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Cruise the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam, discovering 40 castles and exploring bustling cities and medieval outposts
- Visit renowned wineries in Alsace and Bad Dürkheim
- Enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Rastatt Palace
- Marvel at the Fabrique des Lumières digital art installation
Trip Details
- Departs
- 5 May 2027
- Returns
- 13 October 2027
- Embarks
- Disembarks
- Ship
- Scenic Pearl
- Operator
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Over just eight days you’ll go deep into the heart of Europe, cruising the length of the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam, discovering the some 40 castles that line it’s riverbanks for which it is World Heritage-listed. By exploring everything from bustling cities to tiny medieval outposts, you’ll gain an insight into the way the continent has changed over the centuries. Visit renowned wineries in Alsace and Bad Dürkheim, enjoy a private concert inside the Baroque Rastatt Palace exclusive to Scenic guests, and marvel at Fabrique des Lumières, a breathtaking digital art installation in a 19th century gasworks.
Departures & Pricing
- 05 May 2027 - 12 May 2027
from $6,645 pp per person twin share / $10,105 pp solo * - 12 May 2027 - 19 May 2027
from $6,645 pp per person twin share / $12,640 pp solo * - 26 May 2027 - 02 Jun 2027
from $6,645 pp per person twin share / $12,640 pp solo * - 09 Jun 2027 - 16 Jun 2027
from $6,645 pp per person twin share / $12,640 pp solo * - 06 Jul 2027 - 13 Jul 2027
from $6,445 pp per person twin share / $9,905 pp solo * - 21 Jul 2027 - 28 Jul 2027
from $6,445 pp per person twin share / $9,905 pp solo * - 25 Aug 2027 - 01 Sep 2027
from $6,445 pp per person twin share / $9,905 pp solo * - 15 Sep 2027 - 22 Sep 2027
from $6,645 pp per person twin share / $12,640 pp solo * - 06 Oct 2027 - 13 Oct 2027
from $5,895 pp per person twin share / $11,140 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
s
Scenic Pearl
Explore Europe on board the Scenic Pearl and enjoy stunning views from the Sun Deck, exclusive dining and a choice between five spacious suite categories.
- Guests
- 159
- Crew
- 53
- Gross tonnage
- 2,721
- Length
- 135 m
- Launched
- 2011
- Cabins
- 80
Scenic Ruby
Explore Europe on board the Scenic Ruby and enjoy stunning views from the Sun Deck, exclusive dining and a choice between five spacious suite categories.
- Guests
- 159
- Crew
- 53
- Gross tonnage
- 2,721
- Length
- 135 m
- Launched
- 2009
- Cabins
- 80
Scenic Opal
The newest of our fleet of luxury Scenic Space-Ships, Scenic Jasper, Opal & Amber carry 163 guests in 82 suites and sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe. The ships boast two full decks of Balcony Suites, and the largest Panorama Suites on Europe's rivers.
- Guests
- 163
- Crew
- 53
- Gross tonnage
- 2,721
- Length
- 135 m
- Launched
- 2015
- Cabins
- 82
Itinerary
- 1
Zurich > Basel (Huningue)
Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your European journey. Fly into Zurich then transfer to Basel (Huningue), a centre of art and culture that sits on the banks of the Rhine River.
This evening’s welcome reception is an opportunity to meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you.Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:30 PM.
- 2
Breisach
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Breisach for the day, giving you ample time to explore the region. There’s lots of reasons Breisach is a must-visit food and wine destination. Not only does it share a border with the Alsace region, it’s also located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest. The town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.
Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Guided tour of Colmar: A walking tour of the cultural centre of the Alsace shows off Colmar’s confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. A highlight of the tour is tasting a slice of the famed Kugelhopf cake at a local bistro.
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting: It’s location right on the edge of the Black Forest makes Freiburg a magical place to visit. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively medieval town and sample delicious local black forest cake. Walking tour of Breisach with wine tasting: This leisurely guided walk through Breisach’s Old Town will take in its pastel facades and cobbled lanes. Look up to see the hilltop cathedral of St. Stephansmünster before indulging in a tasting of delicious local sparkling wine. - 3
Strasbourg > Rastatt
The capital of the Alsace wine region is a captivating blend of France and Germany. It has a Gothic cathedral and an Old Town surrounded by a river, with sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses bordering a complex network of canals. Strasbourg proudly wears its medieval past while looking firmly towards the future and is known for its youthful energy and infectious spirit.
Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice experiences today:
Alsace wine route with tasting: Explore this culturally diverse wine-growing area and visit one of the region’s most famous wine growing villages to do a tasting at a local wine cellar before exploring the neighbouring town of Obernai.
Cycling through Strasbourg: Journey by e-bike the region’s impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of trails cover the city, and you will explore some of these while cycling through charming suburbs past historic buildings, beautiful parklands and sparkling canals.
Walking tour of Strasbourg: Located on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg has been influenced by both cultures. See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile as you learn how the two nations shaped this unique city.Scenic Enrich
Private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, the Baroque Palace of Rastatt was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and hosts an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Explore the opulent palace and gardens, before sitting down to a private performance from an accomplished pianist and vocalists. - 4
Mannheim
Arrive in Mannheim today. 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 excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.
Scenic Freechoice:
Choose between these immersive Scenic Freechoice experiences this morning:
Orientation tour of Heidelberg: 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 is not too strenuous but there are 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 balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground).
Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit the famed Fritz Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and guests are treated to a tour and tasting. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required). - 5
Koblenz
Relax on board as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65km 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.
Later, the ship docks in Koblenz, giving you the opportunity to explore one of Germany’s oldest cities. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Guests can also see the spectacular scenery of the Moselle Valley with an excursion to Cochem and the Moselle.Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:
Walking 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.
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 Alten Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.
Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its charming centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle. - 6
Cologne
Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne today. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, enjoy a local beer, and admire its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.
- 7
Amsterdam
Spend the day in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital is a unique blend of history and art. Discover a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets bustling with cyclists. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, much of the World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges.
Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:
Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture, so get out of town, enjoy the sweeping countryside landscape and explore the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar on this excursions only available with Scenic. Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.
Fabrique des Lumières: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17 metre high walls, accompanied by music to create an immersive ambience.
Cycling tour: Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world. Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour to experience life on two wheels. Your local guide will be on hand to offer information about the everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom are sharing your cycle path. - 8
Amsterdam
Your cruise concludes this morning in Amsterdam. Enjoy one final breakfast on board, then disembark, taking with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey.
Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.
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.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Explore the fairy-tale village of Cochem, set on the banks of the Moselle River.
- Discover Heidelberg Castle sitting above the wonderful city of Heidelberg.
- Visit the home or Reisling, with a tasting at a 9th generation family-owned vineyard, only with Scenic.
- Admire World Heritage-listed windmills of Schermerhorn, only with Scenic.
- 1 Scenic Enrich experience with a private classical evening concert at the spectacular Baroque Palace of Rastatt – only with Scenic.
- Delight in the charming Alsace region on the border of France and Germany.
Accommodation
Sailing aboard the Scenic Pearl, Scenic Ruby, Scenic Opal vessels.
Suite & cabin grades
- Standard Suite
- Balcony Suite
- Junior Balcony Suite
- Single Balcony Suite
- Royal Balcony Suite
- Royal Panorama Suite
- Royal Owner's Suite
- Deluxe Balcony Suite
Common questions about this voyage
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
Rhine Highlights
- Discover over 40 castles lining the Rhine River
- Exclusive access to a private concert at Rastatt Palace
- Taste wines at a 9th generation family-owned vineyard
Rhine Highlights
- Explore the fairy-tale village of Cochem on the Moselle River
- Discover Heidelberg Castle above the wonderful city of Heidelberg
- Admire the World Heritage-listed windmills of Schermerhorn
Rhine Highlights
- Discover the Alsace wine region with tastings
- Marvel at the digital art installation at Fabrique des Lumières
- Explore Heidelberg Castle and the historic city