The European River Cruise that truly has it all

There’s river cruises, and then there’s river cruises.

Scenic’s Romantic Rhine and Moselle 15-day journey from Amsterdam to Basel features the itinerary to end all itineraries on board an ultra-luxury all-inclusive Scenic Space-Ship, where every suite has butler service, every tip is already paid and premium beverages are on offer all day.

So, if you’re weighing up a European river cruise, here’s some very good reasons to choose this one:

The breadth

You’ll meander through five countries — The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland — on your 15-day journey on the Rhine, and its tributary, the Moselle, but you won’t be confined to the rivers and their banks.

Scenic’s trademark “Scenic Freechoice” excursion options range from active to interactive, and everything in between, meaning you’ll get genuine opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the landscape, history and local culture of each destination.

Easy rider: Grab one of Scenic’s complimentary e-bikes and explore the medieval German town of Cochem on the Moselle with its fairy tale pastel buildings and Reichsburg Castle, as well as its neoclassical palace and winery, Schloss Johannisberg.

Explore the medieval town of Cochem on a Scenic e-bike. Photo: Scenic

The castles

The castles start on day two of your journey in Utrecht with the option to visit De Haar Castle, picture perfect with suspension bridge over a moat and all the towers and turrets a castle afficionado could hope for.

Tick off Antwerp’s medieval fortress Steen Castle and Mannheim’s Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps.

The survivor: Marksburg Castle, outside the Germany city of Koblenz, is perched high over the Rhine, the only castle on the middle Rhine to have avoided destruction. Built in 1117, you can tour this impressive structure on a Scenic Freechoice excursion.

Explore the Marksburg Castle built in 1117. Photo: Scenic

The once-in-a-lifetime memories

From wandering the achingly beautiful city of Bruges in Belgium to visiting the Delta Works, the engineering marvel dam that keeps The Netherlands from being swamped, to gliding through Strasbourg and past important sites such as the European Parliament and the Imperial Quarter on your own canal boat, every day will bring a pinch-me moment.

Music for the senses: This itinerary’s exclusive “Scenic Enrich” experience is a private classical concert in the breathtaking Church of our Lady in Trier, a German city established by the Romans (and the birthplace of Karl Marx). Also known as Liebfrauenkirche, the building’s architecture and intricate stained-glass windows have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Immerse yourself in the “Scenic Enrich” experience with a private concert Photo: Scenic

The history

Europe is awash in history, both fascinating and painful, and there’s ample opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge on this journey. At the Arnhem Airborne Museum you can join a local guide to learn about the Battle of Arnhem while the Airborne Experience allows you to follow British parachutists who made their way here in 1944 to be met by cheering citizens.

At the Netherlands Open Air Museum you’ll find replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses on a 44-hectare site. In Dusseldorf, you can learn about the region’s proud history of beer making (and have a sample or two) while in Siegfried you can visit the Musikkabinett Museum and its collection of weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments.

Lest we forget: A sombre excursion to Ypres and Passchendaele to learn about the WWI Battle of Passchendaele and visit the memorial to the 325,000 allied troops who lost their lives in the horrific event.

Visit the WWI Battle of Passchendaele memorial Photo: Scenic

The Space-Ships

The Scenic Space-Ships used on European rivers welcome just up to 163 guests and feature suites that are among the largest on European rivers. All suites have butler service, with constantly replenished included mini-bars.

A Sun Deck with Vitality Pool offers 360-degree views as well as a walking track while an equipped gym with a view ensures you can keep up your fitness routine.

Complimentary e-bikes allow guests to stay active while sightseeing. Most Scenic Space-Ships also have a humidity and temperature-controlled Salt Therapy Lounge with salt brick walls known to have respiratory and immunity benefits.

Fresh al fresco: Balcony, Junior and Royal suites all have Scenic Sun Lounges, with balcony windows that open at the touch of a button to let the outside in.

Relax and enjoy on the Scenic Sun Lounges Photo: Scenic

The food and wine

With up to five on-board dining experiences focus on local and seasonal produce, but there’s plenty of opportunities to sample the best of European cuisine and wine off the ship too.

Enjoy a wine degustation reflective of the Moselle region as you cruise the river that gives this renowned wine country its name. Sample Dusseldorf’s traditional ale, altbier, while visiting local microbreweries. Visit vineyards in Mannheim, Rudesheim and Kaiserstuhl, among others. Or join a craft beer and chocolate pairing experience in Antwerp.

Sip your cru: From Kehl you can join an excursion to the Alsace wine region, famous for its grand cru, where you’ll visit Mittelbergheim, known as one of the prettiest villages in France, for a wine tasting at a local wine cellar.

Find out more

For a limited time, bookings for select 2025 departures receive a $2,200 per person savings. To take advantage of one of the nine Romantic Rhine and Moselle departures scheduled for this year visit scenic.com.au or contact your local travel consultant.

Terms and conditions

* Savings Offer: Strictly limited for new bookings departing in 2025. Full payment is due within 30 days. Once sold out or if full payment is not received the standard payment offer will apply.

Earlybird savings is a dollar discount that is available when you are not booking flights with Scenic and is not combinable with Earlybird air credit offer.

Offer includes a saving of $2,200 per person on select river cruises of 11 day on the Rhine, Main and Danube and France. Values are based on per person, twin share in AUD, strictly limited, not combinable with other offers and are subject to availability.

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person, due within 7 days of booking. For full booking terms and conditions visit www.scenic.com.au/terms-conditions. +Excludes some premium and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. # Not available on all ships.