Danube Christmas Markets with Nuremberg

Welcome to Nuremberg, a city steeped in history and culture that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bavaria. Nestled in the heart of Germany, Nuremberg is a place where medieval charm meets modern vitality. Its well-preserved medieval old town, encompassed by formidable city walls, boasts architectural treasures that transport visitors back in time. Beyond its historic facades, Nuremberg's dynamic spirit shines through in its thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and vibrant culinary culture.

This morning, your expert local guide will take you on a guided walking tour of this wonderful medieval city. Wander through the grounds of the Imperial Castle before making your way to the Old Town, where you will see St. Lawrence Church and the lively market square.

This afternoon, you have free time to discover the city as you wish. Perhaps, learn more about Nuremberg's WWII history with a visit to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, explore history of a different age as you wander along the medieval city walls or simply relax in one of the many delightful Beer gardens that are dotted around the city. (B)

Make the most of your last morning in Nuremberg before transferring to the historic city of Regensburg. With a legacy spanning over two millennia, the city is the perfect location to start your eight-day cruise along the Danube river. (B/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. 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 three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau, from here 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 Austrian town of Schlögen.
• 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.
• Highlights of Passau walking tour: This morning join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring 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. This afternoon you will reboard your Scenic Space-Ship for a picturesque cruise across the border to the Austrian port of Schlögen. (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.

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.

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.

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)

Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.

This afternoon, the Hlavné Námestie or Main Square, comes alive with the sights, scents and sounds of Christmas. Twinkling lights surround charming wooden stalls brimming with regional handicrafts and gifts, the delightful smell of roasted chestnuts permeate the air and enthusiastic carollers grace the square adding to the incredible ambiance of the Christmas markets. After your included Scenic Freechoice activity, you have the option to spend the afternoon wandering this festive atmosphere. (B/L/D)

This morning 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:

• 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 World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture. (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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)