Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and Christmas trees decorating historic squares, Amsterdam is not only pretty to wander, it’s also steeped in history, art and an undeniable festive atmosphere.

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, much of the World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Freechoice:
Explore the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways on this one-hour cruise.

Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city centre. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.

Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century.

This afternoon we cruise towards the quaint town of Rüdesheim, Germany.

Merry Christmas! Spend this special day admiring the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge over a traditional Christmas dinner and special celebrations. Expect plenty of festive fun, frivolity and fizz.

Today you’ll 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. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.

Dock in the stunning town of Miltenberg around lunchtime. Here, your local guide will showcase the city during a walking tour through the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses.

Afterwards, take a coach to the historic town of Wertheim, on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy an orientation tour of Wertheim before reboarding your Scenic Space-Ship.

Cruise into Würzburg this morning. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities including Bavaria’s oldest.

Freechoice:
Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences today:

Würzburg city tour: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the centre of Würzburg. Your local guide is delighted to show you their hometown as you stroll towards the historic market square where you will have time to wander.

Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg drive by coach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved Medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern.

Cruise into Bamberg this afternoon and join a guided tour to explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral and the Old and New Residences – an episcopal palace, a pretty ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills are some of the incredible places you’ll see during your guided city tour.

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this city is 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.

Freechoice:
Discover more of the city on one of these excursions:

Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, where your local guide will take you on a walking tour to see the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and market square.

World War II tour: Your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Learn about this dark time in Germany's history and visit some of the most important sites.

Gingerbread cooking: Embrace the festive spirit and join a cooking class with an experienced local chef. You will learn how to bake traditional German gingerbread biscuits, known as Lebkuchen.

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore.

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.

Tonight, watch fireworks light up the nights sky as you ring in the new year in Regensburg.

Happy new year! Welcome to Passau. Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city has been an important trading route for centuries. Of particular value was its ‘white gold’, salt. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the three rivers, for a walking tour. Wander through narrow laneways and charming archways before visiting St. Stephens Cathedral.

Spend this morning in Melk, a picturesque town in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley.

Freechoice:
Melk Abbey: Enjoy a guided tour through the one of the world’s most monastic sites, the Benedictine Abbey. The abbey is set overlooking the town of Melk and its highlights include the abbey church, exquisitely decorated with ceiling frescoes, and the library with manuscripts that date back to medieval times.

Cycle from Melk to  Dürnstein: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Dürnstein. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes.

This afternoon, you’ll cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, to the small, charming village of Dürnstein.

Later, back on board, delight in a tasting of local delicacies from the Wachau Valley including jams, chutney and chocolate.

Welcome to Vienna, known as the City of Music, and the home of Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss and more. A city full of grandeur, Austria’s imperial capital is famous for having the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Enjoy a guided tour of Vienna and discover its treasures before preparing for tonight’s exclusive Scenic Enrich event. 

Enrich
Step inside the Palais Liechtenstein for a private classical concert with the timeless music of Vienna’s legendary composers.

After an overnight stay, choose how you’d like to spend your day in Vienna. 

Freechoice:
Today, it’s your Freehoice.

Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.

Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches.

Excursion to Bratislava: Take a coach to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital and a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Take a tour with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

This morning 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.

Freechoice:
Discover Budapest this morning your way.

Budapest in Depth: Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube. See the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to Széchenyi Ssquare and Elizabeth Square.

Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker.

Hungarian Culinary Market Walk: Explore the Grand Central Market, a treasure trove of Hungarian flavours. Sample local specialties and hear fascinating stories about Budapest’s food culture.

It’s time to farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you a wealth of memories and festive cheer. 

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.