Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest and prettiest cities.

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. (D)

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873, when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. At Christmas time, it comes alive with twinkling lights strewn around the city, wooden huts popping up in magnificent locations and seductive scents filling the air with festive spices.

Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:

• Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square.
• Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the underground former hospital that is furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. This is an exciting part of history. The underground is moderately flat but there are a few stairs to get there and then again once inside.
• Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round, allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season.
• Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you may like to hop on board Scenic's e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) to explore the city on two wheels or find one of the city's famous ruin bars – housed in abandoned buildings – to enjoy an afternoon drink. Alternatively, make your way back to your luxury Space-Ship to relax in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. You will set sail for Vienna later this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Today enjoy the amenities on board as you continue to cruise towards the Austrian capital, Vienna. Vienna oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. (B/L/D)

Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich:

• Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra.?An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you'll be seated in Vienna's largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you'll remember for a lifetime.

A city full of grandeur, Vienna comes alive during the festive season. A visit to the Austrian imperial capital during this time of the year will create some unique, magical moments.

See the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, all lit up with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations. You'll also enjoy the city's musical heritage in full display with the sounds of famous festive tunes and classical pieces around every corner. After all, you're in the City of Music, which fostered musical geniuses like Mozart and Beethoven. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore your way with today's selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. As you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
• Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
• Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is overflowing with history, eleganceelegance, and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you extended free time to explore as you wish.

Freechoice: Today arrive in the charming town of Krems, located in the spectacular Wachau Valley where we have a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

• Göttweig Abbey: Visit the magnificent Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria.
• Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age old traditions of wine making while sampling delicious wines produced on site.
• E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Dürnstein. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Later we cruise to the quaint town of Dürnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time exploring this charming town before we set sail. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Today, choose from three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions.

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Brandstatt, from where you will journey via coach to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. This storybook city has a thriving art scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music, a Baroque old town where you'll find Mozart's birthplace, and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, which sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. After some free time to explore the thriving Christmas markets that grace the city - some of the oldest advent markets in the world -, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the German city of Passau.
• Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Brandstatt, journey via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful UNESCO World Heritage town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its vast array of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Your local guide will be on hand to offer expertise on the best way to spend your free time., such as at the Christmas Markets in the Old Town square.
• Highlights of Passau: Stay on board as you cruise to Passau. Situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, Passau has been an important trading route for centuries, in particular for its trade of the 'White Gold', Salt. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the 3 rivers and admire the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral: originally built in the year 450, the church proudly?stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire?ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its?current form with an Italian-style exterior complete?with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world's largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.

Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore on a walking tour. Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria all while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period. Your tour will end at the lively Christmas Markets, where you will have free time to delight in the festive atmosphere. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city today. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.

Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies. The boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws'. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Make your choice from this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg's city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien's Church and market square.
• The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your expert local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany's Nazi regime. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place.
• Traditional Gingerbread cooking class: Nürnberger Lebkuchen was invented by medieval monks in Germany during the 13th century. Today join an experienced local chef and learn how to bake this soft, moist and nutty traditional German gingerbread yourself. Enjoy tasting this regional delight whilst learning about the region and its history. You may be surprised how different this is to today's modern-day gingerbread.

Built on seven hills, this UNESCO-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice' and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills – are some of the incredible places you'll see during your guided city tour.

This morning, you will tour the Old Town, one of Europe's largest intact city centres, featuring a range of stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings. After lunch, your Space-Ship sets sail towards Würzburg, the perfect opportunity to enjoy your time in the wellness centre with a soothing massage^. (B/L/D)

After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria's oldest. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your day choosing from the following Scenic Freechoice options:

• Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour to see the palace's most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll to the historic market square where you will have time to wander through the fabulous Christmas markets. Explore over 100 wooden stalls offering up traditional gifts, glass blown ornaments and delicious treats. Why not warm your body and spirit with a glass of traditional Gluhwein or some local Franconian wine.
• Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, arrive by coach in Rothenburg through the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour of Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and the famous City Councillors' Tavern. While exploring the town, you will notice the scent of festive spices filling the air, and after your walking tour, you can follow your nose to the picturesque markets that dot this walled city. Local musicians will delight you with holiday tunes, and resident cooks showcase their traditional delights, such as cookies and cakes. Make the most of your free time and discover the city on your own.

This morning, you will arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Choose from a diverse range of Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Wertheim tour and winery: Start your day in Wertheim, an historic town filled with half-timbered houses. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Here, you will meet the winemaker to gain an understanding of how wine is produced in this region of Germany.
• Gamburg Castle tour: Transfer to the town of Gamburg, where we will have a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Here, you will also meet the Baron and Baroness for a private reception and learn about their modern aristocratic life over a glass of sparkling wine.
• Miltenberg tour and local farm visit: Visit a local farm, where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. Gain an understanding of daily farm life, see the animals and sample some of the local delicacies produced on site. Afterwards, transfer to the town of Miltenberg, where you will enjoy an orientation tour and free time.
• Schnapps tasting: Transfer to the historic town of Miltenberg, where you will visit a local Schnapps distiller to understand how this fruit brandy is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours before taking an orientation tour and enjoying some free time in this delightful location.

After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Miltenberg and set sail for Rüdesheim. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you sail through the night.

After lunch you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre 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.

Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. Then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the charming streets lined with thriving bars, cafes and, of course, Christmas markets.

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening, so you can take the time to explore this lively city at your pace. Perhaps indulge in a traditional Rüdesheimer Coffee, a strong coffee mixed with flambéed Brandy and covered with a delicious thick whipped cream. The perfect way to stay warm during the chilly winter months. (B/L/D)

After a leisurely morning of sailing, you will arrive in Cologne, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural centre for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous World Heritage site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city.

Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally is also the location for magnificent Christmas Markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don't forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart just before dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine on offer in this lovely town. (B/L/D)

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This afternoon, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentleman's Canal, where you will see The Skinny Bridge and The Prince's Canal, which was known for its warehouses and common people. You will go past the Old Lord Mayor's House, The Seven Bridges, Anne Frank's House and head to the Brewer's Canal. As the historic centre glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant's residences, churches and warehouses dating from the Golden Age.
• City walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting some delicious local treats. Pickled herring, a favourite street food, tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (traditional fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are some delicacies you'll savour.
• Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. Hop on one of Scenic's eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you while you take in the sights of the city.
• Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals, also known as ‘the city of cheese'.

Disembark in Amsterdam this morning after a farewell breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of memories.

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.

^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. (B)

Your journey begins in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two.

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Many have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)

Budapest is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive during the festive season, with elaborate decorations, charming Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, traditional foods and trams covered in twinkling lights.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:

• Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square.
• Hospital in the Rock: Go underground to explore the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker.
• Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

This afternoon is at leisure. Take the time to visit one of the Christmas markets or ride the special tram through the city. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Vienna. You may like to ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can savour it as the beautiful scenery rolls by your window.

Arrive in the Austrian capital this afternoon. A centre of art, music and culture, the city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander the city.

Scenic Enrich:

• Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular Baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime. (B/L/D)

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. A city full of grandeur, Austria’s imperial capital is famous for having the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Slow down and spend a full day exploring Vienna or venture further afield. In the afternoon, shuttles will be available to take you from the ship to the Christmas markets.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Visit this superb museum that houses pieces from ancient Egypt through to the 18th century. The magnificent exhibits include the works of some of painting’s great masters, including the largest collection of pieces from Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
• Guided tour of Vienna: Join your local guide on a city tour by both coach and on foot. Drive to the famous Ringstrasse, a beautiful boulevard around the historic centre and lined with sights like the Urania, Stadtpark and the Strauss Monument, and the State Opera.
• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
• Excursion to Bratislava: Travel Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993. This modern multicultural metropolis has an intriguing history. The glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. Your local guide will show you see atislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small and picturesque town of Krems, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning offers the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Göttweig Abbey: Founded in the sixth century, the abbey burned down during the 18th century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will show you its magnificent frescoes as well as the staircase, the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.
• Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine production in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.
• E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein: Join your guide on a E-bike tour along the Danube to the pretty town of Dürnstein. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Later, dock at Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in the Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore this World Heritage-listed town, perched on the edge of the Danube River and surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards. The lights of the Christmas market in the courtyard of Dürnstein Castle will begin to glow in the afternoon. (B/L/D)

After a short stop in Brandstatt arrive in Passau. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style. Its grand buildings will be strung with decorations, and the charming Christmas market will fill the air with the scent of gingerbread and spices.

Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.
• Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and eat lunch in a local restaurant.
• Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways, all decorated for Christmas. Visit St Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style – the Christmas market will be in the square in front. The aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine and bratwurst delight the senses as you wander the quaint alleyways filled with qualtiy woodcarvings, festive baubles and other trinkets and ornaments. Culinary delights are a feast for the senses, such as Sengzelten, a Bavarian delicacy similar to a tarte flambée. (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Regensburg just before lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved Medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. It also hosts five separate Christmas markets during the festive season in the city’s picturesque squares and at Thurn und Taxis Castle.

Regensburg Christmas Market on Neupfarrplatz is renowned as one of the most beautiful advent markets in Germany. Regional specialties such as blueberry mulled wine from the Bavarian Forest or apple mulled wine from Upper Palatinate orchards are just as popular as the "Original Regensburger Bratwürste" or the "Regensburger" from the grill. Cosy up to warm open fireplaces at Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace, where local delicacies are both unique and satiating, with Old Bavarian potato soup served in a loaf of bread, whilst the scent of roasted almonds create a cosy ambience.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers two Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:

• Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved Medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the Old Stone Bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.
• Thurn und Taxis Tour: Visit Thurn und Taxis Castle for a guided tour followed by free time to explore the magical markets. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, early this afternoon. The Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall and hosts an enchanting Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in the world. The city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.

The wooden booths of ‘the little city of wood and cloth’ looked picked straight out of a fairytale as twinkling lights, holly and handmade charms adorn the fringes. Centuries old traditions and trinkets change from one Christmas market to the next, and at this Christkindlesmarkt, gingerbread, Spekulatius almond cookies, gingerbread and original Nuremberg Bratwurst have made this city world famous. The aroma of warm glühwein provides a fragrant ambiance as the scent of Christmas drifts through mesmerising Christmas stalls. In a time honoured European tradition, each town has its own unique festive mug, with custom designs becoming a collector's item in time passed by.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon:

• Walking tour of the Old Town: Drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the ancient city walls, then join your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square.
• World War II tour: Your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Learn about this dark time in Germany's history and visit some of the most important sites.
• Gingerbread cooking: Embrace the festive spirit and join a cooking class with an experienced local chef. You will learn how to bake traditional German gingerbread biscuits, known as Lebkuchen. (B/L/D)

Dock in picturesque Bamberg early this morning. Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, Bamberg’s Old Town is resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Admire the charming Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral, and the old and new Residences – comprising an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills. Explore its famous sites on a guided tour. (B/L/D)

With its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, you’ll be captivating by glamorous Wüzburg. This city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Guided city tour and Würzburg Residence: Visit the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, for a guided tour to see its many valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Then take a short stroll into the city for some free time.
• Romantic Road to Rothenburg: Travel by coach to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern. Then explore the 500-year-old Christmas market. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Wertheim. You may like to book a massage in the spaˆ or relax in the theraputic Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

This afternoon, dock in Wertheim, on the banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. The colourful Christmas market will have taken over the centre of the town. Enjoy a guided tour, then transfer by coach to Miltenberg on the River Main. This historic town is one of the best preserved in Germany, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of the country’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. It will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. Take another tour before reboarding your Space-Ship. (B/L/D)

After lunch you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards. In the historic centre you’ll find half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. During the festive season, a glowing Christmas market takes over the main square and the buildings are strung with trinkling lights.

Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 year.

Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this afternoon. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. The city is also home to the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. The cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom, is surrounded by magnificent Christmas markets. Wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations.

With a later departure tonight, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own and soak up more of the festive spirit. (B/L/D)

This afternoon, arrive in picturesque Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and Christmas trees decorating historic squares, Amsterdam is a joy to wander in the festive season.

The Netherlands’ capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals. See some of the prettiest sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges.
• City walking tour: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.
• Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Leave the capital to visit village of Schermerhorn, home to a number of authentic 16th-century windmills. Then travel to the charming town of Alkmaar, known for its historic buildings and picturesque canals. (B/L/D)

Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you a lifetime of memories and Christmas cheer.

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. ^ Costs apply (B)