14-15 August
Setting sail from Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Don't miss
If you are a music lover, you can’t miss a performance at the Opera House – affordable, and great music in a wonderful building.
16-17 August
Austria: Vienna
Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.
18 August
Austria: Dürnstein
One of the prettiest towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley, little Dürnstein charms visitors with its handsome 16th century architecture. Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in the castle that sits on the hillside above the town, and the region is also famous for its wine.
18 August
Austria: Melk
The riverside village of Melk is best known for its spectacular abbey, a Baroque masterpiece that dominates the landscape. A Benedictine abbey was first established here in 1089, and the 18th century reconstruction that you can see today is still a working monastery.
19 August
Austria: Linz (Salzburg)
The city of Linz is included on river cruise itineraries due to its proximity to Salzburg, which is where you’ll most likely be headed. Salzburg’s Altstadt attracts millions of visitors every year with its fairytale skyline of domes and spires, and the city is renowned as both the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for ‘The Sound of Music’.
20 August
Germany: Regensburg
Originally founded by the Celts and later an important Roman settlement, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s lesser known gems. Situated on the northernmost bend of the Danube, it’s a friendly and laid back city, with an exceptionally well preserved medieval centre.
21 August
Germany: Nuremberg
Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second city, first pops up in the history books in 1050 as a stronghold of the Franks, and later became the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays the city is a tourist magnet thanks to the beautifully restored old town, Christmas markets and excellent beer.
22 August
Germany: Bamberg
Bamberg’s eye-catching, UNESCO-listed old town is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany. The city was briefly capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and the city centre is still dominated by the 13th century cathedral. There are also plenty of breweries, and you shouldn’t leave without trying Bamberg’s famous smoked beer.
23 August
Germany: Würzburg
The handsome town of Würzburg, situated on the river Main between Nuremberg and Frankfurt, was ruled for centuries by a succession of powerful prince-bishops. Although much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War, the majestic 18th century Residenz palace stands as a testament to the wealth of the bishopric.
24 August
Germany: Wertheim
The picturesque medieval town of Wertheim sits at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers, and is known for its castle, cobbled streets and charming half-timbered houses. The surrounding countryside is perfect for a bike ride, a gentle hike or a wine tasting tour.
24 August
Germany: Miltenberg
The quaint little Bavarian town of Miltenberg sits on the Main river to the southeast of Frankfurt, with a beautiful old town that survived the Second World War unscathed. Timber-framed buildings lean at jaunty angles overhead, not least in the ‘Black Quarter’, where the streets are so narrow that the sunlight barely reaches ground level.
25 August
Germany: Rüdesheim
The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.
26 August
Germany: Cologne
Cologne is a wonderfully warm and welcoming city, its skyline dominated by one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time in the attractive Altstadt (Old Town), home to beer halls aplenty and some fascinating museums.
27-28 August
Netherlands: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. There is a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
28 August
France: Paris
Paris is a joyful expression of all that is glorious about France, a city of rarified tastes, romantic riverside walks and the occasional rather rude waiter. Culture vultures will be in seventh heaven, with a plethora of galleries and museums housing some of the finest art collections in the world, and the restaurant scene is absolutely first class.
29 August
France: Les Andelys
The picturesque town of Les Andelys, situated on a bend in the river Seine, is best known for the ruins of Château Gaillard. Richard the Lionheart ordered the construction of this imposing fortress at the end of the 12th century, and it took just two years to build, a remarkable feat.
30-31 August
France: Rouen
Rouen has endured a turbulent history: it was here that Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431, and much of the city was destroyed during World War II. Many cruise visitors head straight for Paris, an hour away by train, which is a shame since there’s so much to see in Rouen, including a beautiful cathedral and the atmospheric Medieval quarter.
1-2 September
France: Honfleur
Situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, Honfleur was once one of France’s most important ports. It was also a favourite location of Monet and the Impressionists, and art lovers may well recognise the elegant Renaissance architecture of the old harbour, the Vieux Bassin.
3 September
France: Caudebec
4 September
France: Vernon
The picturesque town of Vernon, with its timber-framed houses and medieval church, is a pleasant place for a riverside stroll, but most visitors are just passing through en route to Claude Monet’s house and beautiful gardens in the nearby village of Giverny.
4-5 September
France: La Roche-Guyon, Conflans Sainte Honorine
5-7 September
Arriving in Paris
Paris is a joyful expression of all that is glorious about France, a city of rarified tastes, romantic riverside walks and the occasional rather rude waiter. Although the sights will be familiar even to first-time visitors, this does nothing to lessen their impact; a word like 'iconic' doesn't quite do justice to that first glimpse of Gustave Eiffel's famous tower looming over the Seine. Culture vultures will be in seventh heaven, with a plethora of galleries and museums housing some of the finest art collections in the world, and the restaurant scene is absolutely first class.
Our tip
The latest ‘up and coming’ neighbourhood changes on a regular basis, though districts such as Montmartre and the Latin Quarter retain a timeless appeal.
Your home from home
Scenic's original Space-Ships, Ruby and Pearl, accommodate 159 guests and offer a luxurious way to explore the great rivers of Europe.
What we love
Sleek and contemporary, with an extensive list of onboard inclusions, Scenic's aptly named Space-Ships are renowned for their high levels of personal service, relaxed ambience and inviting public areas.
Capacity | 159 Guests |
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Crew | 59 European Staff |
Style | Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
A taste of Hungary
If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.
Extend your stay in Paris
There are so many fantastic hotels. For good value and peace, how about the Grandes Ecoles, beautifully secluded.
Day trips from Paris
If you’ve time, go out to Versailles for a fascinating visit to the great palace.