16 Day Christmas and New Year River Cruise

Amsterdam to Budapest

Overview

DAY 1: Amsterdam (D)
Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer* to your luxury Scenic Tours ‘Space-Ship’. On board be warmly welcomed by our dedicated crew. Tonight enjoy a Welcome reception with your fellow travellers.

DAY 2: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour; or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans in Amsterdam. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

DAY 3: Cologne (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise to historic Cologne, in time for the last day of one of the most spectacular displays of Christmas Markets in Germany. Enjoy free time to explore with the locals the diverse range of markets, all offering their own unique and distinct feel. Cologne Cathedral markets set against the imposing Cathedral itself, is also home to the largest Christmas Tree in Rhineland.

DAY 4: Cologne (FB,L,D)
Join your guide on your Included tour and explore the OldTown 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. 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 FREE CHOICE offer the following Included tours: (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)
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights on an Included tour of Bamberg. As part of your Included tour, you will visit Zehnthasus, a private brewery established in 1533, where you’ll meet the cellar master and enjoy one of his finest brews.

DAY 9: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and ImperialCastle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Relax on your balcony as you cruise to your next destination.

DAY 10: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through and learn about the engineering feat of the locks which opened up these waterways. Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour.

DAY 11: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries: (1) A guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg; or (3) Visit 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 Included guided tour.  During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. This afternoon your ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the wine region of the Wachau Valley to the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region or join us for a guided bike tour through the vine yards. Tonight our cruise ship arrives in Vienna.

DAY 13: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the HofburgPalace. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour Afterwards enjoy time at leisure. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 14: Vienna (FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) Visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake; or (3) an excursion to Bratislavia, Slovakia’s capital.

DAY 15: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. On your Included tour visit the Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill.

DAY 16: Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

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