Christmas Wonderland with Paris: 18 days Paris to Budapest

The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, romantic couples walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine and chic locals walking the runway that is the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace and marvel in this great city.

This morning, join a guided coach tour of the city, exploring its most scenic districts and iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Drive along the banks of the beautiful River Seine and see such highlights as the Palais Garnier Opera, built in the 19th century; the Louvre, one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums; and Les Invalides, a complex of ornate military buildings. 

Enjoy some free time this afternoon. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Secrets of Montmartre: Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine.

Atelier des Lumières: Atelier des Lumières is a captivating digital art center in Paris, renowned for its immersive exhibitions that blend art and technology. Located in a former iron foundry, it offers visitors an enchanting experience where classic and contemporary artworks are brought to life through large-scale digital projections and synchronized music. Masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet are projected onto walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a 360-degree visual spectacle that immerses viewers in the art itself. NOTE: Exhibition changes every year, and 2026 will only be published in January 2026. The venue combines culture, innovation, and accessibility, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and those seeking a modern twist on traditional exhibitions.

This afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. 

Travel by high speed train to Amsterdam, where you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, you'll get to toast the journey 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.

Scenic 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 set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany.

Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this afternoon. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. Then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own.

Tonight, you may choose to join midnight mass in town.

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

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 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences today:

Guided 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 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.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today it’s your Freechoice:

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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Be immersed in Regensburg with your choice of excursions today:

Regensburg 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.

Bavarian beer tasting: Visit a series of traditional breweries, learn about the intricacies of brewing and sample a variety of distinctive Bavarian beers.

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist’s mile’ where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from two completely different yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Full day excursion to Salzburg: 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. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: From Passau journey via coach to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov. This delightful World Heritage-listed town is brimming with charm. Wander this fairy-tale location with your guide and explore the historic centre before a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. 

This evening, you’ll dock in the Austrian city of Linz. Countdown to the New Year in the city, where you can celebrate on shore as fireworks illuminate the nights sky or join the festivities on board.

Happy New Year! This morning, you’ll cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, before choosing how you’d like to spend your day.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, it’s your 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.

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 Enrich event. 

Scenic 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
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.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover Budapest with your choice of experiences today.

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 Square 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.