Embark on an 8-day cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard the Scenic Amber—Experience Europe's festive season on a Danube River cruise from the German Alps to Budapest. Visit traditional Christmas markets in historic cities and medieval towns featuring local crafts, seasonal treats, and regional customs. Enjoy exclusive events, such as a private concert at Palais Liechtenstein, while discovering Central Europe's cultural heritage and architectural highlights. This itinerary combines holiday charm with enriching guided tours, offering a memorable way to explore the region during the most festive time of year.
Highlights
Explore Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed medieval old town and festive lanes
Admire Passau’s colorful river confluence and Baroque old quarter
Tour Salzburg’s historic landmarks and vibrant Christmas market stalls
Wander Cesky Krumlov’s charming medieval streets and riverside views
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Begin your festive journey in Regensburg, a city with a 2,000-year history and one of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval town centers. Home to over 900 Romanesque and Gothic structures designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, Regensburg’s narrow lanes also host the highest concentration of bars in the country. Celebrate the start of your cruise with a welcome reception onboard.
Please book your flight to arrive in Munich before 02:00 PM.
Located at the meeting point of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg offers much to discover. Explore at your own pace or join a curated Scenic Freechoice excursion for a deeper experience.
Freechoice
Walking tour of Regensburg: 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.
Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join your guide for a tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace followed by free time to peruse the local Christmas market.
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 color; some days, you can see the green, blue, and black hues where the waters meet. At the center of the Baroque city, the 13th-century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways, tunnels, archways, and sparkling Christmas markets.
Freechoice
Highlights of Passau Walking Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of Passau and visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in 450.
Full-day Excursion to Salzburg: Journey via coach to Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and having some free time to explore.
Full-day Excursion to Cesky Krumlov: Take a guided tour of the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Delight in lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure.
Your ship will dock this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley.
Freechoice
Melk Benedictine Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour of the magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed grounds, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
E-biking from Melk to Durnstein: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Durnstein. Pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, enjoying the river views.
This afternoon is spent on board your ship, cruising the beautiful Wachau Valley. While you bask in the spectacular views, you can indulge in some delicious local produce. Your Cruise Director will organize a special treat for you and invite a local producer to share some famous regional delicacies—sample local schnapps, among other delights, in this breathtaking location.
Wake up in Vienna this morning. It's a city full of grandeur, featuring the world's most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered musical geniuses such as Mozart and Beethoven. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century.
Freechoice
Visit Schonbrunn Palace: Join your local guide in exploring Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Discover the countless rooms where famous artists and craftsmen from many different epochs created interiors of great beauty and learn the history and tales of the royal family that lived in these walls. After the guided tour, you can have some time to see the impressive gardens before returning to your ship.
Central Vienna Guided Tour: The city center of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance, and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to discover Vienna's gorgeous Christmas markets.
Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe's most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day on a guided tour.
This afternoon, you can wander around Vienna or relax aboard your ship.
Enrich
Take 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 you can remember for a lifetime.
Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava, is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is filled with glorious examples of medieval and Gothic architecture and a well-preserved hilltop castle dating to the 9th century. These charming historic sites contrast with the brutalist socialist architecture evident around the city.
Freechoice
Walking Tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see the city's highlights, such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square, and the Old Town Hall. As you walk, learn about the city's history and enjoy a mulled wine from the local Christmas market.
Wines of Slovakia: Slovakian Wines are quite young, but worldwide, wine experts are beginning to praise their flavor and quality. Embark on a journey through the different wine regions of Slovakia as you enjoy a tasting in one of Bratislava's cellars.
Today, you 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, the city came together in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest is 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.
Freechoice
Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube. Starting on the Buda side, see the Varkert Bazar before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side, where you can see Szechenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a visit to Budapest's lively Christmas market.
National Opera House Tour: Get a captivating glimpse of the stunning architecture and rich history of the Hungarian State Opera House. Walk through opulent interiors and learn about the Opera House's cultural significance.
Day 8: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, with you a lifetime of wonderful festive memories.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,790
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
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Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
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Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
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Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
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Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
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Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
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Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Return airport transfers
1 Scenic Enrich experience with an enchanting private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein – Exclusive to Scenic
Personalise your trip with 16 included Scenic Freechoice activities
Dine at your choice of up to five on board venues, from casual to fine dining
Complimentary premium beverages on board all day, every day – not just at meal times
Butler service for every suite throughout your cruise
Complimentary full mini-bar throughout your cruise
Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area on board your Scenic Space-Ship
Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
The freedom of our e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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