Name: Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delight with Jewels of Europe
Brand: Scenic

Overview

Cruise through Germany and Austria for 21 nights with Scenic, departing Budapest aboard Scenic Ruby. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including Vienna and Miltenberg, before arriving in Amsterdam. With a blend of vibrant ports and tranquil sea days, this cruise strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. With fares from £11,641 per person, this is a wonderful way to experience Germany and Austria by sea.

Scenic

Scenic River Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise operators in the world.

It’s the cruise line behind the innovative and super luxurious yacht-style ship Scenic Eclipse, a ship that revolutionised the cruise industry when it launched.

That same level of luxury can be had on its fleet of river ships.

The cruise line offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring amenities like spas, terraces, panorama lounges and spacious cabins with private butlers.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Budapest

Days 3-4

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 5

Krems

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a fairytale town on the banks of the Danube, offering a mix of Austrian hospitality and medieval history. You can visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive before heading deeper into the Wachau Valley to stroll the rolling vineyards and sip the crisp Riesling.

Day 6

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Day 7

Regensburg

This pretty German city is remarkably well-preserved, with landmarks including a notable cathedral and a bridge that has inspired fascinating local lore. It’s also a beer lover’s paradise, with atmospheric spots to try the local varieties, complemented by traditional sausage and sauerkraut.

Day 8

Nuremberg

Bavaria's second biggest city is well worth visiting. Its Christmas Market offers a wealth of handcrafted ornaments, and many visitors are drawn by the city's beer cellars. For those interested in history, there is a considerable amount to explore, including the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg trials were held.

Day 9

Bamberg

Day 10

Würzburg

Day 11

Wertheim

Day 11

Miltenberg

Day 12

Bonn

Day 12

Discover one of Europe's greenest cities, often considered the gateway to Veluwezoom National Park. Arnhem makes an excellent base for an afternoon of countryside cycling, with scenic bike paths just beyond the city limits. History enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore, particularly the legacy of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, which inspired the war epic A Bridge Too Far. The Netherlands Open Air Museum is also of interest, especially in summer, for those sailing with children in tow.

Day 12

Rüdesheim

Day 13

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 14-15

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 16

Dordrecht

Day 17

Veere

Day 18

Antwerp

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy.

Day 19

Arnhem

Day 20

Hoorn

Hoorn has plenty to please cruisers of all kinds. If you're in the mood for a scenic harbour-side stroll followed by a leisurely lunch in a sun-dappled square, this laid-back town sets the pace. Prefer something more active? Join a guided cycling tour through the surrounding countryside and take in wide horizons and pastoral scenes. Museum lovers have lots to enjoy, too. Options range from a family-friendly steam tram museum to the Museum of the 20th Century, great for a nostalgic deep-dive into daily life in the recent past.

Days 21-22

Amsterdam

Days 1-2

Budapest

Days 3-4

Vienna

Day 5

Krems

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Bamberg

Day 10

Würzburg

Day 11

Wertheim

Day 11

Miltenberg

Day 12

Bonn

Day 12

Day 12

Day 13

Days 14-15

Day 16

Dordrecht

Day 17

Veere

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Days 21-22

163

Passengers

Crew

2009

Launched

2013

Last refit

2721t

Tonnage

135m

Length

Decks

EUR

Currency

Scenic Ruby

Explore Europe on board the Scenic Ruby or Scenic Pearl and enjoy stunning views from the Sun Deck, exclusive dining and a choice between five spacious suite categories.

Immaculately designed and luxuriously appointed, glide along the Rhine, Main, Danube & Moselle Rivers on board these spectacular ships.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

6 star river cruising

10/10 from start to finish, cruise, staff, food , excursions were all excellent. Would highly recommend a scenic river cruise , yes it was expensive but definitely worth it in terms of service, quality of food etc

Scenic Scenic Jewel

Reviews

Romantic rhine

Very good cruise excellent crew great entertainment and superb food and drink

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

A wonderful river cruise

We spent ten days on the Danube, and although the water levels meant that we did not get as far as our planned destination, we had a wonderful time drifting through some stunning scenery. The service was superb, there was a tremendous range of food, and even the wines varied depending on which country we happened to be in at the time! Now that the Covid years have died down, we plan to travel with Scenic again next year.

Reviews

Reviews

Itinerary was great. Ship was lovely. Good public rooms. Had a balcony cabin but it was small. Food was first class. Staff and crew were friendly, welcoming, professional and efficient. Wonderful cruise.

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

2022-12-14 12:44:41

This was our first river cruise, having previously done a number of Sea cruises. Yes it was more expensive, but you can see where the extra money goes. From being collected at the airport to being taken back to the airport this was a wonderful cruise. The staff were all friendly, hard working and attentive with a ratio of 2 staff to 1 passenger. Each cabin had a personal butler who was available for any needs, reachable on the phone. The food was excellent, the drinks all included (not just with meals and including the mini bar), as were the gratuities and a choice of trips each day. All the trips that we did were top notch, with local knowledgeable guides. The balcony cabin was spacious and comfortable with a super size bed that you could remotely adapt to your needs. The cruise director, JJ, was always available and presented a fun presentation each evening about the next days offerings. A wonderful Enrich experience on the night in Vienna was a private concert of music, dance and opera in a lovely palatial setting. E bikes were available for personal use or some arranged trips and the scenery down the Danube was spectacular. I cannot fault the whole experience and it has left us wanting more.

Scenic Scenic Amber

Reviews

2022-12-09 15:00:25

An enjoyable trip from Marseilles to Lyon with good food and quality excursions. This was slightly marred on departure by the coach taking us to Lyon Airport actually dropping us about 800 yards away at the railway station [to avoid paying the drop-off charge at the airport?] giving us all - including elderly - a totally unnecessary hike with our luggage

Scenic Scenic Sapphire

Reviews

2022-11-10 10:19:32

Had a lovely time onboard , the staff were excellent but you could tell they were training new people up post covid. The accommodation used to be first rate but is now starting to look aged . The entertainment on the TV ie films and TV was old and the system now feels clumsy to use given todays technology . I think Apple discontinued these controls 5 years or more ago . Hardly any evening entertainment , I recall bing on this cruise line where guest performers arrived most nights on the Rhine . Given the high cost v other boats it no longer represents great value . It might cheaper more cost effective to go to Viking and pay for drinks .

Scenic Scenic Azure