Jewels of Europe with Majestic Britain & Ireland & Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Start your journey in the heart of Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, with a two-night stay in a luxurious hotel. Set on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin was founded by the Vikings who named the city Dubh Linn, which means ‘Black Pool’ after the tidal pool that formed where the River Poddle met the Liffey. The city is magnificent with Georgian architecture, grand squares and historic monuments, and is steeped in culture and oozes charisma with a touch of hedonism. 

This morning your local guide will help you discover the history and charm of Dublin on a walking tour. See The Mansion House, the official residence of Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Dublin Castle, which was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Viking Settlement, and the old Post Office, the heart of Dublin’s history and culture for more than 800 years. You will also see 19th century Fitzwilliam Square, St. Stephen’s Green Park, the Molly Malone statue, the old Parliament House and City Hall.  Freechoice: Choose how you want to conclude your morning exploration with Scenic Freechoice: Historical Ireland: Discover Dublin’s fascinating past on a guided tour: learn about the Irish Revolution, ‘the Irish War of Independence’, a decade long conflict between the British state and Irish republican guerrillas and visit the EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum to gain a deep understanding of what it means to be Irish. Guinness Storehouse: Visit the Guinness Storehouse and factory to learn how this famous brew is made. After your guided tour, learn how to pull the perfect pint and enjoy a tasting from the 7th floor, which has a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city of Dublin. 

Today you will travel to Killarney, stopping along the way to visit the 600-year-old Blarney Castle. Explore the castle ruins and see the legendary ‘Stone of Eloquence’, more commonly known as the Blarney Stone. Legend says if you kiss it, you will receive the ‘gift of the gab’. Over the years, famous people such as Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Raegan and Mick Jagger have puckered up to the ancient stone.    Afterwards, continue to Killarney for a two-night stay, a charming town nestled in a valley surrounded by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Today you will experience the gob-smacking scenery of the Ring of Kerry, renowned as one of the most picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Here, the Iveragh Mountains dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean, where rolling green hills dotted with cows and sheep, are punctuated by sparkling lakes, grand houses and ancient castles. Watch as tiny fishing villages and off-shore islands come in and out of view as you wind along this 100-kilometre route, which will captivate you at every bend.

Today you will drive along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher, a wind-whipped geological wonder that stretch for eight kilometres and soar to 214 metres above the crashing sea below.    Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway for an overnight stay. The only city along the entire 2,500-kilometre Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a remote, bohemian city that is rich in creative culture. Its cobbled streets are lined with candy-coloured shopfronts, cafes and bars, which serve exceptional Irish food and are alive with traditional music.

Today you will be making your way to Northern Ireland, stopping enroute to visit the Monastery of Clonmacnoise. Founded in the 6th century, it was a university of its time with students travelling here from all over Europe. The ruins offer a rare insight into the monastic life of this period. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs. Continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where you will stay for two nights. Set on the shores of the Belfast Lough and overlooked by rugged Cave Hill, this lively city is the gateway to the dramatic Causeway Coastal Route, is where the Titanic was built and more recently has served as several filming locations for Game of Thrones. 

Belfast is a port city with a fascinating history. Learn about its troubled past during a guided tour. Afterwards discover the story of Titanic, from its design and build to its fateful ending. You will have the opportunity to hear some fascinating facts about the great ship and learn about the architectural design from the spot where the ship was launched. 

This morning, cross the Irish Sea by ferry to Scotland, where you will travel to Edinburgh, one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world and Scotland’s capital since the 15th century. This evening, check into your historic hotel for a two-night stay.

Explore Edinburgh’s ancient, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval and classical architecture today during a guided tour. This historic city was founded upon volcanic Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle – one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe – sits today. You will visit this impressive castle, as well as Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps, wander down the city’s Royal Mile, which is buzzing with stores, cafes, bars, and often street performers. This road connects the two royal residences, stretching from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle.  Tonight, you will have the pleasure of witnessing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This annual event is celebrated at Edinburgh Castle and is an artistic performance by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands.

This morning you will depart Edinburgh for the Highlands. On the way, you will enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience at Scone Palace. Enrich Falconry Display: Travel to Scone Palace, the capital of the Pict kingdom, the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of Scottish kings including Macbeth. In the palace grounds you will be treated to a delicious morning tea accompanied by an impressive demonstration of Falconry. Known as the sport of Kings this ancient art has a history that dates back almost 4,000 years. Afterwards, visit a local distillery to learn how famous Scottish Whiskey is produced before continuing towards the highlands.

Known as Scotland’s Highland Capital, Inverness sits where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, an inlet of the North Sea. Its history dates to the early Middle Ages when it was inhabited by the ancient Picts tribe. Their name is thought to mean ‘the painted ones’, and there is suggestion that they decorated themselves with tattoos and dyed their skin blue.   Today you will visit the Battle of Culloden Visitors Centre, where you will learn about the 1745 Jacobite rising and hear tales of the battle that is often described as one of the most brutal in Scottish history. Then you will discover 14th century Cawdor Castle, which is still inhabited by the Cawdor family and comprises a moat, drawbridge, turrets and turnpike stairs.

Journey to Loch Ness, a corner of the Scottish Highlands that is known for its dramatic scenery and the fabled Loch Ness monster. Keep an eye out for this elusive creature, also known as ‘Nessie’, a large prehistoric reptile believed to be living in the loch. There have been thousands of alleged sightings since the 1930s, including photographs emerging all the time, though there is no scientific evidence that Nessie exists. Nonetheless, the great folklore of the Loch Ness continues to draw in visitors far and wide. This afternoon, continue to Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s best-known lakes (loch means lake in Scotland) and the largest in Great Britain by surface area.

Loch Lomond may be known for its breathtaking waterway, but Stirling Castle is one of the region’s most iconic castles. Home to multiple generations of Scottish royalty, including the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, you will walk through the ancient halls of this castle, which possesses a rich storied history. You will see the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and the elaborate Royal Chapel.

Travel to the English city of York today on a First-Class train journey. This fascinating medieval city is nestled within ancient city walls and has Roman and Viking roots. 

This morning you will meet a local guide who will escort you through this delightful city seeing all the Roman and Viking heritage that is on offer. Walk along The Shambles, the narrow medieval street lined with half-timbered houses and traditional shop fronts and see the impressive York Minster, said to be one of the most beautiful gothic churches in the world.

Enroute to the Roman city of Bath, you will stop in the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy an orientation tour to see where the famous Bard was born, learn about his life and see his final resting place. This afternoon you’ll arrive in Bath and check into your hotel?for a two-night stay. The city of Bath has been a spa town since Roman times thanks to the mineral waters with restorative properties that bubble beneath its surface. It was also the home of Jane Austen and was frequented by Charles Dickens.

Discover beautiful Bath on a guided walking tour. The UK’s only city designated as a World Heritage-listed Site, the town is resplendent in honey-coloured Georgian architecture, stately Palladian townhouses and the renowned Roman Baths, constructed in 70AD.   This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps you would like to pack your swimsuit and make your way to the contemporary Thermae Bath Spa, to experience the therapeutic waters that make this city world-famous, or climb the 212 steps to the top of Abbey Tower for a panoramic view over the ancient city and surrounding countryside.

On your way to London, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the mythical wonders of Stonehenge, perhaps the worlds most famous prehistoric monument. It is estimated that this World Heritage Site is around 5,000 years old. See the Stone Circle, neolithic villages and learn more at the exhibition.  Afterwards, you will continue to the English capital, London. This inimitable city needs little introduction, being home to some of the most recognisable historic landmarks in the world, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Among the city’s 2,000-year history, you’ll find bustling pubs, the charismatic West End theatre district, world-class museums, and the glorious River Thames that snakes through its centre.

Today you will explore London with a local guide, seeing highlights such as Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence and where the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. You’ll also visit the Tower of London, a fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1070, which has been used as a prison, a palace, and is now the home of the Crown Jewels, the nation’s most precious treasure, which we most recently saw at the coronation of King Charles III.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’d like to take a cruise along the River Thames, make a visit to one of the city’s world-class art galleries, relax in Hyde Park, or step inside Westminster Abbey, where some of the most important events in Royal history have occurred.  

After breakfast, transfer to London airport for your included flight to Amsterdam to join your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. 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 canal houses and intersected by charming bridges. Freechoice: Today choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentleman’s Canal, where you will see The Skinny Bridge and The Prince’s Canal, which was known for its warehouses. You will go past the Old Lord Mayor’s House, The Seven Bridges, Anne Frank’s House and head to the Brewer’s Canal. As the historic centre glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouses, dating from the Golden Age. Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot today, 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. Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of the city for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. Hop on one of Scenic’s complimentary eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you as you take in the sights of the region. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals.   This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany.  

Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, later this afternoon. On arrival, discover Cologne during a walking tour. With your local guide, wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the citys centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. Enrich Tonight you will enjoy a magnificent Scenic Enrich event Classical Concert in the Beethoven Room at La Redoute recital hall: Attend a lavish dinner and classical concert where live music from Beethoven and Mozart will be played in the spectacular La Redoute recital hall in Germany’s former capital, Bonn. Built by the last Elector of Cologne in 1792, this beautiful hall has hosted many important dignitaries over the centuries, including the Queen, Princess Diana and multiple US Presidents. Tonight, this elegant venue is just for you.

After breakfast, relax on the Sun Deck and admire the landscape as you cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometre stretch of the river that is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy tale book. The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends that have been passed on for generations, like the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however, on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today. After lunch, you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. Freechoice: Select one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Siegfrieds Musikkabinett & Cable Car: 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. Then board a return cable car that soars over the vineyards to a hilltop where the historic Neiderwald Monument stands. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany. Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rudesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town.

This morning you will continue cruising towards Miltenberg. You may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Today you will arrive in Miltenberg. Located on the banks of the River Main, this historic town is one of the best preserved in Germany, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of Germany’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen.  Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice tours: Wertheim tour and winery: Transfer by coach to the nearby town of Wertheim am Main, another historic town filled with half-timbered houses. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Here you will meet the winemaker and gain an understanding of how wine is produced in this region of Germany. Gamburg Castle tour: Transfer to the town of Gamburg, where we will have a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Here you will also meet the Baron and Baroness for a private reception and learn about their modern aristocratic life over a glass of sparkling wine. Miltenberg tour and local farm visit: Enjoy a tour of Miltenberg before visiting a local farm where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. Gain an understanding of daily farm life, see the animals and sample some of the local delicacies produced on site. Schnapps tasting: After an orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, visit a local Schnapps distiller to understand how this fruit brandy is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours. After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Wertheim am Main and set sail for Würzburg.

Today you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest. Freechoice: Spend your day at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice options: Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the palace to see its most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll into the city, where you will have some free time. Explore the shopping area and the many coffee houses, pubs and restaurants; if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up to Marienberg Fortress. Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern, where various clocks will show you the legendary story of the “Master Draught”. After the guided walking tour, you will have free time to discover the city on your own. This afternoon, sit back with a drink on the Sun Deck or in the privacy of your suite as you enjoy the scenery while sailing towards to city of Bamberg.

The ship will dock in Bamberg after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship’s wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage^, or perhaps join an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along the fascinating Main River. Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – comprising an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you’ll see during your guided city tour. Freechoice: Stay in Bamberg or choose to explore further afield with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice tours: Bamberg Old Town Tour: Bamberg is known for its charming World Heritage-listed Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres. Learn about its fascinating history as you wander through stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings on a guided city tour. Excursion to Coburg: Journey via coach to Coburg. The city overlooked by an impressive castle, often considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Visit the castle which now houses a fascinating museum showcasing a large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by many renowned artists.

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, early this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every December, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings. Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies; the boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, when Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Freechoice: Make your choice from this today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences: Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle, which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square. The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi regime. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore the Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse, where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place. Nurembergs Castle and City Walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial castle and admire the impressive city walls that remain since medieval times.  This afternoon you will sail towards Regensburg. Sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or relax in your suite watching life on the riverbanks from your Scenic Sun Lounge.

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites.  Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers up a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from: Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria. Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site, which has been produced here since the year 1050 making it the oldest monastic brewery in the world. Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join an active walking tour from the ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by free time. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century.

Freechoice: Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions. Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau, from where you will cross the border into Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. This storybook city has a thriving art scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music, a Baroque old town where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace, and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe’s largest intact fortress, which sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and some free time at your leisure. You will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the Austrian town of Schlögen. Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, journey via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful World Heritage-listed town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its vast array of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure. Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral: originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passaus Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world’s largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small and picturesque town of Dürnstein, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Enjoy some freetime to explore the charming town at your leisure before we set sail to Krems. Freechoice: Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from: Göttweig Abbey: Visit the magnificent Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria." Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today youll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age old traditions of wine making while sampling delicious wines produced on site. E-biking from Dürnstein to Krems: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

We arrive early in Vienna this morning. Also known as the City of Music, Austria’s imperial capital fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. The city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. Today join your local guide and take a coach ride from the ship to Vienna’s city centre, where you will embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephens Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander around the city or relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Enrich Tonight’s Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. A city full of grandeur, Austria’s imperial capital is famous for having the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighbouring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava. The choice is yours from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens. Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces. Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Take a tour with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

This morning we arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning: Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. Budapest’s Past & Present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture. Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the citys Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the underground former hospital that is furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. This is an exciting part of history. The underground is moderately flat but there are a few stairs to get there and then again once inside. Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season. Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing.

Depart after breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. 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. ^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.