Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Iconic Switzerland: 27 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Welcome to Zurich. Framed by alpine mountains at the confluence of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, this magnificent city is known for the extraordinary quality of life it offers to its citizens. It’s also Switzerland’s largest city and its commercial and cultural centre.

Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening before your journey commences.

This morning, discover Zurich’s treasures on a guided walking tour. Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets, the medieval square of Niederdorf, across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and admire the ninth-century Fraumunster Church with its renowned stained-glass windows created by legendary artist Marc Chagall.

Later, join your fellow guests for a memory that will be cherished long after you return home.

Scenic Enrich
Lunch and wine tasting: Zurich’s wine region stretches along the gentle hillsides of the Lake Zurich and the Limmat Valley. Today you will have the chance to sample some of the local wines before a delicious lunch.

Spend a relaxed morning enjoying the luxury amenities of your hotel or go in search of coffee and cake at one of Zurich’s vibrant cafes.

Later, transfer to Engelberg, a quintessential Swiss village surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery at the foothills of Mount Titlis, Switzerland’s highest year-round alpine attraction.

Spend today discovering more of Engelberg, a popular resort village known for its alpine activities like skiing, hiking, climbing and watersports.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way this morning with one of these excursions:

Excursion to Mt Titlis: Take a journey on the world's first revolving cable car, which takes you more than 3,000 metres to the summit of Mt Titlis. Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery with 360-degree panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, lush valleys and glaciers.

Cheesemaking in a local monastery: Immerse yourself in traditional Swiss alpine life with a visit to a local monastery and a hands-on cheesemaking workshop. Observe master cheesemakers as they demonstrate the art of crafting authentic Alpine cheese, perfected through time-honoured techniques and meticulous care. Conclude your experience with a delightful tasting, savouring distinctive regional varieties that capture the essence of the mountains.

This morning journey from Engelberg to Lucerne, sitting at the base of the mountains and beside its eponymous lake. Join your expert Scenic Tour Director to explore the town, admire its striking natural beauty. See the Jesuit Church, cross the quaint wooden Chapel Bridge and visit the Lion Monument, a detailed sculpture commemorating the Swiss guards who were massacred during the French Revolution.

This afternoon, board a train to Lugano. Set in the south of Switzerland close to the border with Italy, Lugano has a distinctly Italian feel. It blends Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean charm, exquisite cuisine and an abundance of charming squares with cafes made for people watching.

Enjoy a full day in Lugano, exploring the vibrant blend of cultures that make the town unique. Start with a guided walking tour of the city. Discover the elegant lakeside promenade, the historic Piazza della Riforma, and the picturesque Old Town with its narrow streets, ornate churches and bustling squares. The tour also takes in panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills, while offering insights into local culture, art, and cuisine.

Later, an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience awaits.

Scenic Enrich
Risotto cooking class: Take a serene cruise on the magnificent Lake Lugano before joining a local chef for a private risotto making class. This rich, creamy rice dish is a specialty of the region. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch.

From Lugano travel via coach to Andermatt before boarding a train for a panoramic rail journey to Zermatt. Nestled at the foot of the world’s most famous mountain, the 4,478-metre Matterhorn, the popular resort village of Zermatt looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. When the landscape is blanketed in thick white snow, visitors flock here for exhilarating winter sports, and in summer they come to hike more than 100 trails that weave around its valleys, lakes and ridges.

Wake in Zermatt today and breathe in the crisp mountain air flowing off the Matterhorn. Then take Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway to Gornergrat, a rocky peak with a summit of more than 3,000 metres. It offers spectacular 360-degree views, including an uninterrupted vista of the neighbouring Matterhorn.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time to see more of Zermatt on your own. The city is largely car-free, so it’s ideal to explore on foot.

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Swiss meal of delicious cheese fondue.

Transfer by coach to Interlaken this morning. As the name suggests, Interlaken sits between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, in the beautiful Jungfrau region. Overlooked by the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Interlaken is known for its stunning alpine scenery. This charming resort town is famous for its grand hotels and adventure activities.

Upon arrival, join a short orientation tour led by your Tour Director.

Spend today exploring more of the region surrounding Interlaken.

This morning, discover Jungfraujoch. Known as the ‘Top of Europe’, it’s home to the continent’s highest railway station at almost 3,500 metres above sea level. Take the famed cogwheel train to the top, which is covered in snow year-round, and enjoy mesmerising views of the towns and valleys below.

On the way back to Interlaken this afternoon, take a short tour of Grindelwald. One of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine villages, it’s set beneath the dramatic north face of the Eiger. As you stroll through the village, you’ll take in traditional chalets, flower-filled balconies and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Board the GoldenPass Express for a majestic journey through the Alps to Montreux. The train passes through tall mountains, green valleys and endless vineyards. Sit back and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and its charming villages.

After your train journey, transfer to Lausanne. Switzerland’s fourth-largest city is also one of its most stunning and is scattered across three hills on the shores of Lake Geneva.

If you’re an early riser, the spectacular sight of the morning light rising over the Alps is one you’ll treasure forever. You may like to join the locals on a stroll around the beautiful lakeside promenade or simply relax over a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

This morning, an orientation tour of Lausanne introduces you to the city’s graceful blend of history, culture and lakeside beauty. Highlights include the atmospheric Old Town with its winding streets, the impressive Lausanne Cathedral overlooking the city, and panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping vistas across Lake Geneva to the Alps.

Welccome to Basel, a centre of art and culture that sits on the banks of the Rhine River.

Board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy the evening’s welcome reception, where you can meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the journey that awaits.

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. Luckily for you, the town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region with your choice of 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: Its 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 the local delicacy, Black Forest Cake.

Kaiserstuhl winery visit and wine tasting: Thanks to numerous volcanic eruptions over 16 million years ago, the volcanic soil of the Kaiserstuhl produces excellent grapes. Which make even better wines. Sample them for yourself and taste the difference.

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:
Discover the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

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: Let an e-bike do the hard work on the region’s impressive bicycle trails during this active excursion. More than 500km of paths cover the city and you will explore some of these while cycling through the cities charming suburbs past historic buildings beautiful parklands and charming 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.

A late departure gives you plenty of time to explore.

The ship docks in Mannheim today, a large metropolitan centre that’s used as a base to explore the surrounding region, including the historic charms of Heidelberg and the stunning vine covered landscapes Bad Dürkheim where you can sip on aromatic wines.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Historical tour of Heidelberg: Enjoy a guided tour of the town as well as a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Take in the breathtaking views from the balcony then see the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. (Note: the walk includes some stairs and uneven ground.)

Tour of Heidelberg with free time: A coach transfer to Heidelberg is followed by a brief walking tour of the town and then a chance to explore on your own.

Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: Take in the stunning vine-covered landscapes as you drive to Bad Dürkheim and visit the famed Fitz-Ritter winery. This ninth-generation family-owned vineyard offers exceptional quality wine and guests are treated to a tour and tasting on an experience only available with Scenic. (Note: a good degree of fitness is required).

Disembark in Rüdesheim, a picturesque town surrounded by steep vineyards that’s known for its medieval architecture and wine culture – locals have been cultivating wine for more than two millennia.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: Arrive to this quirky museum by mini train, where a local guide will introduce you to its weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards, explore the surrounding streets on your own or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument.

Hike & cable car: Take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument then join a local guide on foot as you hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim, known for its Riesling. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below.

Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge this afternoon and relax as you take in landscapes that could have come straight from a fairytale. The stunning 65-kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of 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 whose voice distracts sailors – the potential inspiration for the Sirens who tempted Odysseus.

Cochem is a medieval gem with a castle overlooking the town. While this may be its crowning feature, the traditional town is known for being part of the German wine route and is a great place to sample local varietals.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Guided tour of Cochem: Explore a castle with a unique well-preserved Knight’s Hall and Trophy Room. After wandering the halls of Reichsburg Castle make your way to the old town to take in the historic buildings and charming streetscapes.

Cycling tour of Cochem: Hop on an e-bike and cycle along the gentle path beside the Moselle River. Your local guide will show you Cochems gems, from the majestic castle to the town’s half-timbered houses.

Oenophiles will have earmarked Bernkastel. It sits at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, is just on the edge of town. You’ll also fall in love with this wonderfully preserved riverside town for its atmospheric market square, with buildings that date to the 13th century, and the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover Bernkastel your way on one of these excursions:

Guided Hike to Landshut ruins: Take an active hike up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, situated on a hill overlooking Bernkastel and the Moselle River. The ruins have been here since the 13th century and a guide will reveal its fascinating history.

Walking tour of Bernkastel: Learn about the local architecture and culture on a guided tour of the town, which includes perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and the Renaissance Rathaus (Town Hall), before enjoying some time at leisure.

Wine tasting along the Moselle: Find out why the fertile banks of the Moselle River are the breeding ground for world-renowned Rieslings. Learn about local varietals before sampling a selection of prestigious local drops.

Scenic Enrich

Classical Concert at Liebfrauenkirche in Trier: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime classical music concert. Not only is the Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, a magnificent building named on the UNESCO world heritage list, but it boasts exemplary acoustics. Trier, founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the year 16BC, is the oldest city in Germany and this is an exclusive Scenic Enrich only available to Scenic guests.

One of the wonderful things about cruising is gliding past rolling hillsides, which is what makes today a highlight of your journey. Revel in a full day on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as it winds its way through the majestic Moselle Valley. With its vine-covered banks dotted with quaint villages, historic half-timbered houses and hilltop castles it is some of the most charming scenery in Europe. Open the windows to your private Scenic Sun Lounge and make the most of the landscape as you gently cruise past. You may wish to make the most of the ship’s facilities today and visit the Salt Therapy Lounge or book in for a massage treatment (at an extra cost).

Koblenz is many things; a wine hub, a fortress city and one of Germany’s oldest metropolises. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Its long history ensures there’s something for everyone, from rich history to a melange of French and German cultures and beautiful scenery. It is, of course, also the gateway to both the historic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Koblenz: A guide will lead you on a journey through the old town’s winding streets, charming squares, impressive townhouses and historic churches as well as the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.

Marksburg Castle visit: Drive to Marksburg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River, to marvel at this perfect example of medieval architecture. Dating back to 1117, it’s the only castle on the Middle Rhine that hasn’t been destroyed. (Note: This is for active guests only and requires a good degree of fitness and mobility).

Medieval Limburg: A coach will take you to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn, where you can walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alte Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart Koblenz late this evening, offering you the opportunity to explore the city after dark.

An early arrival and late departure gives you ample time to discover a city known for its art scene and fashion industry. Once dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon, it blends the museums, galleries and luxurious shops of the ‘City of Lights’ with a historic old town and unique harbour precinct where historic quay walls share the same space as architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry. With a late departure, there’s time to explore its buzzing waterfront and glamorous bars by night.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour: Explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour. Discover its gentrified harbour, charming old town, the modern tech hub of Media Harbour, and Castle Tower, which dates to the 13th century.

Cycling tour: Active travellers can explore the banks of the Rhine on two wheels, cycle on an e-bike to one of the most historic regions of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth.

Düsseldorf‘s Altbier: Learn about Düsseldorf long tradition of beer production, visit well-known microbreweries and sample some delicious Altbier, the traditional ale produced in this region.

Today you will arrive in Nijmegen. Dating back more than 2,000 years, it’s officially recognised as the oldest city in The Netherlands. Its large population of university students gives it a lively atmosphere, with many excellent museums, trendy coffee shops, independent stores and a buzzing nightlife.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Arnhem Airborne Museum: You don’t have to be a military aficionado to enjoy the museum’s account of the Battle of Arnhem as you follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after many years of German occupation.

The Netherlands Open Air Museum: This fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum complete with replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses will show you how the Dutch lived and celebrated through the ages.

Palais Het Loo: Royalists or anyone fascinated by monarchies will revel in wandering this museum, which was the Dutch royal family's summer home for centuries. Dating back to 1685, it’s now a museum showcasing the lineage’s rich history, elaborate decor, art collection and grand gardens.

It’s time to delve into a new culture, as the ship docks in Antwerp. It’s the largest city in Flanders, Belgium’s second city and the unofficial Diamond Capital of the world, having dominated global trade since the 15th century. The seaport, located 80km inland, is one of the world’s most important. Antwerp’s charm lies in its contradictions, a city with a medieval heart of cobbled lanes and riverside fortress combined with a creative pulse that champions innovation, including modern architecture and a thriving culinary scene.

Scenic Freechoice:
These interesting Scenic Freechoice excursions are available today:

Guided walking tour: Let a local guide show you the real Antwerp on a walking tour of the city. As well as being the Diamond Capital of the world, it’s home to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, a medieval fortress and main square lined with extravagant buildings.

Craft beer & chocolate pairing: Belgium’s culinary reputation is based on chocolate and beer. Find out why the two work so well together on this unique tasting journey.

Excursion to Fort Breendonk: This former Nazi prison camp has been preserved as a national memorial. A guided visit takes in the original barracks, courtyards and cells as you hear the moving stories of those once imprisoned here.

Scenic Enrich
Concert at Cleydael Castle: Learn about its fascinating history before being serenaded by eight musicians, two singing soloists and a host on this classical concert in an enchanting setting, only with Scenic. New in 2027.

This historic small-town set on the Veerse Meer Lake is known as the ‘Pearl of Walcheren’. Wander through its narrow streets and along the charming marina nestled at its heart to see why. Dating back to the 12th century, it was a popular trading hub and the town’s wealth can be seen in the grand architecture of its buildings.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from a range of excursions today:

Guided tour of Veere: Wander along the quaint streets of Veere on this guided walking tour. Take in a picturesque harbour lined with Scottish merchant houses, a 15th century town hall with tower and Grote Kerk, an imposing Gothic church that moonlighted as a hospital and poorhouse.

Oyster farm visit: Gourmands will be talking about this excursion for a long time. It’s not everyday you get to taste plump, briny bivalves straight from the crisp, cold waters of the North Sea.

Excursion to the Delta Works: This fascinating series of dams was designed to protect the population on the Delta plain from flooding. As well as being an impressive feat of engineering, it’s essential in protecting low-lying areas of the Netherlands from surges and flooding.

An early arrival allows for a full day in Dordrecht. It’s the oldest city in Holland and its location as a port city made it an important merchant stop. As you explore the port, canals, picturesque alleyways and town square you’ll discover more than 1,000 historic monuments dotted around the town, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose one of the following excursions this morning:

Walking tour of Dordrecht: A local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city’s winding canals, picturesque streets and historic buildings. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.

Delft pottery factory visit: Delft is a charming city famed for its blue and white pottery. Enjoy a guided tour before visiting the 17th century pottery factory where master painters still decorate in the traditional manner.

Excursion to Kinderdijk: Windmills are an icon of Dutch culture and the traditional village of Kinderdjik boasts 19 of them. Explore the town and the role these World Heritage-listed windmills play in agricultural life, on an experience only available with Scenic.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Amsterdam. Enjoy one final breakfast on board before disembarking and transfer to Amsterdam Airport, taking with you lifelong memories of a cruise that captured your imagination.

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.