Magical Christmas Market Cruise

Scenic invites you to a festive journey, from charming villages to great cultural centres, the delicacies and decorations still honour age-old Christmas traditions in many places.

Valued at $10,881
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Soak up the festive atmosphere in Europe during visits to the Christmas Markets along the Danube , Main and Rhine Rivers. Discover iconic Dutch windmills in the village of Schermerhorn*.

Package Inclusions:

Your luxury fly, stay & river cruise package includes:
  • Return economy class flights from Sydney^ to Budapest, returning from Amsterdam
  • Arrival & Departure transfers*
  • 14 night European River Cruise in a Standard Suite, Budapest to Amsterdam
  • Enjoy a choice of up to five onboard dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
  • 41 meals – 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners
  • Complimentary premium beverages onboard all day, every day* – not just at meal times
  • Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
  • Personalise your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities 
  • Exclusive Scenic Enrich experience
  • Butler service for every suite
  • All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
  • 2 night luxury accommodation in Amsterdam including breakfast
Travel: 23 Novmber 2025 - 09 December 2025


Journey Highlights:

Budapest | Vienna | Krems | Dürnstein | Brandstatt | Passau | Regensburg | Nuremberg | Bamberg | Würzburg | Wertheim | Miltenberg | Rüdesheim | Cologne | Amsterdam

Destinations World Heritage-listed *:

  •  Cesky Krumlov* | Regensburg* | Bamberg | Würzburg Residence* | Cologne Cathedral

Scenic Enrich Experience:

  • Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein

Upgrade Options

Want to make your trip even more enjoyable?
Balcony Suite on Saphhire Deck from $14,529 per person
Balcony Suite on Diamond Deck from $ 15,199 per person

Looking for business class for flight? 
Call us and speak to your dedicated L33 consultants for details.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Sun, 23 Nov 2025 |Budapest (D)
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, many of which 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 | Mon, 24 Nov 2025 |Budapest (B,L,D)
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: 
A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:
 
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 Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square.
 
Hospital in the Rock: Experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, set underneath the city's Castle district. The complex was built as a secret hospital during WWII and was later converted to a nuclear bunker. Discover the
underground former hospital that is furnished with wax figures to give you the spirit of the place. This is an exciting part of history. The underground is moderately flat but there are a few stairs to get there and then again once inside.
 
Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round, allowing for a luxurious soak no
matter what the season.
 
Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River
and the city architecture.
 
This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you may like to hop on board Scenic's e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) to explore the city on two wheels or find one of the city’s famous ruin bars – housed in abandoned buildings – to
enjoy an afternoon drink. Alternatively, make your way back to your luxury Space-Ship to relax in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. You will set sail for Vienna later this afternoon.
 
Day 3 | Tue, 25 Nov 2025 |Vienna (B,L,D)
Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Today enjoy the amenities on board as you continue to cruise towards the Austrian capital, Vienna. Vienna oozes charm with magnificent Baroque
buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.
 
Enrich
Tonight's Scenic Enrich:
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 4 | Wed, 26 Nov 2025 | Vienna (B,L,D)
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, 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. After all, you're in the City of Music, which fostered musical geniuses like Mozart and Beethoven.
Freechoice: 
Explore your way with today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:
 
Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn 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 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, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
 
Central Vienna exploration: The city centre of Vienna is overflowing with history, exquisite elegance, and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you
extended free time to explore as you wish.
 
Day 5 | Thu, 27 Nov 2025 | Krems > Dürnstein (B,L,D)
Freechoice: 
Today arrive in the charming town of Krems, located in the spectacular Wachau Valley where we have a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:
 
Göttweig Abbey: Visit the magnificent Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take
you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria.
Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age old traditions of wine making while sampling delicious wines
produced on site.
 
E-biking from Krems 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. You will have time to stop along the way to
enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.
Later we cruise to the quaint town of Dürnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously
imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time exploring this charming town before we set sail.
 
Day 6 | Fri, 28 Nov 2025 | Brandstatt > Passau (B,L,D)
Freechoice: 
Today, choose from three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions.
 
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 German city 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 centre 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.
 
Highlights of Passau: Stay on board as you cruise to Passau. Situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, Passau has been an important trading route for centuries, in particular for its trade of the 'White Gold',
Salt. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the 3 rivers and admire the brightly coloured 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 | Sat, 29 Nov 2025 | Regensburg (B,L,D)
You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed
as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, 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. Your tour will end at the lively Christmas Markets, where you will have free time to delight in the festive atmosphere.
 
Day 8 | Sun, 30 Nov 2025 | Nuremberg (B,L,D)
You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city today. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year, 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.
Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies. The boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people
German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union –
held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Freechoice: 
Make your choice from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
 
Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the city walls and courthouse before arriving at Augustinerstrasse. From here your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Nuremberg to see
the Imperial Castle which overlooks the city, St. Egidien’s Church and market square.
 
The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your expert local guide and learn about the horrific events that occurred in Nuremberg during Germany’s Nazi regime. Start by taking a drive to the Rally Grounds and explore Memorium
Nurnberger Prozesse where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place.
 
Traditional Gingerbread cooking class: Nürnberger Lebkuchen was invented by medieval monks in Germany during the 13th century. Today join an experienced local chef and learn how to bake this soft, moist and nutty traditional
German gingerbread yourself. Enjoy tasting this regional delight whilst learning about the region and its history. You may be surprised how different this is to today's modern-day gingerbread.
 
Day 9 | Mon, 01 Dec 2025 | Bamberg (B,L,D)
Built on seven hills, this UNESCO-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings.
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.
This morning, you will tour the Old Town, one of Europe’s largest intact city centres, featuring a range of stunning Medieval and Baroque buildings. After lunch, your Space-Ship sets sail towards Würzburg, the perfect opportunity to
enjoy your time in the wellness centre with a soothing massage^.
 
Day 10 | Tue, 02 Dec 2025 | Würzburg (B,L,D)
After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Würzburg is home to a
UNESCO World Heritage palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.
Freechoice: 
Decide how you will spend your day choosing from the following Scenic Freechoice options:
 
Guided city tour & Würzburg Residence: A short transfer via coach is needed to get to the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour to see the
palace’s most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll to the historic market square where you will have time to wander through the fabulous Christmas
markets. Explore over 100 wooden stalls offering up traditional gifts, glass blown ornaments and delicious treats. Why not warm your body and spirit with a glass of traditional Gluhwein or some local Franconian wine.
 
Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Würzburg, arrive by coach in Rothenburg through the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of
some of the towns and villages you pass, some more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour of Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and the famous City
Councillors’ Tavern. While exploring the town, you will notice the scent of festive spices filling the air, and after your walking tour, you can follow your nose to the picturesque markets that dot this walled city. Local musicians will
delight you with holiday tunes, and resident cooks showcase their traditional delights, such as cookies and cakes. Make the most of your free time and discover the city on your own.
 
Day 11 | Wed, 03 Dec 2025 | Wertheim > Miltenberg (B,L,D)
This morning, you will arrive in the historic town of Wertheim, sitting on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers.
Freechoice: 
Choose from a diverse range of Scenic Freechoice excursions:
 
Wertheim tour and winery: Start your day in Wertheim, an historic town filled with half-timbered houses. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to wander around town before being transferred to a local winery. Here, you will
meet the winemaker to gain an understanding of how wine is produced in this region of Germany. Gamburg Castle tour: Transfer to the town of Gamburg, where we will have a guided tour of Gamburg Castle. Here,
you will also meet the Baron and Baroness for a private reception and learn about their modern aristocratic life over a glass of sparkling wine.
 
Miltenberg tour and local farm visit: Visit a local farm, where you will meet the friendly family who own and operate the property. Gain an understanding of daily farm life, see the animals and sample some of the local delicacies
produced on site. Afterwards, transfer to the town of Miltenberg, where you will enjoy an orientation tour and free time.
 
Schnapps tasting: Transfer to the historic town of Miltenberg, where you will visit a local Schnapps distiller to understand how this fruit brandy is produced. Enjoy a tasting of the multiple flavours before taking an orientation tour
and enjoying some free time in this delightful location.
 
After touring, you will embark your luxury Space-Ship in Miltenberg and set sail for Rüdesheim. Enjoy some of the all-inclusive on board entertainment this evening as you sail through the night.
 
Day 12 | Thu, 04 Dec 2025 | Rüdesheim > Rhine Gorge (B,L,D)
After lunch you will disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled
streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. 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. Then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the charming streets lined with thriving bars, cafes and,
of course, Christmas markets.
Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening, so you can take the time to explore this lively city at your pace.
Perhaps indulge in a traditional Rüdesheimer Coffee, a strong coffee mixed with flambéed Brandy and covered with
a delicious thick whipped cream. The perfect way to stay warm during the chilly winter months.
 
Day 13 | Fri, 05 Dec 2025 |Cologne (B,L,D)
After a leisurely morning of sailing, you will arrive in Cologne, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this
major cultural centre for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous World Heritage site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but stood tall
above the ruins of the city.
Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centrepiece and icon, Cologne
Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally is also the location for magnificent Christmas Markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and
decorations. Don’t forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart just before dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine on offer in this lovely town.
 
Day 14 | Sat, 06 Dec 2025 | Amsterdam (B,L,D)
Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists
criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by
charming bridges.
Freechoice: 
This afternoon, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
 
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. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentleman’s Canal, where you
will see The Skinny Bridge and The Prince’s Canal, which was known for its warehouses and common people. You will go past the Old Lord Mayor’s House, The Seven Bridges, Anne Frank’s House and head to the Brewer’s Canal.
As the historic centre glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouse dating from the Golden Age.
 
City walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting some delicious local treats. Pickled herring, a favourite street food, tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (traditional fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are some delicacies you'll savour.
 
Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of town for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths. Your local guide will be at hand to
offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. Hop on one of Scenic’s eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you while
you take in the sights of the city.
 
Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and
learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals, also known as ‘the city of cheese’.
 
Day 15 | Sun, 07 Dec 2025 | Amsterdam (B)
Disembark in Amsterdam this morning after a farewell breakfast, head to your Amesterdam accommodation for the next two nights, explore this vibrant city further in this festive season.

Day 16 | Sun, 08 Dec 2025 | Amsterdam (B)
Ask our dedicated L33 Travel Advisor for day trips recommendations!

Day 17 | Sun, 09 Dec 2025 | Amsterdam (B)
After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Amsterdam airport for your departure flight home, taking with you a lifetime of memories full of magical moments.

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.
^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as at 30 April 2024 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. ^Airfares are out of date range and are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Flight may not be direct and with multiple transit points. Flights included up to the value of $2,500pp is based on an airline of Scenic's choice. Flihgts must be booked through Scenic based on standard journey routing. Any deviations to standard journey dates or route may incur a surcharge. Available ex SYD, MEL, BNE,ADL,PER. Applicable to all cabin types. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. * The waterways maybe subject to changing water levels and based on the water level, the itinerary will be amended or modified as required. *Airport transfers are only available on the first and last day of Your Journey and at times Scenic designate. Flight dettails must provided to Scenic at least 70 days before the Journey Departure Date by entering flight details at the trip personaliser on the Website or contact Scenic Customer Service Contact Address. No refund will be given for unused transfers. Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations. If You miss the pre-booked transfer, You will be responsible for making Your own way to the Journey departure point, at Your own expense. *Destinations: some of the destinations are via free choice excursions which are subject to availability Package based on Standard Suite category E. Upgrade options available for higher categories with additional costs.

Magical Christmas Market Cruise

Includes:
  • Cruise Included
  • Beverages Included
  • Excursions Included
  • Flight Included
  • Accommodation Included
  • Meals Included
  • Transfers Included