Christmas Markets

Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. Spend the day happily lost in a beautiful labyrinth of narrow laneways and historic canals, all framed by exquisitely preserved 17th-century buildings and charming cafes. As evening approaches, marvel at the festive Christmas trees and twinkling lights decorating the city's historic squares.

This afternoon, step aboard the all-inclusive, ship and settle into an elegant suite. Take advantage of accommodations featuring innovative windows that effortlessly convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, granting uninterrupted views of the ever-changing landscapes and daily life along the riverbanks. Later, relax and raise a glass to the exciting adventure ahead during tonight's welcome reception.

Spend this morning exploring Amsterdam. As you navigate the Netherlands’ capital, discover a true treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries overflowing with masterpieces, historic 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and bustling cyclist paths. Take time to admire the city’s World Heritage-listed canal system, which remains largely as it did hundreds of years ago, elegantly framed by well-preserved historic houses and intersected by charming bridges.

Freechoice
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals. See some of the sights of the city on a one-hour cruise along these historic waterways. Admire Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges. Stay warm inside your canal boat as you take in the city from a different perspective.

City walking tour: Explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city center, festively decorated for the season. 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: Windmills are an iconic feature of Dutch culture, that you can admire as you leave the city center, enjoying the sweeping countryside views and exploring the nearby villages of Schermerhorn, home to a number of windmills dating back to the 16th century, and Alkmaar known for its historic building and picturesque canals.

This afternoon, relax on board as your ship cruises towards the cosmopolitan city 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, known locally as the Kolner Dom. The city is also home to one of the most spectacular Christmas trees in the Rhineland, which is the center piece of the cathedral Christmas market in front of the gothic masterpiece that is Kolner Dom. Locals and visitors flock to its famous wooden stalls where vendors sell delicious treats and decorations.

With a late departure tonight, you can have some free time to explore the city on your own and soak up more of the festive spirit.

Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometer stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.

After lunch, disembark in Rüdesheim, a picturesque town surrounded by steep vineyards. In the historic center, you can find half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, a smattering of wine taverns, and open-air beer gardens. During the festive season, a glowing Christmas market takes over the main square, and the buildings are strung with twinkling lights.

Later, visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum. A mini train is the ideal way to arrive at this quirky museum, where a local guide will introduce you to its weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards, explore the surrounding streets at your leisure. You can also have time to visit the local Christmas market.  

Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Miltenberg. You may like to book a massage in the spa or relax in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

This afternoon, dock in Miltenberg. Located on the banks of the River Main, this historic town is one of the best preserved in Germany, home to hundreds of pastel-colored half-timbered houses and one of the country’s oldest inns, Zum Riesen. Take an orientation tour of the town, then transfer by coach to Wertheim, on the banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy another guided tour before re-boarding your ship.

With its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, be captivating by glamorous Würzburg. This 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 from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided city tour and Würzburg Residence: Visit the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, for a guided tour to see its many valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Then take a short stroll into the city for some free time.

Romantic Road to Rothenburg: Travel by coach to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors’ Tavern. Then let yourself absorb the magical atmosphere of a 500-year-old Christmas market.

This afternoon, sit back with a drink on the Sun Deck or in the privacy of your suite as you enjoy the scenery while cruising towards to city of Bamberg.

Dock in picturesque Bamberg after lunch. You could spend this morning relaxing in your spacious suite or perhaps join an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along this stretch of river.

Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Join a guided tour to discover Bamberg’s Old Town, resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Admire the charming Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque style cathedral, and the Old and New Residences – comprising an episcopal palace, an enchanting ‘Little Venice’ and a 12th century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills.

Don’t forget to visit its Christmas market in Mazimiliansplatz and sample traditional German treats including gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine among twinkling lights.

Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city, early this morning. The Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall and hosts an enthralling Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in the world. The 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.

The wooden booths of ‘the little city of wood and cloth’ looks picked straight out of a fairytale as twinkling lights, holly and handmade charms adorn the fringes. Spekulatius almond cookies, gingerbread and original Nuremberg Bratwurst have made this market world famous. In a time-honored European tradition, each town has its own unique festive mug, with custom designs considered a collector's item.

Freechoice
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon:

Walking tour of the Old Town: Drive into Nuremberg’s city center, passing by the ancient city walls, then join your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle, St. Egidien’s Church and the 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.

Arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. 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 World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. It also hosts five separate Christmas markets during the festive season in the city’s picturesque squares and at Thurn und Taxis Castle.

Regensburg Christmas market on Neupfarrplatz is renowned as one of the most beautiful advent markets in Germany. Regional specialties such as blueberry mulled wine from the Bavarian Forest or apple mulled wine from Upper Palatinate orchards are just as popular as the ‘Original Regensburger Bratwürste’ or the ‘Regensburger’ from the grill.

Cosy up to warm open fireplaces at the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace, where local delicacies are both unique and satiating, with Old Bavarian potato soup served in a loaf of bread, whilst the scent of roasted almonds create a cosy ambience.

Freechoice
Today, Regensburg offers two Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:

Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the Old Stone Bridge, the Church of St. James and the Porta Praetoria, all beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Thurn und Taxis tour: Visit Thurn und Taxis Castle for a guided tour followed by free time to explore the magical Christmas markets. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century.

Arrive in Passau early this morning. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style. Its grand buildings will be strung with decorations, and the charming Christmas market will fill the air with the scent of gingerbread and spices. 

Freechoice
Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and the Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.

Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and eat lunch in a local restaurant.

Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly colored buildings that line the waterways, all decorated for Christmas. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style. The Christmas market will be in the square in front. Culinary delights are a feast for the senses, such as Sengzelten, a Bavarian delicacy similar to a tarte flambée. A magical festive concert is held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, featuring the world’s largest cathedral organ, from Wednesday until Saturday at noon.

Spend this morning in Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore this World Heritage-listed town, perched on the edge of the Danube River and surrounded by ancient, terraced vineyards. Then cruise on to the city of Krems, where the lights of the Christmas market will begin to glow in the afternoon. 

Freechoice
Today offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

Göttweig Abbey: Founded in the sixth century, the abbey burned down during the 18th century and was rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will show you its spectacular frescoes as well as the staircase, the largest in Baroque style in Austria.

Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the most prominent regions for wine production in Austria. Today, visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious drops produced on site.

UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems. Pass by charming villages and rolling vineyard landscapes. You can have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Christmas magic in Krems: Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley's historic old town, Krems, where a 700m pedestrian zone glows with twinkling lights, artisan huts, and festive music from late November to just before Christmas. Join a short, guided tour through medieval alleys and Baroque landmarks before exploring on your own. Savor authentic Wachau mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and regional specialties like apricot treats and browse handmade crafts amid live holiday tunes. Linger at illuminated photo spots for unforgettable memories in this very charming yet intimate Christmas market experience.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a center of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. See the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, all lit up with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations. You can also enjoy the city's musical heritage in full display with the sounds of famous festive tunes and classical pieces around every corner.

Join your local guide and take a coach ride from the ship to Vienna’s city center, where you embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight, so this afternoon you are free to wander around the city, exploring the Christmas markets, or relax on board your ship.

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, 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 remember for a lifetime.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. Slow down and spend a full day exploring Vienna or venture further afield. In the afternoon, shuttles will be available to take you from the ship to the Christmas markets in the city center. 

Freechoice
This morning, choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Kunsthistorisches museum: Visit this superb museum which houses pieces from ancient Egypt through to the 18th century. The magnificent exhibits include the works of some of painting’s great masters, such as the largest collection of pieces from Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Schönbrunn Palace: Explore the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lived here and see the impressive gardens. The palace courtyard hosts Christmas markets sharing Viennese traditional trinkets and festive treats.

Excursion to Bratislava: Travel to Slovakia’s capital since its independence in 1993. This modern multicultural metropolis has an intriguing history. The glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. Your local guide will show you Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

This morning, arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and 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. It’s an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

The city comes alive during the festive season, with elaborate decorations, charming Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, traditional foods and trams covered in twinkling lights.

Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:

Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square.

Hospital in the Rock: Go underground to explore 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.

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Várkert Bazár and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

This afternoon is at leisure. Take the time to visit one of the Christmas markets or explore more of the city. 

Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you a lifetime of memories and Christmas cheer.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Scenic will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with the booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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 the terms and conditions.