16 Day Christmas & New Year Cruise

Amsterdam to Budapest

Overview

DAY 1: Amsterdam (D)
Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals, world class museums and cafés. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours “Space-Ship”. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner this evening.

DAY 2: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; (2) a guided bicycle tour of Amsterdam (limited availability); or (3) visit the windmills at Zaanse Schans. This afternoon we sail towards Germany.

DAY 3: Cologne (FB,L,D)
We arrive in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities in time for the last day of the famous Christmas markets. Enjoy shopping with the locals for traditional gifts and explore the city at your leisure.

DAY 4: Cologne (FB,L,D)
Join your guide and explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Christmas Eve in Germany is a special night celebrated with those dear to them. Relish in the spirit of this magical night as your cruise director leads you and your new found friends in a choir of Christmas Carols before celebrating your Christmas Eve Dinner.

DAY 5: Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Merry Christmas! This morning we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We’ll pass the infamous Lorelei Rock and arrive at Rüdesheim in time to enjoy our Christmas lunch onboard.

DAY 6: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time today exploring this quaint medieval village with its half-timbered houses and cobble stoned streets.

DAY 7: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace; or (2) a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, considered the best preserved medieval city in Europe.

DAY 8: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
This afternoon, we explore Bamberg with our guide and see the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. SCENICENRICH  Enjoy an exclusive beer tasting at the Zehnthaus, a private brewery established in 1533.

DAY 9: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
We commence with a guided orientation tour of the old town and see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle. We dedicate this afternoon to the history of WWII with a visit to the Documentation Centre.

DAY 10: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and during our guided walking tour we get to see the Old Chapel and visit Thurn und Taxis Castle as well as the medieval stone bridge across the Danube.

DAY 11: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided tour of Passau; or (2) a visit to charming Salzburg; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Enjoy your New Years Eve celebrations this evening with a gala dinner onboard.

DAY 12: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna (FB,L,D)
We celebrate New Years Day by discovering the magnificent Benedictine Abbey on our guided city tour of Melk. The ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley to picturesque Durnstein. This evening we arrive in Vienna.

DAY 13: Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning we explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Whether it’s strolling Vienna’s famous shopping street ‘Kärtnerstrasse’or visiting one of the many museums on offer, lose yourself in the marvel of Vienna with an opportunity to explore this magnificent city on your own. Your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this history steeped Austrian capital. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by a private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 14: Vienna (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; (2) visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese cafe: or (3) a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.

DAY 15: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Visit the Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. This evening, be entertained by folklore music on board prior to your farewell dinner.

DAY 16: Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.