Danube Christmas Markets

Welcome to Munich Germany, transfer to the the historic city of Nuremberg, where your cruise begins. Toast to the occasion during an evening reception on board your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship.

Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg 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. Its Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall, which hosts the most magical Christmas Markets every year. (D)

The Christmas markets of Nuremberg are some of the most popular in Germany and date back to the Middle Ages. The largest, Christkindlesmarkt, dominates the main square overlooked by the imposing Frauenkirche, and is made up of over 180 wooden stalls. Discover an abundance of decorated ornaments, traditional German trinkets and a wide selection of delicious festive treats.

Freechoice: Make your choice from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursion:

• 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. After your guided tour, you will have time to explore the delightful Christmas markets that grace the city.
• 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail this afternoon towards the city of Regensburg. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the waterway. Learn about the true engineering wonders of water locks and the skills of our Captain taking you through them. (B/L/D)

This morning will be spent on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps wake up to a pre-ordered coffee delivered by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Crystal Dining. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the places you’re passing as we sail on the Main-Danube canal or opt for relaxing on the Sun Deck.

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. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.

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)

Freechoice: Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau, 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 city of Linz.
• Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, 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. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The city’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.

Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

• Glorious Melk Abbey: Your visit to Melk will only be complete with a guided tour to its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, which is adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
• E-biking from Melk to Dürnstein: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.
• Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum.

Sailing the Wachau Valley, you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon we are docked in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town 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.

While you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce from the Wachau Valley. Your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you and invite a local producer on board to share some regional delicacies that are famous in this region. Sample some Apricot dumplings and local schnapps among other delights in this breath-taking location. (B/L/D)

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, 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.

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 lived here and see the impressive gardens. After your guided tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas Markets that are held annually at the palace. Take the chance to delight in the festive culinary offerings or look around for the many stalls offering traditional and homemade gifts.
• 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.
• Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city centre and make the most of your time strolling through the many Christmas markets or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Enrich: This evening, join an unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience:

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. (B/L/D)

This afternoon we arrive in Budapest, 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. 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 afternoon:

• 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. After your tour you will have ample free time to explore the Christmas Markets of the city. Walk through the stalls that flank St Stephens Basilica and delight in the festive atmosphere with the sights and scents of the markets on full display.
• Excursion to Szentendre: Journey to the riverside town in Pest County, Szentendre. Known for its museums, galleries and artists, this charming city will captivate you during a guided tour. After your tour, wander the market stalls at the popular Christmas Markets where local artisans offer up a selection of one-of-a-kind gifts as well as some traditional market favourites.
• Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buda Hill. See Matthias Church and walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city landscape. (B/L/D)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

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. (B)