Christmas & New Year with Paris & Prague

The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, meandering along the banks of the Seine as you see local life passing by and chic cafes lining the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace and marvel in this great city. Later, check in to your luxury hotel for a three-night stay.

This morning, join a guided coach tour of the city, exploring its most mesmerising districts and iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Drive along the banks of the beautiful River Seine and see such highlights as the Palais Garnier Opera, built in the 19th century; the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most impressive art museums; and Les Invalides, a complex of ornate military buildings.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon to discover Paris at your leisure.

Enjoy another full day in the City of Light.

Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Secrets of Montmartre: Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine.
• Atelier des Lumières: This captivating digital art centre in Paris is renowned for its immersive exhibitions that blend art and technology. Located in a former iron foundry, it offers visitors an enchanting experience where classic and contemporary artworks are brought to life through large-scale digital projections and synchronised music. NOTE: Exhibition changes every year, and 2027 will only be published in January 2027.

This afternoon is yours to explore more of Paris at your own pace.

Travel by high speed train to Amsterdam, where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, you'll get to toast the journey ahead at this evening's welcome reception.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North', much of the World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some of the most picturesque sights of the city from these historical waterways on this one-hour cruise. Enjoy a canal boat while taking in the city from a new perspective.
• Walking tour of Amsterdam: 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 and Alkmaar: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture. Enjoy the sweeping countryside landscape and explore the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of World Heritage-listed windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar.

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.

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.

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 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.

This afternoon, you'll disembark in Rüdesheim, a charming town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.

Visit Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum. Arrive at this quirky museum via mini train, where a local guide will introduce you to its weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards, explore the surrounding streets on your own.

Dock in the stunning town of Miltenberg around lunchtime. Here, your local guide will showcase the city during a walking tour through the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses.

Afterwards, take a coach to the historic town of Wertheim, on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy an orientation tour of Wertheim before reboarding your Scenic Space-Ship.

Merry Christmas! Spend this special day admiring the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge over a gourmet Christmas feast and special celebrations. Expect plenty of festive fun, frivolity and fizz.

Cruise into Bamberg today and join a guided tour to explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town, which occupies an island on its own. The Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences, an episcopal palace, a charming ‘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.

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more of the city on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg's city centre, where your local guide will take you on a walking tour to see the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien's Church and 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.
• Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls: The historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during this active walking tour. Wander the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial Castle and admire the impressive city walls that have stood strong since medieval times.

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore. Its medieval old town is one Germany's largest and it's also a World Heritage site.

Scenic Freechoice: Be immersed in Regensburg with your choice of excursions today:

• Regensburg 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.
• Bavarian beer tasting: Visit a series of traditional breweries, learn about the intricacies of brewing and sample a variety of distinctive Bavarian beers, from the crisp refreshment of Helles lager to the smooth richness of Dunkel and the fruity, spicy character of Weissbier

Welcome to Passau. Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city has been an important trading route for centuries. Of particular value was its ‘white gold', salt. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the three rivers, for a walking tour. Wander through narrow laneways and charming archways before visiting St. Stephens Cathedral.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from three completely different yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: 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. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
• Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: From Passau journey via coach to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov. This delightful World Heritage-listed town is brimming with charm. Wander this fairytale location with your guide and explore the historic centre before a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
• Highlights of Passau - with St. Stephens Cathedral: Passau's rich history dates back over two millennia to Celtic and Roman times. Its centre was largely rebuilt in Baroque style after a devastating fire in 1662, giving it a distinctive Mediterranean flair. The city features striking landmarks such as the Baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral with the largest cathedral organ in the world, the Veste Oberhaus fortress, and beautifully preserved Old Town streets hosting museums, galleries, and cafes.

Scenic Freechoice: Today it's your Scenic Freechoice

• Melk Abbey: Enjoy a guided tour through the one of the world's most monastic sites, the Benedictine Abbey. The abbey is set overlooking the town of Melk and its highlights include the Abbey Church, exquisitely decorated with ceiling frescoes, and the library with manuscripts that date back to medieval times.
• Wachau valley wine tasting: Visit one of Austria's most prominent wine regions and talk to a local vigneron to learn about these long traditions while sampling local varietals like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. It's also a chance to take in sweeping panoramic views of the Danube and terraced vineyards from the hills overlooking the valley.
• UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Start your journey in Melk, the heart of the Wachau Valley, and ride along the Danube. Take in lush vineyards, charming villages and panoramic river views on the way to Dürnstein, along one of Austria's most beautiful regions.

This afternoon, you'll cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, to the small, charming village of Dürnstein. Later, back on board, delight in a tasting of local delicacies from the Wachau Valley including schnapps, jams, chutney and chocolate.

Dock in Vienna today. Known as the ‘City of Music', and the home of Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss and more. 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
• Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital and a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Explore with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.
• Guided tour of Vienna: Start with a coach ride along the famous Ringstrasse, Vienna's grand boulevard lined with some of the city's most ornate and historic buildings. Your expert local guide will then take you on an immersive walking tour of Vienna's historic downtown, to discover the city's rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Tonight, prepare for the New Year's Eve celebrations. You can choose to sip Champagne and enjoy the entertainment on board or go ashore for the festivities and fireworks.

Happy New Year! An early morning departure will see us cruise towards Budapest and enjoy the vistas along the way. This evening, you'll enjoy an exclusive concert.

Scenic Enrich:

• Classical concert at Gödöllõ Royal Palace: Immerse yourself in Budapest's Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

Budapest is 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. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover Budapest this morning your way with Scenic Freechoice:

• Budapest in Depth: Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube. See the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square.
• Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker.
• Guided hike of Buda: This hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill combines history with mesmerising beauty. On your walk, see Várkert Bazár and lovingly landscaped gardens while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Journey by coach to Prague, and spend three nights at the city central hotel.

Wake to the sound of church bells ringing out across this ancient city. This morning, join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world's most striking architectural wonders.

Today, discover more of Prague.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions:

• Communist walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague's famous sites and hidden gems and learn about everyday life under Communism. They will even share some of their personal experiences of growing up during the socialist regime.
• Prague Castle tour: Explore Prague Castle, considered one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest cathedral in the Czech Republic, the Old Royal Palace, former residence of Bohemian Royalty, and the picturesque Golden Lane.

Depart after breakfast, taking many wonderful memories with you. Transfer via coach to the airport for your journey home.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.