of Roman settlement in the region. 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

Holland’s oldest fortified city, Maastricht is a popular destination with a welcoming multicultural atmosphere. Enjoy a guided tour of its magnificent buildings and historic cobblestone town centre. Alternatively, explore the city at your own pace with Scenic Tailormade. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 historic houses, farms and windmills. The museum portrays the impression of daily life for the average Dutchman over the past few centuries. Or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take a guided bicycle tour to the neighbouring town of Nijmegen. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Choose a guided tour through the quaint streets of Veere, or cycle the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges, or discover delightful Antwerp on a guided walking tour, followed by leisure time. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a delicious breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your  cruise, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories. Meals included: Breakfast