Jewels of Europe with Grand Alpine

Welcome to Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, where you’ll start your journey with an overnight stay.

This morning, visit the elegant Bahnhofstrasse and see the Romanesque Cathedral. Then, leave Zurich behind and journey to Gruyères en route to Montreux, where you’ll enjoy your overnight Special Stay.

Cruise on Lake Geneva to Chillon Castle, an architectural jewel in the most beautiful of settings, to enjoy an included tour. Board a cog-wheel train to the Swiss Alps village of Zermatt, a car-free village with views of one of the tallest mountains in the Alps, the famous Matterhorn. Check into your hotel for your two night stay.

Freechoice: Ascend the Swiss Alps by rail to Switzerland’s highest open-air rail station, Gornergrat, for magnificent views of the Gornergrat Ridge, including the Matterhorn. Alternatively take a guided hike through majestic mountain scenery.

This morning drive to Andermatt where you will board the Glacier Express for a spectacular rail journey through the stunning Swiss Alps, before arriving in St. Moritz in the heart of the Upper Engadin lakes district for your overnight stay. This alpine village has also hosted the Winter Olympics on two occasions.

End the day with a two night stay in Bern.

Journey to Lucerne, and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town including the Chapel Bridge, followed by a picturesque cruise on Lucerne’s lake to the village of Vitznau. Join the oldest cog-wheel train in Switzerland for a breathtaking ascent of Mount Rigi.

Leave Switzerland bound for Austria.

On arrival to Innsbruck, enjoy a tour of the city and visit the Bergisel Ski Jump tower for breathtaking views over Innsbruck before arriving at your hotel.

Travel through towering peaks to Hohenschwangau to see the majestic spires of Neuschwanstein Castle, which you’ll also visit. Later follow the Romantic Road to Munich for a two night stay.

Explore the streets of Munich on a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, Glockenspiel and Viktualienmarkt.

Visit the Eagle’s Nest, located in the Bavarian Alps, then continue to Salzburg in Austria where you’ll visit locations used during the filming of ‘The Sound of Music’, as well as Mozart’s birthplace and residence. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Travel via Vienna to Budapest, where you board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Freechoice: Make the most of Budapest with a guided tour, or relax and unwind at the local Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, take a hike to Buda Hill or experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

As you cruise the mighty Danube, relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards Vienna.

Freechoice: Take a tour of Bratislava or Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, visit the famous Spanish Riding School and either tour the stables or see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or explore Vienna on a guided cycling tour.

Freechoice: Embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, visit a local winery and sample some of
its fine wines.

Sundowners
As the day ends, enjoy the fine view of the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley.

Enrich
Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg.

Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its medieval Old Town to the Bavarian Forest on its border.

Welcome to this fascinating Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg, alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did.

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.

Soak in the vistas of the Main River as you spend a full day relaxing on board. Be mesmerised by passing scenery while commentary from your Scenic Tailormade device describes the captivating view unfolding before you. Or simply indulge in the on board amenities of your 5-star floating hotel.

Immerse yourself in charming Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Then enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.

Freechoice: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the twin towers of the famous cathedral, or take a walking tour with a difference and learn about the Jewish history of the city. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour through Cologne.

Freechoice: Explore the city by bicycle or by foot. Alternatively, experience an iconic canal cruise or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans.

Depart today after breakfast, taking wonderful memories with you.