15 Day Christmas Markets 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. After dinner you may wish to take a stroll into Dam Square to capture a glimpse of its brightly illuminated tree.

DAY 2: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
There is so much to enjoy. Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise through the cities 17th century architecture in a glass-top boat; or (2) explore Amsterdam the traditional way on a guided bicycle tour through the canals and over the wooden bridges. En route visit the Dam Square, Royal Palace and the war monument and then into the Red-Light district where you’ll see the Old church and Nieuw Market; or (3) a visit to the open-air conservation area and windmills of Zaanse Schans. Original buildings vividly depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries where once over 800 windmills industrialised this area; or (4) For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE CHOICE: 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, one of the most spectacular displays of Christmas Markets in Germany. After an Included orientation tour of the town enjoy free time to explore 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. Here you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine” out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs. The Alter Market with its half timbered stalls include puppet theatres, toy stalls and Santa’s grotto, while Rudolfplatz takes you to the world of fairy tales.

DAY 4: Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Today we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We arrive at Rüdesheim and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Home of Europe’s largest Nativity scene stroll through the 120 stalls representing 12 countries, each showcasing their customs and traditions.

DAY 5: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time exploring this quaint medieval village. Look out for the traditional glass blown ornaments made just in time for the festive season.

DAY 6: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise through Bavaria to Wurzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. It is said to be one of the loveliest baroque cities in the country and became famous as the centre of Franconian wine production. Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Würzburg is best explored on foot, on your guided walking tour stroll through the market square and see the late-Gothic Church of St. Mary before visiting the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Explore the extraordinary baroque palace, completely restored after World War II bombings. Just outside the Palace the air is filled with spicy smells from innumerable decorated stalls and the sound of traditional Christmas songs; or (2) Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a walled medieval gem overlooking the Tauber river. Although known for the all year round Christmas market the real one is just as impressive. Don’t forget to try the local specialty Schneeball (snowball); a fist-sized ball of dough strips coated in a variety of sugary temptations.

DAY 7: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax on board this morning as we sail towards Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres. Bursting with character and charm and you will enjoy the sights of this city on your Included tour. Bamberg famous for its Smokey Beer, has many local private breweries within the city. 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 8: 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 Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Nuremburg is host to Germany’s most famous Christmas market dating back to 1628 and is opened each year by Christkindl. Take a moment to breathe in the aroma of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and toasted almonds filling the air. Famous for its toy making and metal work, Nuremberg will be sure to have the perfect gift available to place under the tree.

DAY 9: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through the last stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and learn about the engineering of the step locks and how their construction has opened up the waterways from the Rhine Delta in Holland to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea. Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape. With bands, choirs and homemade goodies the city square is filled with Christmas cheer.

DAY 10: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
YourIncluded SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Appreciate the incredible value as you savour your discoveries tonight perhaps over an intimate dinner in exclusive Portobello’s fine dining restaurant.

DAY 11: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. 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 12: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: self guided audio tour before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The “Christkindlmarkt” on the square in front of City Hall is Vienna’s classic Christmas Market. Tonight be enchanted by the charm of Viennese fine arts and culture. SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein before an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 13: Vienna (FB,L,D)
Today offers three SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; with festive concerts and it very own Christmas Market or (2) visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake followed by Vienna’s most authentic Christmas markets, Spittleberg.

DAY 14: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Join your guide on an Included tour before enjoying free time this afternoon to try the local delicacies and fall under the spell of this magical time of year exploring the Hungarian Christmas markets. Tonight celebrate with Folklore music before a wonderful farewell dinner.

DAY 15: 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.