European river cruise

Scenic - European Sojourn

27 Day European Sojourn

European Sojourn

Days: 27

From: Amsterdam to Tarascon

Countries Visited: Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Slovakia, Hungary, France

Code: stfr

Code_ERC: stfr-1

( Brochure Price: $ 18,495 pp )

Our Price: $17,570 pp

Itinerary


1. Welcome to Amsterdam
Your journey into wonder begins here. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. Meals included: Dinner

2. Amsterdam
Explore wonderful Amsterdam – with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles. 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. Alternatively, you can make the most of your free time by letting your Tailormade GPS device open your eyes to its many key attractions. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Cologne > Marksburg
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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim
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

5. Rüdesheim > Würzburg
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

6. Würzburg
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

7. Bamberg
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

8. Nuremberg
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

9. Regensburg
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

10. Passau > Salzburg
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

11. Melk > Dürnstein
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. Sundowners 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Vienna
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

13. Vienna
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

14. Budapest
We find ourselves in Budapest, 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

15.
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

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Cruise Highlights

Take your own sweet time. Europe’s waterways have always been places of endeavour, invention and artistic inspiration. The communities along each river have endured and today offer you the chance to immerse yourself in an authentic European way of life.. Beginning in Budapest, you’ll cruise along the spectacular Danube, Main and Rhine rivers to Amsterdam. From here, you’ll be flown to Lyon for your great French river sojourn. Sample the best of Burgundy and cruise along the lovely Saône River. Head south on the Rhône River to explore castles, national parks and medieval villages.