Luxury Magical Christmas Markets River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Amsterdam
Begin your journey in Amsterdam and marvel at the festive Christmas trees and twinkling lights decorating historic squares before boarding your all-inclusive luxurious Scenic Space-Ship and settleing into your suite. Many have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you 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.
Day 2 – Amsterdam
Enjoy Amsterdam, usually referred as the ‘Venice of the North’ for its large number of canals. This city is full of narrow cobbled laneways, cyclist paths, and well-preserved houses intersected by charming bridges. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between three Scenic Freechoice activities, such as a one-hour cruise, a city walking tour with a guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture, or an excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar, to enjoy the countryside and the iconic dutch windmills.
Day 3 – Cologne
Head to Cologne, and delight in a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. The city is also home to one of the most spectacular Christmas trees in the Rhineland, the centrepiece of the cathedral Christmas market. Here, locals and visitors flock to its famous wooden stalls where vendors sell delicious treats and decorations.
Day 4 – Rüdesheim
Cross the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where you can spot the Lorelei statue, and disembark in Rüdesheim, known for winemaking. Today, enjoy a glowing Christmas market that takes over the main square, and the buildings, strung with twinkling lights. Later, visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum. A mini train is the ideal way to arrive at this quirky museum, where a local guide will introduce you to its weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments.
Day 5 – Miltenberg, Wertheim
Dock in Miltenberg, home to hundreds of pastel-coloured half-timbered houses and one of the country’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. Take an orientation tour of the town, then transfer by coach to Wertheim, on the banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy another guided tour before reboarding your Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 6 – Würzburg
Located in Bavaria’s region, Würzburg is known for its Baroque and Rococo architecture. Today, visit the Würzburg Residence for a guided tour to see its many valuable paintings, or travel to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and stroll by its Christmas market.
Day 7 – Bamberg
Arrive in Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover Bamberg’s Old Town, along with its well-preserved medieval buildings. Admire the charming Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque style cathedral and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills. Don’t forget its Christmas market in Mazimiliansplatz and sample traditional German treats including gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine among twinkling lights.
Day 8 – Nuremberg
Dock in Nuremberg, 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. Today, join a local guide who will take you around the Old Town, which is protected by an ancient city wall and hosts an enthralling Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Or, your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime.
Day 9 – Regensburg
Head to Regensburg and walk around its Christmas market on Neupfarrplatz, renowned as one of the most beautiful advent markets in Germany. Regional specialties such as blueberry mulled wine from the Bavarian Forest or apple mulled wine from Upper Palatinate orchards are just as popular as the ‘Original Regensburger Bratwürste’ or the ‘Regensburger’ from the grill. Today, visit Thurn und Taxis Castle for a guided tour followed by free time to explore the magical Christmas markets or join a local guide that will take you on a walking tour around the city.
Day 10 – Passau
Arrive in Passau and admire its grand buildings strung with decorations and the charming Christmas market that will fill the air with the scent of gingerbread and spices. Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, and learn about its art and music scene on a guided tour, or journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm, and explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and eat lunch in a local restaurant. Or join your local guide on a walking tour of Passau.
Day 11 – Dürnstein, Krems
Dock in Dürnstein, located in Austria’s Wachau Valley, and enjoy some free time to explore this picturesque World Heritage-listed town before cruising to Krems, where the lights of the Christmas market will begin to glow in the afternoon. Today, offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
- Visit Göttweig Abbey, burned down during the 18th century, and enjoy its spectacular frescoes and its staircase, the largest in Baroque style in Austria.
- Wachau Valley wine tasting: Visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious drops produced on site.
- Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems.
- Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley’s historic old town, Krems, where a 700m pedestrian zone glows with twinkling lights, artisan huts, and festive music from late November to just before Christmas. Join a short, guided tour through medieval alleys and Baroque landmarks before exploring on your own.
Day 12 – Vienna
Arrive in Vienna and learn about the capital’s artistic and intellectual legacy, shaped by Mozart and Freud. Delight in its magnificent Baroque buildings and the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, all 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. Today, join your local guide on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. This evening, breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert, and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra.
Day 13 – Vienna
This morning, you’ll have the chance to choose between three different excursions, such as a visit to the Kunsthistorisches museum, which houses pieces from ancient Egypt through to the 18th century, or to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Another option is a visit to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, and enjoy the glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. Your local guide will show you Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.
In the afternoon, shuttles will be available to take you from the ship to the Christmas markets in Vienna’s city centre.
Day 14 – Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, your last destination. Hungary’s capital is bisected by the River Danube in the hilly Buda and flat Pest, connected since 1873 when a newly bridge was built. In the city you can find comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and it is well-know for its thermal baths and nightlife in addition to the charming Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, traditional foods and trams covered in twinkling lights during the festive season. In the morning, decide whether to explore this magical city by coach. Start in Buda before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square; go underground to explore the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city’s castle district and built as a secret hospital during WWII. Another option is a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city.
Day 15 – Budapest
Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you a lifetime of memories and Christmas cheer.
