Scenic Jewel, 8 Night Rhine Christmas Markets ex Zurich to Amsterdam ex Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Rivers

Day 1
Welcome to Zurich, transfer to Basel (Huningue) where the crew of your ultra-luxury 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 01:00 PM.

Day 2
Wake in Basel (Huningue), the cultural capital of Switzerland. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and picturesque riverside setting, it’s one of the most charming cities in Europe at any time of year. Over Christmas, it is even more appealing – the beautifully decorated Old Town glows with twinkling lights, while the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifts from the traditional Christmas markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.

Scenic Freechoice: Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:Guided tour of Basel with market visit: Step into the festive charm of Basel on a guided walk through the Old Town, where cobbled streets twinkle with fairy lights and historic facades shimmer with seasonal cheer. Discover the majestic Basel Minster, wander past elegant boutiques and galleries, and admire the tree in Münsterplatz. Your tour culminates at the famous Basel Christmas markets – a feast for the senses with handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and warming mulled wine.Läckerli baking workshop: Immerse yourself in a sweet Basel tradition at a Läckerli baking workshop. Under the guidance of a local baker, you’ll learn the art of crafting these iconic spiced honey cookies, a cherished treat dating back to the 15th century. Experience the rich aromas of cinnamon, cloves, candied peel and almonds as you roll, shape, and decorate your own batch.

Day 3
Arrive in Strasbourg today. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. Over Christmas, the city is home to almost a dozen traditional markets as well as the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe, standing over 30 metres tall in Place Kléber.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:Guided walking tour of Strasbourg: Join your local guide on a walking tour of the city, visiting the cathedral and the charming Petit France district. 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 zones coming alive with festive cheer.Alsace Christmas beer – brewery visit: The cherished tradition of Christmas beer or Biere de Noel dates back to the Middle Ages and blends local brewing heritage with festive spirit. Learn about this regional tradition in the Alsace, considered to be Frances most prominent beer-producing region, during a tasting.

Day 4
You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also the home of some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.

Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer:Orientation tour of Heidelberg with free time: From Mannheim, you will 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. The town is particularly charming at Christmas, with elaborate decorations, a traditional market, ice skating rink and plenty of festive treats to try.Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, visit 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 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 will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist.

Day 5
This morning you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a quaint 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 will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

Day 6
This morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. 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. Later, arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, 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 will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas.

Day 7
Early this morning you’ll arrive in Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revelers, and the famed Konigsallee is lined with traditional market stalls.Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.

Day 8
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your final port of Amsterdam to the airport for your onward or homebound flight leaving with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

Please book your flight to depart out of Amsterdam after 10:00 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 our terms and conditions.

Scenic Crystal, Scenic Jewel and Scenic Jade joined the Scenic luxury fleet in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

These ships feature outdoor balconies that convert into all-weather Scenic Sun-Lounges on the European waterways and have newly designed guest rooms with 32-inch, flat screen, high definition televisions as well as six on board dining restaurants. Even the bar in the main lounge is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

On both Scenic Crystal and Scenic Jewel we are delighted to offer the additional choice of a spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship, these suites offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites, with even more space to relax.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Jewel - Jewel Deck

Scenic Jewel - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Jewel - Diamond Deck

Scenic Jewel - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat RO - Royal Owner's Suite

One bedroom suite including Scenic Sun Lounge – 48m2/520ft2. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (48m2/520ft2), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat PP - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat R - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RA - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat BJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

Cat PD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat BD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat A - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BS - Single Balcony Suite

Suites are fitted with a modern flat screen TV, superior air conditioning system, internet access, minibar, hairdryer, personal safe, power points suitable for Australian appliances and a state-of-the-art inroom entertainment system offering a choice of over 1000 movies on demand. Exclusive to Scenic Tours, 82% of our staterooms are Private Balcony Suites, complete with a large teak balcony furnished with outdoor chairs and a table. This unique feature gives our guests the freedom to retire to their suite with a glass of fine wine and watch Europe’s spectacular scenery pass by from the comfort and privacy of their own balcony.

Cat D - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat E - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.