In addition to all the included sightseeing and attractions, Scenic FreeChoice provides an extra selection of activities in the key cities and regions of Europe. Scenic FreeChoice should not be confused with what are sometimes called "optional tours" that other operators charge extra for. All Scenic FreeChoice activities are included in your tour price so, regardless of which you choose, there is nothing extra to pay. Our exclusive Scenic FreeChoice inclusions offer you the freedom to personalize your touring experiences to suit your individual taste. We understand that guests interests differ from one person to the next, so we give you the opportunity to tailor your vacation. Simply select the Scenic FreeChoice activity that you would like, and we take care of the rest - it's all part of our fully inclusive touring, with no extra cost to you. You don't even have to decide everything all at once.
Your arrival destination activity must be chosen prior to travel, with all other destination choices decided on tour. You may choose one Scenic FreeChoice activity per city. .jpg) .jpg)
Scenic FreeChoice activities are offered in Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Passau, Vienna and Budapest. Whether you want a full day of sightseeing or a quintessential European experience, there is a Scenic FreeChoice just perfect for you. Here are some examples: Extensive Day Tours - Venture into the heart of Bohemia in the Czech Republic for a visit to the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov.
- Travel through the Bavarian countryside to the Austrian setting of the Sound of Music, historic Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart..
Historic Sites - Visit the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, home to the Imperial Hapsburg dynasty for over 400 years.
- Tour the Bishop's Residenz in Wurzburg, famous for its Baroque architecture.
Unique Experiences - Make like a local and soak in the healing thermal waters of Budapest's renowned Szechenyi Bath.
- Experience the tradition enjoyed by 19th Century European literary geniuses and poets, with coffee and cake in a Vienesse Kaffeehaus (coffee house).
 
For a full list of the Scenic FreeChoice inclusions you may choose from on 2010 cruise departures, please click on the cities below:
Coach and Canal Boat Tour
See Amsterdam's famous sites from two perspectives – by motor coach and glass top boat. You will marvel at the elegant merchant’s residences, magnificent churches and historic warehouses, as your boatman navigates the maze of quaint canals. On your motor coach you will visit such famous sites as Dam Square and the floating flower market.
Amsterdam Bicycle Tour
Explore Amsterdam like a local, on a guided bicycle tour. You’ll go to places inaccessible to motorized transport, such as the Jordan, the working class neighborhood from the 17th Century, now a trendy spot to live, and the Vondelpark, the green lungs of Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans – Windmills and Dutch Cheese
Take an excursion to Zaanse Schans, a delightful village on the banks of the river Zaan, with wooden houses typical of the area, charming gardens, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. Visit a traditional cheese farm to see how Dutch cheese is produced, a wooden shoe maker and an active windmill. |
Wurzburg Tour and Bishop’s Residenz
Enjoy a guided tour of the Franconian town of Wurzburg, which features a large shopping area as well as many coffee houses, pubs and restaurants. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the magnificent Prince Bishop's Residenz Palace designed by leading Baroque architects. If you have the stamina, you can also climb up to Wurzburg’s grand fortress castle.
Romantic Road Excursion to Rothenburg
Take a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe. You will see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous city councillor’s tavern and the legendary "Master Draught". You might also like to visit the Christmas Museum, which pulls you into a fairy-tale of cinnamon, Christmas Trees and glass ornaments.
Wine Cellar Visit at the State Court Cellar
Visit the most famous wine cellar in Germany. The wine cellar, located below the Bishop’s Residenz was built in 1719. Venture in to this enormous area to learn more about the history of the cellar and even get a chance to taste 3 locally produced wines. |
Cesky Krumlov Day Trip
Step back into the middle ages in Ceský Krumlov, and wonder if you really have gone back in time or if you are in a fairytale movie set. Located in the Czech Republic, it is called Bohemia´s heart and is a World Heritage site. After a guided tour and included lunch you’ll have time to explore the Shiele Museum, wax museum, gothic church, monastery, town hall and other sites in this 13th Century wonder.
Salzburg Day Trip
Travel to the magical city of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of Mozart and the setting for "The Sound of Music". This is a full day tour, which takes you through the scenic farming area of Bavaria and into Austria. You’ll stop at Oberndorf to see the Chapel where Silent Night was composed and at the castle Hellbrunn to see the Gazebo from “The Sound of Music”. Also included is a walking tour of Salzburg, renowned as a city of music and culture.
Passau Walking Tour
Walk the streets with your local guide to appreciate Passau´s beautiful Baroque and Gothic architecture. Located at the confluence of three rivers - the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz – you’ll see the pilgrimage church Maria Hilf with its famous stair case, and the castle Vest Oberhaus, which overlooks the town, and visit St. Stephen´s cathedral and City Hall, if possible. |
Schonbrunn Palace
Go on a guided tour of the gorgeous Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial Habsburg dynasty for over 400 years. You will see the rooms where Maria Theresia and Kaiser Franz Joseph lived and worked and pass Belvedere Palace, the summer residence of Prinz Eugen.
Coffee and Cake
Savour the strong, fresh flavor of Viennese coffee paired with your choice of authentic German style cakes as you experience the centuries old tradition of visiting a true Vienna coffee house at the world renowned, Café Landmann. Try the famous Viennese cake Sachertorte – a rich chocolate cake with a divine chocolate coating and a thin apricot jelly strip. On your way to the Café, you’ll see some of the historic buildings of Vienna, including the Opera House. |
City Tour of Budapest
See the highlights of this magical city, including a visit to Castle Hill, where you’ll marvel at the views overlooking Budapest, and see the Mathias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion, and the Buda Castle. Drive throughout the city, passing Parliament, St. Steven Basilica, City Park, the Opera House, and the Great Synagogue and stopping at historic Heroes Square.
Budapest Baths
Take your swimming suit and go for a soak at the Szechenyi Bath, one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Opened in 1879, Szechenyi Bath has the deepest and the hottest thermal spring in Budapest. You can relax in one of the 3 open-air pools or in one of the 12 inside pools.
House of Terror Memorial Park
Learn more about the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes in 20th century Hungary at the House of Terror. It contains striking exhibits and a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building. Please note that this tour is suggested for dedicated history buffs only, as the content is quite graphic. |
NEW FOR 2011! - Scenic FreeTime - explore at your leisure On 2011 departures, in addition to our innovative Scenic FreeChoice opportunities, in several locations we also have a new concept for those who prefer to be independent. Wander at your own pace, stop and start whenever you wish, linger as long as you like. We provide an audio device and a map, so that you can meander at your own pace and enjoy detailed commentary at set locations. Embark on a journey of discovery in many locations along the waterways, including some of the following cities: - Amsterdam
Amble through the charming canals, past the 16th century merchant houses and admire the stunning architecture. - Bamberg
Immerse yourself in 1000 years of history and heritage. At your own pace, visit some of the many breweries, ornate mansions and palaces and impressive churches located in Bamberg. - Vienna
Famed for its coffeehouses and Opera, wander at your own pace and listen as the commentary really brings the city to life. - Heidelberg
Stroll through the imposing gates of the Old Town area and discover the treasures of this city, which is home to one of the Rhine's most distinctive landmarks, Heidelberg Castle.
We have also made a few changes to our Scenic FreeChoice offerings for 2011. For a full list of the Scenic FreeChoice inclusions you may choose from on 2011 cruise departures, please click on the cities below:
Canal Boat Cruise
You will marvel at the elegant merchant's residences, magnificent churches and historic warehouses as your boatman navigates the maze of Amsterdam's quaint canals in a glass top boat.
Windmills and Tulips
Take an excursion to Zaanse Schans, a delightful village on the banks of the river Zaan, with wooden houses typical of the area, charming gardens, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. You'll even have the chance to sample some locally produced Dutch cheese.
Guided Bicycle Tour
Take a guided bicycle tour and see Amsterdam the Dutch way. As you make your way through the canals stop and see Amsterdam's famous sights.
Anne Frank House
Visit the former hiding place of the most renowned Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and is the backdrop for Anne's now famous diary. |
Guided Walking Tour
Explore the medieval village of Wertheim on foot, and see the half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets of this quaint German village.
Guided Hike along the Tauber River
Enjoy a guided hike along the Tauber River from the confluence of where it joins the Main River. The picturesque Tauber Valley is renowned for its art, culture and wines.
Guided Bicycle Tour
Enjoy a leisurely cycle along the flat terrain of the Main River, an ideal way to see the beautiful German countryside. |
Romantic Road to Rothenburg
Take a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe. Along the way see picturesque towns and fairytale castles.
Guided Walking Tour and Residenz
Go for a guided walk through Wurzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop's Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site acclaimed for its baroque architecture and manicured gardens.
Bicycle Tour
See the sights of the Bavarian town of Wurzburg at your own pace, on a leisurely self-guided bicycle tour. |
Cesky Krumlov Day Trip
Take a full day excursion to the Czech Republic to explore the 13th Century town of Cesky Krumlov, and wonder if you have gone back in time or if you are in a fairytale movie set. Located on the Vltava River, this UNESCO World Heritage site was once part of an important trade route.
Salzburg - "The Sound of Music"
Visit Salzburg, the setting for the famous musical 'The Sound of Music' and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Enjoy lunch at Salzburg's oldest restaurant, dating back to 803.
Passau Guided Tour
Walk the streets with your local guide to appreciate Passau's beautiful Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore the cobblestone streets and graceful arcades before cruising to Linz. |
Schonbrunn Palace
Once home to Austria's Imperial family, Schonbrunn Palace is one of Europe's most beautiful baroque palaces. Take a guided tour of this majestic palace and gardens.
Elegance of Vienna
Visit the Vienna State Opera House, which dates back to the mid 19th Century, then experience the centuries-old tradition of visiting a true Vienesse cafe for coffee and cake.
Bratislava
Travel to Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, where you will enjoy a guided tour including the enchanting Old City, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin. |
Guided City Tour
See the highlights of this magical city, including the Royal Palace of Buda. You'll marvel at the views from the medieval town on Castle Hill and travel across the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.
Thermal Baths
Take your swimming suit and go for a soak at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. Treat yourself to a relaxing experience that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Communism Heritage and Memorial Park
Visit the House of Terror Museum, containing exhibits relating to Hungary's communist past before moving on to Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the regimes victims. |
*Strasbourg Scenic FreeChoice activities are only available on the Romantic Rhine & Moselle Cruise.
Alsace Wine Region
Enjoy a guided tour through the French vineyards and beautiful medieval villages of the Alsace region. Sample regional wines at a local winery.
Guided Walking Tour, Strasbourg
Stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and an original local brewery. |
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