Deal

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your European journey. Fly into Zurich then transfer 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, meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses restored to their former glory.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace wine region, where sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.

Arrive in Mannheim this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th -century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.

This morning, discover Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for more than two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a fairy-tale. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.

Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century and the relics of Landshut Castle sitting high above on a hill, where archaeological remains from the fourth and fifth centuries were uncovered in 2012. It also 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.

One of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

The city of Düsseldorf is known for its art scene and fashion industry. This affluent centre was dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon and is filled with museums, galleries and luxurious shops. Its charming old town is home to around 260 pubs and bars, and the harbour precinct blends the old with new: historic quay walls, warehouses and silos rub shoulders with striking architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry.

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict.

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is considered one of the coolest cities in Europe, famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands.

Arrive this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres.