Danube Christmas Markets

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 where you will unpack once. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and 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.

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (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. 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs for Vienna later this afternoon so make the most of your free time in this magical city. (B/L/D)

Today, perhaps wake to a pre-ordered coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Be sure to download the Scenic Tailormade App so you can listen to river commentary and gain insight into the charming villages and sites you’re passing by while sailing to Vienna. Austria’s imperial capital oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

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. (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. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in 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 captivating town before cruising towards Melk.

Freechoice: Choose from a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions today:

• E-biking from Melk to Durnstein: Embark on a 32km guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle to the quaint village of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. You’ll be impressed by the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey, built high over the city, the most spectacular building in the region. This tour will pass by many small villages and beautiful rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.
• Glorious Melk Abbey: Your visit to Melk will only be complete with a guided tour to the magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, which is adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
• On board Schnapps tasting: Stay on board and learn about how Schnapps is produced, including the distilling process. Discover the number of flavours available and get to sample some types of delicious schnapps during a tasting.

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.

As you sit down to a delicious dinner, your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail towards your next destination. (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 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 town of Vilshofen.
• 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. This afternoon you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the town of Vilshofen. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

This morning you will arrive in Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM. (B)