Scenic Jasper cruising the Moselle Valley, Germany
31 Jul 2025 | Read time 7 MINS
The Romantic Rhine & Moselle Rivers: Your Guide to Scenic Freechoice
WORDS by Tatyana Leonov
On a Scenic all-inclusive river cruise, the difference is in the details. Just one of these is curating your journey based on your passions.

You can choose from a range of included excursions to make your experience your own.

The Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary will take you along one of the world’s most picturesque rivers, cruising from Amsterdam to Basel. Be inspired by how you can discover these serene waterways, whether its history or cuisine and culture that fascinates you most.

Dordrecht

History
Is there anything more Dutch than a windmill? Travel to the village of Kinderdjik to see its 19 World Heritage-listed windmills, a fascinating system that has been keeping the soil dry for centuries.

Cuisine & Culture
The name Gouda is synonymous with cheese and this delicious city is a just a short drive from Dordrecht. Visit a local cheese farm to learn about the traditional cheesemaking practices that date back centuries and taste some of their creamy, buttery gouda. 

Gouda Cheese Market
Gouda Cheese Market, The Netherlands
Bruinisse

History
Another of The Netherlands’ engineering marvels, the Delta Works is a vast complex of dams, locks, levees and storm surge barriers that protect this fertile plain from the sea. It was one of the largest construction projects in the nation’s history and an awe-inspiring example of man’s power to reshape nature.

Cuisine & Culture
The crisp, cold waters of the North Sea are perfect for oysters. Visit an oyster farm to sample these delicious, plump shellfish pulled straight from the sea. As well as an indulgent tasting, you’ll also learn about the growing and harvesting process.

Delta Works, The Netherlands
Delta Works, The Netherlands
Antwerp

History
The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the most terrible of the First World War, destroying the landscape and taking the lives of almost half a million soldiers. Hear moving stories of courage and tragedy as you explore the cemeteries and memorials that dot the former battlefields.

Cuisine & Culture
Antwerp is the Diamond Capital of the World – more than 80% of the world’s rough stones will pass through this elegant city. On a guided walking tour, you’ll learn about this storied history and admire the grand houses built by diamond money.

Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, Belgium
Arnhem

History
Dating back to 1685, Palais Het Loo was the summer home of the Dutch royal family for centuries. Walking through the elaborately decorated rooms and spectacular gardens, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back into the opulence of the 17th century.

Cuisine & Culture
Be immersed in Dutch daily life across the years at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Houses, barns and mills have been transported from all over the country to recreate an authentic village where you can learn about the lives of ordinary people and the ‘small’ stories that are often overlooked by history. 

Open Air Museum, Arnhem
Netherlands Open Air Museum, Arnhem

Dusseldorf

History
Hop on a bike and discover some of Dusseldorf’s most famous sites on two wheels. Riding along the banks of the Rhine, you’ll journey from the striking modern buildings of MedienHafen through quiet residential districts and onto Kaiserpfalz, a castle that protected the city for more than 1,000 years.

Cuisine & Culture
Dusseldorf is renowned as a city of the arts, famed for its modern architecture and world-class galleries. Discover its artistic gems on a guided tour then spend some time inside the incredible K21 Museum, home to a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art.

Cruising Day

Relax and admire the breathtaking scenery as you sail through the Moselle Valley. The banks are lined with terraced vineyards, storybook villages and charming half-timbered houses. Ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite and look out through your Scenic Sun Lounge or join your fellow guests for a cocktail on the Sun Deck.

Scenic Opal cruising the Moselle Valley Scenic Opal cruising the Moselle Valley
Scenic Opal cruising the Moselle Valley
Cochem

History
Take things slowly and discover the medieval magic of Cochem on foot. This guided tour will show you the 14th century Enderttor (city gates), the 18th century Town Hall and the many well-preserved half-timbered houses. Then explore the fairytale Reichsburg Castle, towering dramatically above the city.

Cuisine & Culture
Explore on two wheels with an active e-bike tour. You’ll get to see more of the area, cycling along the Moselle River, through the winding streets of Cochem, up to Reichsburg Castle, and on to the charming villages of Valwig and Beilstein.

Walking tour, Cochem, Germany
Walking tour, Cochem
Bernkastel

History
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans in the first century. A fascinating guided tour will take you back through the centuries, from the ancient Porta Nigra (Black Gate), bathhouses and bridge to the charming medieval town centre.

Cuisine & Culture
Sip and savour some of the Moselle Valley’s finest drops on a guided wine tour. This fertile valley is a vintner’s paradise and has been producing the world’s best Riesling for more than 500 years. Visit a local winery, meet the winemaker and raise a glass.

Moselle Valley Reisling Tasting, Bernkastel
Moselle Valley Reisling Tasting, Bernkastel

Scenic Enrich

Tonight is a once-in-a-lifetime experience included for all guests. Sit down in the magnificent Liebfrauenkirche, a World Heritage-listed cathedral in the ancient city of Trier, for an inspiring classical concert. The music will resonate through the soaring stone interiors, immersing you in sound.

Liebfrauenkirche classical concert, Trier, Germany Liebfrauenkirche classical concert, Trier, Germany
Liebfrauenkirche classical concert, Trier, Germany
Koblenz

History
Marksburg Castle is one of the few medieval fortresses along the Rhine River that was never captured or destroyed. Now a World Heritage site, it has been inhabited for 700 years and is a spectacular piece of living history. Tackle the steep walk up the hill to marvel at this beautifully preserved masterpiece.

Cuisine & Culture
The beautiful town of Limburg could have been pulled straight from the pages of a fairytale. On an excursion exclusively for Scenic guests, you’ll walk its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, admire the grand cathedral and taste a traditional pastry made with Limburger Säcker cheese at the town’s oldest bakery.

Marksburg Castle, Germany
Marksburg Castle, Germany
Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

History
Visit the quirky Siegfrieds Musikkabinett Museum for a look back at three centuries of weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. You’ll be charmed by the collection of more than 400 self-playing instruments and rare music boxes.

Cuisine & Culture
The rolling vineyards of Rudesheim are famous for their Riesling. Join a local guide for a hike through the vines, taking in the sweeping views of the river and valley below. Then relax with a cable car ride on the descent.

Rudesheim vineyards, Germany
Rudesheim vineyards, Germany
Mannheim

History
Considered one of the most romantic cities in Germany, Heidelberg is dotted with grand houses, ornate fountains, beautiful squares and charming shops. Visit Heidelburg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and see the great Heidelburg Tun, the largest wine barrel in the world.

Cuisine & Culture
Travel to Bad Durkheim in the heart of the Pfalz wine region and visit the Fritz-Ritter estate, a ninth-generation family-owned winery. Learn about their rich history on a guided tour and tasting, exclusive to Scenic guests.

Heidelburg Castle, Germany
Heidelburg Castle, Germany

Strasbourg

History
Vines were first planted in Alsace in Roman times, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Taste thousands of years of history in a glass on an immersive tour of a local cellar, then explore the pretty town of Mittelbergheim.

Cuisine & Culture
More than 500 kilometres of cycling trails wind around Strasbourg, passing historic buildings, beautiful parklands and charming canals. Hop on an e-bike for a guided tour, riding along the riverbank, crossing over bridges and spotting some of the city’s most famous sights.

Breisach

History
With colourful, half-timbered houses dating back as far as the 14th century, and quaint canals, it's easy to see why the village of Colmar is known as ‘little Venice’. Explore its cobblestone streets, winding canals and bustling markets while learning about its blend of French and German cultures.

Cuisine & Culture
The volcanic soil and sunny climate of the Kaiserstuhl region makes for exceptional pinot noir, pinot gris and pinot blanc. Drive through the beautiful hilly vineyards to visit a local winery and taste some of their delicious wines.

Colmar, France
Colmar, France

Your Romantic Rhine and Moselle journey concludes in the Swiss city of Basel. Whether you have traced the footsteps of history or savoured the region’s distinctive culture and cuisine, you’ll leave with lasting memories of a unique journey, curated to your passions.

Featured Itineraries

Explore our itineraries below and discover the remarkable destinations that await you.
Amsterdam to Basel

15 Days

SEASON: 2026

Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Picturesque valleys and vines of Europe

From
NZD
$6,845*
Brussels to Zurich

18 Days

SEASON: 2026

Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Bruges

Picturesque valleys and vines of Europe with Bruges

From
NZD
$11,390*
Amsterdam to Zurich

19 Days

SEASON: 2026

Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland

Picturesque valleys and vines of Europe with Switzerland

From
NZD
$13,220*