Christmas Markets

A festive tradition

Europe at Christmas transforms into a happy hive of activity as markets spring to life in every town and market square.

From charming villages to great cultural centres, you can look forward to the hum and buzz of Christmas as treats, toys, charms and trinkets of every description come out in a joyful display. In many places, the delicacies and decorations still honour age-old traditions.

Day 01

Budapest

Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Meals: D

Day 02

Budapest f

At Christmas Budapest comes alive with twinkling lights strewn around the city, wooden huts popping up in magnificent locations and seductive scents filling the air. Freechoice: Join a guided tour of Budapest, or relax at the city’s Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, take an active hike to Buda Hill, or visit the Hospital in the Rock.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 03 Vienna e

Enjoy the many splendid vistas as you cruise the beautiful Danube River towards the festive city of Vienna.

Enrich

Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private classical concert.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 04

Vienna f

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Vienna, or visit Schönbrunn Palace and witness the opulance of the Habsburg empire. Alternatively, cycle to Danube Island.

Later, explore the magical Viennese Christmas markets at your leisure. An age-old tradition, the forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or ‘Krippenmarkt’. Nowadays, over 20 official advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouthwatering treats.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 05

Dürnstein > Melk f

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, meet a Schnapps producer and sample some of the many flavours on offer.

This afternoon delight in a special tasting with a local producer coming on board to share with you a selection of regional products.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 06

Brandstatt > Passau f

Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day excursions.

Freechoice: Choose to visit the medieval Czech city of Ceský Krumlov and discover its World Heritage-listed Old Town, or journey to Salzburg and explore the birthplace of Mozart and the city backdrop for the film ‘The Sound of Music’.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 07 Regensburg

Tour this fabulous city including its well-preserved medieval centre, then enjoy some free time to soak up the festive spirit at one of four Christmas markets in the city.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 08

Nuremberg f

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of this fascinating city, or visit moving WWII sites. Alternatively, join a gingerbread baking class.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 09 Bamberg

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander around the magical markets, perhaps peruse the charming stalls or warm up with a cup of glühwein.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 10

Würzburg f

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Rothenburg with time to wander the famed Reiterlesmarkt that has a history dating back to the 15th century, or stay in Würzburg and visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace before some free time to explore the wonderful markets of the city.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 11 Miltenberg f

Freechoice: Meet a winemaker and join him for a taste of his fine wines or cycle along the picturesque river to the historic town of Wertheim.

Alternatively, be introduced to a Baron and Baroness and discover how they celebrate Christmas, or opt to visit a Schnapps producer or a local farming family, and toast the festive season as you sample some of their produce.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 12

Rüdesheim

Explore charming Rüdesheim, including a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Enjoy free time and perhaps try delicious glühwein or hot chestnuts amid the stalls at the charming Christmas markets.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 13 Cologne

Take a guided walking tour through Cologne before time at leisure to explore the city’s iconic Cathedral and the delights of the magical Christmas markets.

Meals: B.L.D

26 Scenic Freechoice Excursions including 5 Active, Your Way

4 Moments, Masters & Music

7 Interactive Encounters

See pages 34-39 for details.

Extend your journey

Combine this cruise with a stay in Prague and/or Paris Please see page 104 or visit scenic.ca/river-cruises/extensions

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 14 Amsterdam f

Freechoice: Explore the city by bicycle, or on foot during a walking tour with a tasting of delicious Dutch treats. Alternatively, experience a canal cruise, or visit the villages of Schermerhorn and Alkmaar.

Meals: B.L.D

Day 15 Amsterdam

Depart after breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of wonderful memories.

Meals: B

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 on pages 136-139.

26 Scenic Freechoice plus 1 Scenic Enrich event

Premium beverages^ all day with mini-bar restocked daily

Spacious suites with butler service and Wi-Fi

All tipping and gratuities on board and onshore

All on board meals in world-class dining venues

Return airport transfers

2024 Pricing And Special Offers

Suites C, BA, BB, A, PA, PP, BD, PD

Earlybird - Savings of $1,100pp included# $11,230

Super Earlybird - Return Premium Economy Airfare≈ included‡ $12,330

Junior Suites B1J, BJ, RJ

Earlybird - Savings of $1,200pp included# $12,275

Super Earlybird - Return Premium Economy Airfare≈ & Savings of $200pp included‡ $13,275

Royal Suites RR, RP, RO From

Earlybird - Savings of $1,400pp included# $14,400

Super Earlybird - Return Premium Economy Airfare≈ & Savings of $500pp included‡ $15,300

For the latest offers and up to date availability visit scenic.ca, call 1 866 689 8611 or contact your nearest Scenic Travel Advisor per person, twin share, in CAD and include taxes and charges. Not all suite types are available on all Space-Ships. Single supplement available on application. For all terms and conditions please refer to pages 136-139 or visit scenic.ca/terms-and-conditions.

For the latest offers and up to date availability visit scenic.ca, call 1 866 689 8611 or contact your nearest Scenic Travel Advisor