Day 1 - Friday - May 10, 2024
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.
Day 2 - Saturday - May 11, 2024
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 gardens of St. Patrick's Cathedral, 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.
Day 3 - Sunday - May 12, 2024
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 Reagan, 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 MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Day 4 - Monday - May 13, 2024
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-kilometer route, which will captivate you at every bend.
Day 5 - Tuesday - May 14, 2024
Explore the 15th-century Bunratty Castle, considered to be the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland, and the adjoining Folk Park, an open-air museum depicting a 19th-century village comprising traditional buildings from a modest home to a Georgian residence. Afterwards, you will drive along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher, a wind-whipped geological wonder that stretch for eight kilometers and soar to 214 meters above the crashing sea below. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway for an overnight stay. The only city along the entire 2,500-kilometer Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a remote, bohemian city that is rich in creative culture. Its cobbled streets are lined with candy-colored shopfronts, cafes, and bars, which serve exceptional Irish food and are alive with traditional music.
Day 6 - Wednesday - May 15, 2024
Today, you will be making your way to Northern Ireland, stopping en route to visit the Monastery of Clonmacnoise. Founded in the 6th century, it was a university of its time with students traveling 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.
Day 7 - Thursday - May 16, 2024
Belfast is a port city with layers of fascinating history. The city dates to the Bronze Age, but its modern history began in the 17th century, when the 1st Baron of Chichester built a castle here. The next few centuries saw a surge in industry, and the city became famous for ropemaking, linen, ship building (like the ill-fated Titanic), and tobacco; many of the Victorian buildings in the city were once warehouses. The city was severely damaged during the Second World War, and the 1960s saw an uprise in street violence caused by Catholic and Protestant extremists, which continued until the '90s. Learn about this troubled past during your guided tour today.
Day 8 - Friday - May 17, 2024
| Cairnryan, United Kingdom |
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| Loch Lomond, Scotland, United Kingdom, United Kingdom |
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This morning, cross the Irish Sea by ferry to Scotland, where you will travel to Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's best-known lakes (loch means lake in Scotland) and the largest in Great Britain by surface area. This evening, check into your historic hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 9 - Saturday - May 18, 2024
| Loch Lomond, Scotland, United Kingdom, United Kingdom |
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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.
Day 10 - Sunday - May 19, 2024
| Loch Lomond, Scotland, United Kingdom, United Kingdom |
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| Loch Ness, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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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. Next, visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, located on the shores of Loch Ness. This was once one of the largest castles in Scotland with more than 1,000 years of history. After exploring the castle site, you will continue to Inverness for a two-night stay.
Day 11 - Monday - May 20, 2024
| Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Culloden Visitor Centre, United Kingdom |
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| Cawdor, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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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 Visitor 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.
Day 12 - Tuesday - May 21, 2024
| Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Scone Palace, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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This morning, you will depart the Highlands bound for Edinburgh. On the way, you will enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience at Scone Palace. Afterwards, continue to Edinburgh, on arrival visit a local distillery to learn how famous Scottish Whiskey is produced. One of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh has been Scotland's capital since the 15th century.
Day 13 - Wednesday - May 22, 2024
| Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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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.
Day 14 - Thursday - May 23, 2024
| Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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| York, England, United Kingdom |
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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. On arrival, you will be met by a local guide who will escort you through this delightful city. Walk along the Shambles, a narrow cobblestoned street lined with half-timbered houses and overhanging buildings, with traditional shopfronts that were once occupied by butchers who touted their meats from the front windows. These restored buildings now house cafes and specialty stores selling confectionary, woolen goods, coins, precious stones, and even 'potions' in a 'magical' apothecary. Afterwards, you will see the impressive York Minster, considered one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the world. It has been northern England's center of Christianity since the 7th century.
Day 15 - Friday - May 24, 2024
| York, England, United Kingdom |
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Today, you will travel to Chester, which is home to Britain's best-preserved city walls that date back almost 2,000 years. It also boasts Britain's oldest racecourse and largest Roman Amphitheatre. Join a guided walking tour, admiring the city's historic black-and-white half-timbered buildings, as well as the Chester Cathedral, originally founded in 1092 and decorated in some of Europe's most impressive medieval carvings. Afterwards, you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is at leisure, to perhaps spend time wandering the Rows of Chester, the cluster of historic half-timbered buildings that have always been a gathering place to trade, eat, and drink.
Day 16 - Saturday - May 25, 2024
| Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom |
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En route 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.
Day 17 - Sunday - May 26, 2024
Discover beautiful Bath on a guided walking tour. The UK's only city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is resplendent in honey-colored Georgian architecture, stately Palladian townhouses, and the renowned Roman Baths, constructed in 70 AD. 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.
Day 18 - Monday - May 27, 2024
| Stonehenge, United Kingdom |
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On your way to London, you'll have the opportunity to discover the mythical wonders of Stonehenge, perhaps the world's most famous prehistoric monument. It is estimated that this UNESCO 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 recognizable historic landmarks in the world, including the Big Ben, 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 theater district, world-class museums, and the glorious River Thames that snakes through its center.
Day 19 - Tuesday - May 28, 2024
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.
Day 20 - Wednesday - May 29, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to London Airport for your included flight to Amsterdam to join your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 21 - Thursday - May 30, 2024
| Schermerhorn, Netherlands |
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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 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. 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. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight into the villages and sites you're passing as you relax on the Sun Deck.
Day 22 - Friday - May 31, 2024
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.
Day 23 - Saturday - Jun 1, 2024
After breakfast, relax on the Sun Deck and admire the landscape as you cruise along the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometer 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 Rudesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town center 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. This afternoon you will set sail for Miltenberg. Enjoy the passing scenery as you sit down for a sumptuous three-course dinner in Crystal Dining, with all-inclusive beverages.
Day 24 - Sunday - Jun 2, 2024
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. After lunch 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-colored half-timbered houses and one of Germany's oldest inns, Zum Riesen. After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Wertheim am Main and set sail for Wurzburg. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive onboard entertainment this evening as you sail through the night.
Day 25 - Monday - Jun 3, 2024
This morning, you will arrive in Wurzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Wurzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria's oldest. 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.
Day 26 - Tuesday - Jun 4, 2024
The ship will dock in Bamberg after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship's wellness center 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 UNESCO 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.
Day 27 - Wednesday - Jun 5, 2024
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 year, 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 facade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favored 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. 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.
Day 28 - Thursday - Jun 6, 2024
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 centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox, and otter.
Day 29 - Friday - Jun 7, 2024
Day 30 - Saturday - Jun 8, 2024
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. The breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region. After your tour, you will return to the Space-Ship, which is docked in Durnstein. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this charming town or relax onboard with a regional wine from Austria's Wachau Valley.
Day 31 - Sunday - Jun 9, 2024
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. Spend the day exploring the city on your guided tour. Guided city tour of Vienna: Take a motorcoach ride from the ship to Vienna's city center, where you will embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander around the city or relax onboard your Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 32 - Monday - Jun 10, 2024
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, Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.
Day 33 - Tuesday - Jun 11, 2024
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. 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.
Day 34 - Wednesday - Jun 12, 2024
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.; Note: Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.
