Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
Included Activities
- Welcome reception on board
Optional Activities
- Explore Amsterdam's nightlife after dinner
Landmarks Amsterdam 
- Day 2
Dordrecht
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Delft pottery factory visit with guided tour of charming blue and white pottery city and 17th century pottery factory
- Walking tour of Dordrecht with local guide covering winding canals, historic buildings, Groothoofd Quay, Grote Kerk (Great Church) and Old Water Tower
- Excursion to Kinderdijk to explore 19 World Heritage-listed windmills and their role in Dutch agricultural life
Landmarks Dordrecht Delft Kinderdijk Windmills Groothoofd Quay Grote Kerk Old Water Tower - Day 3
Veere
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Veere exploring quaint streets, Scottish merchant houses, 15th century town hall with tower, and Grote Kerk Gothic church
- Oyster farm visit to taste fresh bivalves from the North Sea
- Excursion to Delta Works to explore the impressive series of dams designed to protect the Netherlands from flooding
Landmarks Veere Veerse Meer Lake Grote Kerk Delta Works - Day 4
Antwerp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour exploring the Diamond Capital, Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle medieval fortress and main square with extravagant buildings
- Craft beer and chocolate pairing experience exploring Belgium's culinary reputation
- Excursion to Fort Breendonk, a former Nazi prison camp preserved as a national memorial with guided visit to barracks, courtyards and cells
Landmarks Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady Steen Castle Fort Breendonk Cleydael Castle - Day 5
Nijmegen
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Arnhem Airborne Museum exploring the Battle of Arnhem and the footsteps of British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944
- The Netherlands Open Air Museum, a 44-hectare outdoor museum with replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses showing Dutch life through the ages
- Palais Het Loo museum, the former Dutch royal family summer home (dating to 1685) showcasing royal lineage history, art collection and grand gardens
Landmarks Nijmegen Arnhem Airborne Museum The Netherlands Open Air Museum Palais Het Loo - Day 6
Düsseldorf
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour exploring gentrified harbour, charming old town and Castle Tower dating to the 13th century
- Cycling tour along the Rhine banks to historic Kaiserswerth region
- Düsseldorf's Altbier experience visiting microbreweries to sample traditional regional ale
Landmarks Düsseldorf Castle Tower Kaiserswerth Rhine River - Day 7
Moselle Valley
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day cruise through Moselle Valley
Optional Activities
- Salt Therapy Lounge visit
- Massage treatment
Landmarks Moselle Valley Lorelei statue Cochem 
- Day 8
Cochem
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Cochem exploring Reichsburg Castle with Knight's Hall and Trophy Room, then historic old town buildings and charming streetscapes
- E-bike cycling tour along gentle path beside Moselle River with local guide showing castle views and half-timbered houses
Landmarks Cochem Reichsburg Castle Moselle River - Day 9
Bernkastel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Landshut Castle ruins on hilltop overlooking Bernkastel and Moselle River, with fascinating history from the 13th century
- Walking tour of Bernkastel covering local architecture, perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, Renaissance Rathaus (Town Hall), with free time afterwards
- Wine tasting along the Moselle learning about local Riesling varietals and sampling prestigious wines
Landmarks Bernkastel Bernkasteler Doctor Vineyard Landshut Castle Rathaus Liebfrauenkirche, Trier - Day 10
Koblenz
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour through old town's winding streets, charming squares, impressive townhouses, historic churches and Florinsmarkt
- Marksburg Castle visit perched high above Rhine River, a perfect example of Medieval architecture dating to 1117 and the only castle on Middle Rhine not destroyed (active guests with good fitness required)
- Medieval Limburg excursion to charming town with historic cobblestone streets, preserved half-timbered houses, Cathedral and Alte Lahnbrucke Old Bridge
Landmarks Koblenz Rhine River Moselle River Florinsmarkt Marksburg Castle Limburg an der Lahn Cathedral of Limburg Alte Lahnbrucke 
- Day 11
Rüdesheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum visit by mini train, exploring weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments with local guide, then explore surrounding streets or cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike and cable car experience taking cable car to Niederwald Monument then guided hike through rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim with spectacular countryside and Rhine River views
Landmarks Rüdesheim Rhine Gorge Lorelei statue Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum Niederwald Monument - Day 12
Mannheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Historical tour of Heidelberg including Heidelberg Castle visit (one of most important Renaissance structures north of Alps) with breathtaking balcony views and the great Heidelberg Tun (world's largest wine barrel). Note: walk includes stairs and uneven ground
- Tour of Heidelberg with free time including coach transfer and brief walking tour followed by leisure exploration
- Excursion to Bad Dürkheim featuring vine-covered landscapes, Fitz-Ritter winery tour and tasting (ninth-generation family-owned vineyard, good fitness required)
Landmarks Mannheim Heidelberg Heidelberg Castle Bad Dürkheim Fitz-Ritter Winery - Day 13
Strasbourg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Alsace wine route with tasting exploring culturally diverse wine-growing area, visiting famous wine village for tasting at local wine cellar and exploring neighbouring Obernai
- E-bike cycling through Strasbourg covering over 500km of trails exploring charming suburbs, historic buildings, beautiful parklands and charming canals
- Walking tour of Strasbourg exploring important sites like cathedral, Petit France and Grand Ile, learning how France and Germany shaped this unique city
Landmarks Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral Petit France Grand Ile Obernai 
- Day 14
Breisach
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Colmar exploring cultural centre of Alsace, French and German architecture, lifestyle and culture, with highlight tasting of famed Kugelhopf cake at local bistro
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting featuring walking tour through lively medieval town on edge of Black Forest and sampling local delicacy Black Forest Cake
- Kaiserstuhl winery visit and wine tasting sampling wines from volcanic soil producing excellent grapes
Landmarks Breisach Colmar Freiburg Black Forest Kaiserstuhl Rhine River - Day 15
Zurich to Lyon
Included Activities
- Flight transfer
- Day 16
Lyon - Chavanay
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of nearby Vienne uncovering fascinating history of quaint riverside town once conquered by Julius Caesar, visiting one of best-preserved Roman theatres built against steep hill slopes
- St-Joseph - Côte-Rôtie wine tasting amid charming vineyards of Chavanay with private estate tour learning meticulous craftsmanship behind exceptional terroir wines
- Easy e-bike cycling tour along gentle flat terrain making leisurely loop from Chavanay along Rhône River through nearby picturesque villages with beautiful rolling hill views and wine tasting or local refreshment stops
Landmarks Chavanay Vienne Côte-Rôtie Rhône River - Day 17
Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Arles
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape sampling region's most celebrated wines from centuries of wine production
- Chocolate workshop at Chocolaterie Castelain featuring live chocolate-making demonstration, tasting of artisanal chocolates infused with local Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired with regional wines and delicacies
- Bike tour along Rhône following gentle ViaRhôna paths along beautiful Rhône riverbanks cycling through peaceful vineyards, reaching impressive Passerelle de l'Oiselay pedestrian and cycle bridge with stunning panoramic river views
Landmarks Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rhône Valley Rhône River Passerelle de l'Oiselay Chocolaterie Castelain 
- Day 18
Arles - Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Arles visiting ancient Roman amphitheatre Arènes d'Arles (20,000-seat arena built in 90 AD still in use today), experiencing vibrant colours and striking light that inspired many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières des Lumières journey to stunning medieval village and visit former quarry hosting immersive 7,000 square-metre visual and musical installation highlighting notable artists
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill visiting local farm learning olive oil production techniques and traditional Provençal recipes
- Discovery of lavender - from field to perfume visiting local organic farm specialising in production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary and other herbs (typically late June to mid-August when fields display purple blooms). Learn health benefits, oil extraction process, create own natural lavender mist
- Following Vincent - Van Gogh's Arles walking tour tracing artist's journey through sunlit streets and historic sites that inspired his famous works during 15 months in charming Provençal town
Landmarks Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières des Lumières Provence Mediterranean Sea Avignon Rhône River - Day 19
Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including visit to Popes Palace exploring historic city walls, papal residence and seat of Western Christianity in 14th century. Note: cobblestoned streets and numerous palace steps require moderate fitness
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard visiting ancient Roman aqueduct on guided tour dating to middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to city of Nîmes
- Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire joining Scenic chef to visit local market sampling best ingredients, returning to ship for interactive cooking demonstration. Note: Avignon Market closed Mondays
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey visiting Gordes (one of France's most beautiful villages with stone buildings spiralling around rock perch), later visiting picturesque Sénanque Abbey
Landmarks Avignon Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Le Rocher des Doms Pont du Gard Nîmes Gordes Sénanque Abbey Luberon Villages Rhône River 
- Day 20
Viviers
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers with local guide exploring monuments and architectural treasures like Cathedral of St. Vincent (first built 11th century, now 18th century Gothic style with Renaissance facade), followed by free exploration time
- French Resistance walking tour hearing stories of brave fighters against Nazi Occupation, learning local heroism and daring missions
- WWII in Viviers uncovering dramatic past revealing Rhône Valley's pivotal role in Battle of Montélimar (August 1944) when Allied and German forces clashed during final push to liberate southern France. Battle studied at West Point
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum exploring mountains and medieval fortress ruins, then immersed in largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in world (original too fragile for public access)
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting discovering rich flavours of Côtes du Rhône villages wines through guided tasting tour in heart of Rhône Valley
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence with local guide exploring beautiful provincial town, seeing mighty castle dominating town and Collegiate Church of Holy Saviour, with leisure time
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Rhône Valley Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Grignan Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of Holy Saviour Montélimar - Day 21
Tournon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exquisite dessert buffet on board with artisanal creations from local pastry chef paired with fine coffee or dessert wine
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon exploring town history, castle (built 10th-16th centuries) still dominating town, with free time. Option to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage and prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona
- Hiking through vineyards in Tournon getting close to nature through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, learning local wine production and tasting regional wines
- Biking along Rhône cycling picturesque riverbanks past charming villages and spectacular scenery to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Tournon Castle Rhône River Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolatiers Glun - Day 22
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon discovering historic significance traversing hidden traboules and secret passageways dating to fourth century, visiting Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière with fabulous vantage point for Lyon views
- Excursion to Pérouges visiting medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River, beautifully preserved with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square centred around centuries-old lime tree. Note: Due to uneven surfaces and extensive uphill/downhill walking, recommended only for guests with high fitness
- Silk painting workshop learning about Lyon's five-century silk production heritage, history and silk painting process
Landmarks Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Pérouges Ain River Chapelle de la Trinite Rhône River Saône River - Day 23
Mâcon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive dinner on board prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon in Crystal Dining featuring authentic flavours in exquisite regional dishes showcasing best of French gastronomy)
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration with skilled artisan showing ancient craft of barrel-making and its role in wine and spirit production
- Exclusive dinner on board prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon in Crystal Dining featuring authentic flavours in exquisite regional dishes showcasing best of French gastronomy
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey stepping back to medieval town famous for Benedictine Abbey once largest Christian building in world, touring impressive town and learning history
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin visiting historic castle built in 1606 with fascinating history lovingly restored, admiring gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens
- Truffle tasting meeting local truffle farmer and hound learning tricks and techniques of truffle farming, enjoying tasting of truffle butter plus chocolate mousse with truffles
- Tour of Tournus strolling through picturesque narrow streets with pastel-coloured buildings, exploring Hôtel-Dieu (beautifully restored 18th century hospital) and stunning Saint-Philibert Abbey (dating to 12th century)
Landmarks Mâcon Burgundy wine region Cluny Cluny Abbey Château de Cormatin Tournus Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Philibert Abbey - Day 24
Mâcon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Beaujolais wine region drive through rolling hills of world-famous Beaujolais region meeting local vintner, discovering wine production and sampling region's best drops
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration learning story of Vonnas village (gourmet destination home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc), visiting one of his famed restaurants for interactive cooking demonstration featuring classic French dishes
- Monastère Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse guided tour discovering cultural treasures featuring stunning Monastère Royal de Brou (16th century masterpiece commissioned by Margaret of Austria combining flamboyant Gothic architecture with refined Renaissance artistry). Now museum showcasing centuries of Flemish and Netherlandish art
Landmarks Mâcon Beaujolais wine region Vonnas Bourg-en-Bresse Monastère Royal de Brou - Day 25
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Lyon
