Cruise your own way, with river cruises tailored to your tastes

Think European river cruising only appeals to one style of traveller?

Think again. The beauty – and indeed one of the biggest reasons to cruise the storied waterways of west and central Europe – is the sheer diversity around every river bend.

More than differences in history or architecture as you hop from each city, town or region to the next, you can stop in a single port and have a completely different experience to guests on the same cruise.

How? It’s about freedom and choice – or ‘Scenic Freechoice’ – and with Scenic, it’s all included.

Whether snaking through the Netherlands, meandering through Germany, or falling in love with France, Scenic Freechoice excursions allow you to tailor the journey to your own desires.

Take the Romantic Rhine & Moselle itinerary from Amsterdam to Zurich, for example.

On top of a roll call of enchanting visited cities such as the worlds diamond capital, Antwerp, Rüdesheim or even Strasbourg over 15 days – in luxurious suites featuring butler service and exquisite gourmet cuisine – you have up to 35 distinctive Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from.

Here are just some of the ways to personalise your cruise.

Dordrecht, Netherlands

Excursion to Delft: Much like windmills and clogs, blue and white Delftware pottery is one of the Netherland’s great exports.

So why not visit the source? Plates, vases, cups and even those aforementioned clogs are just some of the artistic treasures in this picturesque city.

Walking tour of Dordrecht: The oldest city in Holland, Dordrecht has a storied reputation and rich trading past.

More than 1,000 monuments fill its streets and boulevards, with many converted into theatres, restaurants and museums.

Antwerp, Belgium

Excursion to Ypres and Passchendaele: Though known as the diamond capital of Europe, Antwerp is also a fine jump-off point for WWI history.

Visit memorials dedicated to the 325,000 Allied troops who made the ultimate sacrifice and fascinating insights into how the region was rebuilt in the aftermath.

Craft beer and chocolate: Alhough you may consider it an unlikely match, pairing dark or milk chocolate with Belgian brews can be surprisingly delicious, as complementary flavours bring out notes you may not expect.

You could try a Belgian Dubbel with nutty chocolate, or maybe a tart Lambic, which is balanced by the smooth creaminess of white chocolate.

Bruinisse, Netherlands

Visit Delta Works: One of the most ambitious engineering feats ever built, this complex network of dams, sluices, locks, dykes and levees protects low-lying provinces from the surging power of the North Sea. Naturally, it’s a must-visit on any Dutch itinerary.

Open the world of oysters: The crisp cold waters of the North Sea are ideal for farming delicious and plump oysters.

Visit a local oyster farm where you will learn about the hard work and dedication it takes to farm these delicious oysters – and of course, enjoy an oyster tasting!

Dusseldorf, Germany

Explore the City of Art: It’s no secret Dusseldorf residents adore art – it adorns on walls, streets, towers and even stretches into the Rhine River itself.

Numerous museums and galleries call the city home, with the K21 Museum in particular celebrated for its contemporary collection.

Cycling along the Rhine: Balancing e-bike exploration with history and culture, this cycling tour weaves along river banks, over cobbled streets and into the old quarter of Düsseldorf-Kaiserswerth. The 12th-century castle is a must for striking views.

Cochem, Germany

Cycle through Cochem: Meandering along Moselle River with an e-bike , this tour passes through the shadow of 11th century Reichsburg Castle – high on the hill above the village – alongside half-timbered houses and into the nearby towns of Valwig and Belstein.

Walking tour of Cochem: Delving deeper into the secrets of Reichsburg, hearing stories of apparitions and a princess rescued from the clutches of an evil sorcerer, this tour also allows free time to stroll Cochem’s streets at your own pace.

Strasbourg, France

Savour the Alsace wine region: Famed for dry riesling and rose-scented gewurztraminer, Alsace traces its roots to the days of the Roman Empire. Following free time in Obernai – dubbed the best of Alsace in one place – you’ll then visit Mittelbergheim for wine tasting in a local cellar.

Walking tour of Strasbourg: Pretty as a picture all year round, Strasbourg offers a unique mix of French and German architecture, culture and cuisine.

This active tour is your ticket to it all, as you stroll by half-timbered houses built across a delta in Petit France, gaze in awe at the Cathedral, and view the UNESCO listed island at the city’s heart.

Sound like your kind of holiday? Only Scenic provides this level of flexibility and freedom. The hardest part is deciding which excursions to take… and that’s a fun challenge to have.

Naturally, you’ll also spend some quality time embracing the joys of your Scenic Space-Ship.

This 5-star sanctuary offers with unrivalled inclusions from world-class dining at a choice of venues, premium drinks all-day, complimentary personalised mini-bar, luxurious suites with butler service and no more than 163 guests.

From the moment you step on board, every desire is taken care of, with impeccably trained staff going to the Nth Degree to ensure each magic moment is tailored to your needs.

Now is the time to secure your 2026 or 2027 ultra-luxury Europe river cruise with Scenic. Visit scenic.com.au, call 138 128 or contact your local Travel Advisor.

This article was produced in collaboration with Scenic.