The Rhine River to the Sound of Music

The perfect travel experience for lovers of the outdoors and history, this trip inspired by The Sound of Music brings the beauty of the Alps and familiar views from the silver screen to life. You’ll hear all the stories of Bavaria and beyond spending quality time with locals.

As you journey along the Rhine River and its lovely tributary the Moselle, you will discover all the natural beauty that is on offer. Around every river bend is a captivating scene of historic buildings, crumbling castles, rolling vineyards or tiny villages. This itinerary gives you a wonderful mix of time to relax on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship, as well as ample opportunity to discover the rich history and culture along the banks of these incredible rivers.

Your Fly, Cruise & Tour Package Includes:

• $2500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Basel with breakfast
• 7 night Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle river cruise onboard Scenic Jewel, Basel to Frankfurt
• Includes 20 meals, complimentary beverages, butler service, activities, airport transfers plus more
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Frankfurt with breakfast
• 8 night Sound of Music guided tour with Trafalgar, Munich to Vienna
• Includes cherry-picked hotels, 12 meals, must-see sightseeing, airport transfers plus more
• Select private transfers throughout

Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 23 April – 12 May 2024

Solo traveller available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 - Basel

Welcome to Basel where the crew of your Scenic Space-Ship will warmly greet you. Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Day 2 - Breisach

We will arrive in Breisach this morning. Located between the Rhine River and the Black Forest, Breisach is a food and wine destination that shares its border with the Alsace region. It was almost destroyed during WWII but was meticulously rebuilt with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

Day 3 - Rastatt

This morning your Space-Ship will dock in Ratstatt, your base for today’s explorations. Set on the northern edge of the Black Forest region, it has a well-preserved Baroque centre and a vibrant modern arts and theatre scene.  Enjoy a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and a hearty breakfast at Crystal Dining before setting of on a day of sightseeing.

Day 4 - Rüdesheim

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the charming town of Rudesheim this morning. Surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia, Rudesheim is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.

Day 5 - Cochem

You will arrive in Cochem this morning. An historic gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you are stepping directly into a medieval romance. The traditional town is nestled on the riverbanks, with pastel-coloured buildings, half-timbered houses, cobbled laneways and an enchanting medieval hilltop castle surrounded by sloped vineyards.

Day 6 - Bernkastel

Wake this morning in Bernkastel. Another wonderfully preserved riverside town, Bernkastel is home to an atmospheric market square with buildings that date to the 13th century; one of the world’s most famous riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor; and the ruins of Landshut Castle, where archaeological remains from the 4th and 5th centuries were discovered in 2012.

Day 7 - Koblenz

Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Koblenz, later this afternoon.

Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, Koblenz is a melange of French and German cultures and one of Germany’s oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years. Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forest and mountain ranges, and is also known as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Day 8 - Mainz > Frankfurt

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Frankfurt airport.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 / Welcome to Munich

Willkommen in München – which you will have an opportunity to explore before embarking on your lyrical sojourn through the Sound of Music. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable Welcome Reception to kick-start your leisurely meander through Germany and Austria.

Day 2 / Discover Bavarian Munich

Embark on a morning orientation tour past some of the city's most renowned sites, See the distinctive towers of the Cathedral as well as Marienplatz, the central square and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel during your orientation. The  13th C. St. Peter’s church and the Viktualien food market square and a beerhall are only a short walk from here. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city's Old Town or consider an Optional Experience to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, the first of the Nazi camps established in Germany. This evening, connect with the city's rich beer heritage and consider a memorable night out for a dinner of local specialties.

Day 3 / Onwards to Neuschwanstein Castle and Garmisch

Journey to Neuschwanstein Castle, built as a retreat for shy King Ludwig II to retire from public life. Continue through Bavaria, arriving in Garmisch. Tonight you'll dine in your hotel.

Day 4 / Spend a Day in Alpine Innsbruck

The Nordkette mountains beckon today in this capital of Tyrol. We spend a leisurely day against a magnificent alpine backdrop, exploring the city's iconic sights. Admire Emperor Maximilian I's ornate Golden Roof, then maybe take a trip up the funicular for spectacular views, or see the Hofburg Palace. Marvel at the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.

Day 5 / Journey to Salzburg

Spend a soul-stirring morning connecting with the astounding natural beauty of Berchtesgaden. You'll want to take in all the spectacular views on an Optional Experience visit to Eagle's Nest, intended as a mountain retreat for Hitler and his inner circle. See the awe-inspiring mountain landscape and learn about the area's fascinating history before arriving in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for the 'The Sound of Music.'

Day 6 / Explore Spectacular Salzburg Connect with Locals

Join your Local Specialist for a tour of the city's iconic highlights including Getreidegasse, the Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and many of the locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music'. Leave the sounds of Salzburg behind for lakeside Mondsee, where you'll visit Mondsee Abbey, the one-time Benedictine monastery that served as the church where Captain Von Trapp and Maria were married in the film. This afternoon travel to Faistenau where we will Connect With Locals on a farm just outside Salzburg. The Klaushofer family and their resident bees are your hosts for an exclusive Be My Guest experience and family dinner with delicious home-made cheese strudel.

Day 7 / Off to Mondsee and Vienna

Leave the sounds of Salzburg behind for lakeside Mondsee, where you'll see Mondsee Abbey, the church of St. Michael that served as the church where Captain Von Trapp and Maria were married in 'The Sound of Music'. Gaze at the mountains and green fields as we leave the Salzkammergut region and journey eastward towards the regal Austrian capital, Vienna. There's no better introduction to the City of Music than a traditional dinner and local entertainment which you could enjoy as part of tonight's Optional Experience.

Day 8 / See the Sights of Vienna Dive Into Culture

Enjoy an exclusive guided visit of the Habsburg royal collection of art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, prior to admission of the general public. Dive Into Culture and visit the Kunstkammer during this private insider visit. Later, your Local Specialist will show you the city's major landmarks and palaces during your included sightseeing tour. The magic continues with a walking tour through the oldest parts of the city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 / Farewell Vienna

We say a fond farewell to newfound friends and the beauty of Vienna at the end of an unforgettable experience.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 28 September 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.