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7 Night Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

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Scenic Opal

Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)

Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

7 Night Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

From Zurich, (Switzerland) to Amsterdam, (Netherlands)

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Scenic Opal
Scenic Cruises
5 Stars

Cruise #: 13934824

Sail Date: Saturday, Dec 14, 2024

Return Date: Saturday, Dec 21, 2024

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Room Types & Rates:

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Day by Day Summary and Map

Land Segment of Itinerary

Saturday - Dec 14, 2024

Day
1

View Excursions

Zurich, Switzerland

Bus Travel

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday - Dec 14, 2024

Day
1

Cruise Begins

Basel (Saxon), Switzerland

Welcome to Zurich and transfer to Basel where the crew of your Scenic Space-Ship will warmly greet you. Raise your glass to the marvelous cruise ahead of you at this evening's welcome reception. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 1:30 PM. Inclusions: Dinner.

Sunday - Dec 15, 2024

Day
2

Kehl, Germany

Bus Travel

Strasbourg, France

Bus Travel

Kehl, Germany

Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing towards Kehl. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you relish the scenery rolling by. Arrive in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg, this afternoon. It's the capital city of the Alsace region, where sherbert-colored, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. On its central island, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Ile, is the Petite France district, so named for the 15th-century hospital that was built here for patients suffering from syphilis, 'the French disease'. It is also known as the Tanners' Quarters, thanks to its medieval industries. Its meandering cobbled laneways are lined with a medley of buildings with shuttered windows and bright flowerboxes. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this charming town, taking in many of its most important sights including the Cathedral, Petit France, Grande Ile and its beautiful canals. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and ownership of the town has changed hands many times between the two countries. Due to this, Strasbourg is a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. You will be driven to Strasbourg, passing many notable sites, including the European Parliament on your way. 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Monday - Dec 16, 2024

Day
3

Rastatt Landing, Germany, Germany

Bus Travel

Baden-Baden, Germany

Bus Travel

Rastatt Landing, Germany, Germany

This morning, you will arrive in Rastatt. Enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast in Crystal Dining before your excursion to Baden-Baden, famous for its Roman baths. Located on the fringes of the Black Forest, this luxurious town was a favored summer escape during the Belle Epoque and is UNESCO World Heritage listed as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It oozes relaxation, has tranquil green spaces, many pretty public gardens, and grand historical architecture. Freechoice: Choose to spend this morning the way you want with Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Baden-Baden: Walk in the steps of the upper class, who enjoyed this spa town as a summer retreat in the 19th century. See the elegant Kurhaus, a plush spa resort built in the 1820s with a casino and luxury shopping in its colonnade and explore the remains of Roman baths. Spa visit: What better way to enjoy the splendors of the town than relaxing and rejuvenating in the thermal baths at Caracalla Spa, permanently and naturally heated by thermal waters some 2,000 meters under the Earth's surface. Comprising numerous baths, guests can soak in these waters said to possess healing properties, at your leisure. This afternoon, choose to stay in Baden-Baden and enjoy the Christmas markets, with around 100 beautifully decorated huts and stalls set up in front of the Kurhaus. Pick up handmade gifts, sample local festive treats, or take a turn around the ice rink. You can also choose to return to your Scenic Space-Ship for lunch and take the time to relax onboard. Soak up the opulence of your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of the Rhine. If you feel like something more active after your morning in the spa town, head to the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout. Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt: One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, this will be an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Travel to the palace by motorcoach, where you will receive a drink upon arrival and have time to explore the opulent palace and gardens, which was modelled on Versailles and took almost a decade to complete. The performance will take place on the second floor and will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Tuesday - Dec 17, 2024

Day
4

Mannheim, Germany

You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a 'chessboard city' for its streets that were methodically laid out like a grid in the 17th century, it is also famous as the home of some of the world's most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz who set up his workshop in the city. Nearby, the city of Heidelberg is a truly romantic setting, with an 18th-century arch bridge that straddles the Neckar River and a 16th-century ruined castle on the hillside looming above town. Freechoice: Today, we have a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer: Orientation Tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will transfer by motorcoach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy some free time. The walking tour is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground. 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. Enjoy some free time before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship via motorcoach. The walking tour is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground. Excursion to Bad Durkheim: From Mannheim, it's a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. On arrival, visit Fitz-Ritter, a 9th-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. You will have the opportunity to taste some during your guided tour. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Wednesday - Dec 18, 2024

Day
5

Rhine Gorge, Germany

Koblenz, Germany

This morning, you will cruise along the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometer stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairytale. The Rhine abounds in myths, legends, and folklore that have been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting woman 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. You will arrive in Koblenz after lunch. Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, Koblenz is a melange of French and German cultures and one of Germany's oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest, and mountain ranges and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. During the festive season, the city sparkles with thousands of lights strung along the streets and many buildings illuminated with colorful projections. Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the way you want with Scenic Freechoice: Guided walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide through one of the oldest cities in Germany. Explore the Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic center of the city. On your way through the winding streets of the old town you will see impressive townhouses, each with its own unique history, charming squares, and historic churches. Excursion to Cochem: Journey to the town of Cochem, a medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River. Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a medieval romance; the traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-colored buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways, and an enchanting hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards. You will transfer via minibus to Reichsburg Castle, which dates to the Middle Ages. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which features a knight's hall, trophy room, and cellars, before wandering down to the Old Town seeing many historic buildings along the way. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Thursday - Dec 19, 2024

Day
6

Cologne, Germany

You will arrive in Cologne early this morning, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, a unique beer culture, thriving auto industry, and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural center for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but remained standing tall above the ruins of the city. Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to many breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer. Enjoy some free time to visit the city's centerpiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally, is also the location for magnificent Christmas markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don't forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart just before 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, all on offer in this lovely town. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Friday - Dec 20, 2024

Day
7

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

This afternoon, we arrive in Amsterdam. The capital city of the Netherlands 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 UNESCO 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: The choice is yours, explore your way with one of today's Scenic Freechoice. Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentlemen'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 Mayor's House, the Seven Bridges, Anne Frank's House, and head to the Brewers' Canal. As the historic center glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant's residences, churches, and warehouses, dating from the Golden Age. Flavors of Holland walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting delicious local treats that are typically served at this time of the year. Warm up with a delicious tasting of traditional pea soup, taste mouth-watering Christmas bread, and delight in oliebollen (small donuts, often dusted with powdered sugar). Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and more than 35,000 kilometers 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Saturday - Dec 21, 2024

Day
8

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

After a hearty breakfast, you'll be transferred to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight. Inclusions: Breakfast.; Note: 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. Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. ...
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Other Sail Dates and Itineraries on Scenic Opal

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