Scenic River Cruise European Christmas Markets

Full Itinerary Details:

Day 1: Budapest

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!

If you want to explore Budapest, enjoy the night life or stay out late, this is the night to do it as we stay overnight in Budapest! 

Day 2: Budapest

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 activities: Choose one

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 Varkert Bazar before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you wil see Szechenyi 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.

Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your waking 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs for Bratislava after dinner so make the most of your free time in this magical city!

Day 3: Bratislava

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.

As we dock in the city center, this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away!

Freechoice activities: Choose one

Walking tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the highlights of the city such as the Hlavne Namestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city including what everyday life was like under the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII.

Wines of Slovakia: Slovakian’s Wines are quite young but, all over the world, wine experts are starting to praise their flavor and quality. After the fall of Communism, new viticultures were born on the Banks of the Danube and all over the country, taking advantage of the cold weather and optimal soils. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting various wines in one of Bratislava’s cellars.

After your included Scenic Freechoice activity, you have the option to spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the festive atmosphere of the city! The Hlavne Namestie 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 carolers grace the square adding to the incredible ambiance of the Christmas markets!

Day 4: Vienna

This morning we arrive in Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital! 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 activities: Choose one

Explore Schonbrunn 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 center and make the most of your time strolling through the many Christmas markets or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship!

Scenic Enrich Experience:

This unique experience will be the night of Day 4 in Vienna, Austria.

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!

Day 5: Durnstein to Melk

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the quaint town of Durnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Durnstein 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 activity: Choose one

E-biking from Durnstein to Melk: Embark on a 20 mile (32 km) 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.

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 organize 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 breathtaking location.

As you sit down to a delicious dinner, your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail towards your next destination!

Day 6: Brandstatt to Passau

Today choose from three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions. 

Freechoice activity: Choose one

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 Passau. 

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 center 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 Passau. 

Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly colored 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. 

Day 7: Regensburg

Boasting a staggering 2,000 year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its narrow landways, 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.

Day 8: Regensburg to Munich

After a hearty breakfast, if you choose to end your cruise, you’ll be transferred to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you! 

I highly recommend extending your trip and exploring all that Munich or surrounding areas have to offer!