Rhine Highlights with Amsterdam & Switzerland: 14 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Welcome to Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland and a global financial centre, it hugs the shoreline of the spectacular Lake Zurich. Check in to your luxurious hotel for an overnight stay and the start of your Swiss journey. 

This morning, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Zurich is one of the world’s great walking cities, with many pedestrian-only streets and historic bridges. Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street lined with glamorous boutiques and international flagship stores.

This afternoon arrive in Bern. Set on the River Aare, Bern is World Heritage-listed for its medieval Old Town, charming Renaissance fountains, and landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Bern Cathedral. Check in to your luxury hotel for an overnight stay. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore Bern with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Orientation tour of Bern: Your expert Scenic Tour Director will take you on a short walk to explore this delightful city. See its many fountains, sandstone facades and narrow streets, and visit Bear Park, home to a family of bears that have lived along the river banks since 1857.

Swiss chocolate tasting: Switzerland is known for its chocolate, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. Enjoy a tasting of different praline and other varieties at a local producer as you learn about chocolate production and its importance for the local economy.

This morning, travel to Montreux. Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Geneva, it’s famous for its natural beauty, connection to legendary writers and love of jazz. Take a short orientation tour of the town to admire the lakeside promenade, cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Later, check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay.  

Scenic Enrich
Chaplin Museum: Learn about the life and work of one of the most influential early film stars, Charlie Chaplin. Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the Chaplin Museum, set inside his former home.

This morning, visit Chillon Castle. Set on the shore of Lake Geneva, it was first built in the 11th century and is one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Join a tour with a local guide and learn how this iconic castle has inspired poets and writers like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.

After breakfast, depart for the postcard perfect city of Lucerne. Its lovely Old Town, brightly coloured houses, covered bridges and cobalt blue lake make for the quintessential Swiss resort town. Join a walking tour to discover its highlights, including the Museggmauer and Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Hofkirche, and the Jesuit Church. 

This afternoon continue to Basel where you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship for your all-inclusive river cruise, taking your memories of beautiful Switzerland with you.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Today disembark your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship and discover Amsterdam on foot before checking in your centrally located hotel. The city is a delight to wander, tour the maze of canals and bridges that make up the World Heritage-listed centre. Learn about its history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. Along the way, sample delicious snacks such as local cheese, Poffertjes (mini pancakes) and more.

The afternoon is yours to explore Amsterdam further. Perhaps visit one of the many famous masterpiece-filled galleries or fascinating museums that call the city home.

Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and this morning you will see some of the most picturesque sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges before enjoying  some time at leisure.  

After an afternoon at leisure enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Bid farewell to the Netherlands capital this morning and transfer to the Airport for your onward journey. 

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.