Celebrate the festive season on an 8-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich aboard Scenic Amber. Experience Düsseldorf’s lively Old Town, Cologne’s iconic cathedral and Christmas markets, and the scenic Rhine Gorge en route to Rüdesheim. In Mannheim, explore Heidelberg’s historic old town and castle, with an exclusive classical concert at Bruchsal Palace. Stroll Strasbourg’s enchanting markets, among the largest in Europe, before cruising to Breisach. Choose between Colmar, famed for its medieval lanes and Alsatian architecture, or Freiburg, home to the 13th-century Minster cathedral near the Black Forest. Conclude in Basel with a transfer to Zurich, filled with memories of Europe’s finest holiday markets, cultural treasures, and seasonal charm.
Highlights
Visit Cologne Cathedral and enjoy Christmas treats at local markets
Explore Heidelberg’s old town and Renaissance castle with sweeping views
Attend an exclusive private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace
Tour Strasbourg’s magical Christmas markets with French and German influences
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
The journey begins in Amsterdam, a picturesque city of narrow laneways lit with festive lights, canals framed by 17th-century buildings, and Christmas trees brightening historic squares. Rich in history, art, and seasonal charm, Amsterdam offers a welcoming start. In the afternoon, board the all-inclusive Scenic Space-Ship and settle into a suite, many featuring a window that transforms into a Scenic Sun Lounge for uninterrupted river views. In the evening, enjoy the welcome reception and raise a glass to the days ahead.
Please book your flight to arrive into Amsterdam prior to 06:00 PM.
Spend the morning enjoying the luxuries of the 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Savor coffee in the suite, served by a personal butler, before breakfast in Crystal Dining.
In the afternoon, arrive in Düsseldorf, a city that glows with festive charm during the Christmas season. Lively markets, cheerful music, and the aroma of mulled wine fill the air. The Old Town buzzes with activity, while the famous Königsallee sparkles with traditional market stalls.
Join a guided walking tour of Düsseldorf to learn about local holiday traditions, then enjoy free time to explore the city’s enchanting Christmas markets.
Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, thriving auto industry and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas Markets, where local vendors sell delicious treats and decorations.
Your Scenic Space-Ship departs after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas like hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine.
Cruise into the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After passing spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.
Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
You arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also home to some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.
Scenic Freechoice:
Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions on offer:
Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own.
Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town, and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel located in the castle’s Cellar.
Scenic Enrich
Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace: Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert. Your memorable performance featured accomplished musicians and a soloist.
Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this morning. Strasbourg, is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.
Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. After your guided tour you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe with the town squares and pedestrian zone coming alive with festive cheer.
Wake up in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this morning.
Scenic Freechoice:
Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:
Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.
Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Minster cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.
Day 8: Basel | Zurich | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, you are transferred from your final port of Basel to Zurich airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.
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 what is stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,1902-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
1 Scenic Enrich experience with an enchanting private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein – Exclusive to Scenic
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel involves risks. We strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and costs and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions.
For Antarctica Voyages:
Scenic requires that you take out a personal travel insurance policy, including compulsory emergency evacuation, repatriation, to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage and personal belongings, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements, and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, and cancellation.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
