Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Amsterdam & Switzerland

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

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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.

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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 EnrichChaplin 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.

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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.

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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.

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River’s right bank.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city’s Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland’s largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen’s Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

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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.

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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.

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city’s modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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 EnrichClassical 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.

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

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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 EnrichConcert 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.

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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.

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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.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world’s most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it’s no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you’ll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city’s oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city’s gem cutters. It’s certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It’s pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam’s charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam’s being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe’s great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city’s triple-X reputation. They’re part of Amsterdam’s official coat of arms—three St. Andrew’s crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat’s motto (“Valiant, determined, compassionate”) was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Day programme:

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 combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world’s most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it’s no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you’ll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city’s oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city’s gem cutters. It’s certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It’s pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam’s charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam’s being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe’s great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city’s triple-X reputation. They’re part of Amsterdam’s official coat of arms—three St. Andrew’s crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat’s motto (“Valiant, determined, compassionate”) was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Day programme:

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.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world’s most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it’s no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you’ll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city’s oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city’s gem cutters. It’s certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It’s pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam’s charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam’s being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe’s great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city’s triple-X reputation. They’re part of Amsterdam’s official coat of arms—three St. Andrew’s crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat’s motto (“Valiant, determined, compassionate”) was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Day programme:

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.