Christmas Markets - Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov

Your European adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. After arriving, you'll board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Many suites feature a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, offering uninterrupted views of the ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise a glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception.

Today, you'll explore the architectural treasures of Budapest. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city is an architectural treasure trove. You'll visit both Buda and Pest, seeing the Várkert Bazár, Széchenyi square, and Elizabeth square. You'll also visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church before visiting the Hospital in the Rock, a former top-secret nuclear bunker and emergency hospital. Alternatively, you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths or enjoy a guided hike to Buda Hill. Your Scenic Space-Ship departs for Vienna later this afternoon, so make the most of your free time exploring this magical city.

Today, you'll sail to Vienna, Austria's imperial capital. This city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house culture, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. 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. In the evening, you'll experience a Scenic Enrich event at Palais Liechtenstein, where you'll 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.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Vienna your way. You can choose to explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Alternatively, you can 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. Or, you can take a city tour of Vienna, seeing the many galleries and museums, visiting St. Stephens Cathedral, or simply enjoying your time visiting the numerous popular Christmas Markets that adorn the city.

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. Enjoy some free time exploring this captivating town before cruising towards Melk. In Melk, you can choose to embark on a guided e-bike ride, visit the magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey, or stay on board for a Schnapps tasting. This afternoon, while docked in the port of Melk, your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you with a delicious tasting of local produce famous in this region.

Today, you'll have the choice of two full day excursions. You can choose to journey via coach to Salzburg, Austria, 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. After some free time to explore the thriving Christmas markets, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the German city of Passau. Alternatively, you can journey to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage town brimming with charm. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best preserved medieval town centres. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. 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.

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, after lunch. This city is known for its Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year. You can choose to take a walking tour of the Old Town, seeing the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and market square. Alternatively, you can join a tour to learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi regime. Or, you can join a traditional Gingerbread cooking class and learn how to bake this soft, moist and nutty traditional German gingerbread yourself.

Built on seven hills, Bamberg is a UNESCO-listed town with surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. This morning, you will tour the Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact city centres, featuring a range of stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings. After lunch, your Space-Ship sets sail towards Würzburg, the perfect opportunity to enjoy your time in the wellness centre with a soothing massage.

After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. You can choose to take a guided tour to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Alternatively, you can journey to Rothenburg through the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour of Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and the famous City Councillors’ Tavern.

This morning, you will arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. You can choose to start your day in Wertheim, enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Alternatively, you can transfer to the town of Gamburg, where you will have a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Or, you can visit a local farm, where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Miltenberg and set sail for Rüdesheim.

After lunch you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. Then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the charming streets lined with thriving bars, cafes and, of course, Christmas markets. Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening, so you can take the time to explore this lively city at your pace.

After a leisurely morning of sailing, you will arrive in Cologne, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally is also the location for magnificent Christmas Markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. This afternoon, you can choose to take a canal cruise, explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting some delicious local treats, take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour, or step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century.

Your European adventure comes to an end today as you disembark in Amsterdam after a farewell breakfast. You'll take with you a lifetime of memories from this unforgettable multi-day tour.