Danube Christmas Markets

Welcome to Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city came together in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two.

Toast to the start of your journey during an evening reception on board your 5-star state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship. (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.

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

• Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube. 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. End your tour with a visit to Budapest’s lively Christmas market.
• National Opera house tour: Get a captivating glimpse of the stunning architecture and rich history of the Hungarian State Opera house. You’ll walk through opulent interiors and learn about the Opera House’s cultural significance. (B/L/D)

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is filled with glorious examples of medieval and Gothic architecture and a well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates to the 9th century. These charming historic sites contrast with the brutalist socialist architecture evident around the city.

Scenic Freechoice: As we dock in the city centre, choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Walking tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall. As you walk, learn about the history of the city and enjoy a mulled wine from the local Christmas market.
• Wines of Slovakia: Slovakian’s Wines are quite young but, all over the world, wine experts are beginning to praise their flavour and quality. Embark on a journey through the different wine regions of Slovakia as you enjoy a tasting in one of Bratislava’s cellars. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Vienna this morning. It’s a city full of grandeur, featuring the world’s most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century.

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

• Visit Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Discover the countless rooms where famous artists and craftsmen from many different epochs created interiors of great beauty and learn the history and tales of the royal family that lived in these walls. After the guided tour you will have some time to see the impressive gardens before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
• Central Vienna guided tour: The city centre of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to discover Vienna’s gorgeous Christmas markets.
• 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 on a guided tour.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Scenic Enrich:

• Take 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)

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

Scenic Freechoice:

• Melk Benedictine Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour of the magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed grounds, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, 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 Dürnstein to the quaint village of Melk. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.

This afternoon is spent on board your Scenic Space-Ship, cruising the beautiful Wachau Valley. While you indulge in the spectacular views you will have the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce. 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 local schnapps among other delights in this breathtaking location. (B/L/D)

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue, and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways, tunnels and archways as well as sparkling Christmas markets.

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

• Highlights of Passau walking tour: Enjoy a relaxed morning as we cruise towards Passau. After lunch, join your knowledgeable local guide for a tour of Passau and visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450.
• Full day excursion to Salzburg: Journey via coach to Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. During a guided tour explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and some free time to explore.
• Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Take a guided tour of the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Delight in lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure. (B/L/D)

Today we arrive in Regensburg, the last stop of your festive journey through central Europe. 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 World Heritage listed. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities:

• Walking tour of Regensburg: 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.
• Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join your guide for a tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace followed by free time to peruse the local Christmas market. (B/L/D)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful festive 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)