Danube Christmas Markets with Prague

Fly from the UK to Prague.Welcome to Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other.

Pull back the curtains of your hotel room this morning and you’ll see why Prague is known as the city of 100 Spires. More accurately, it should be called the city of 1,000 spires as a seemingly endless landscape of Baroque belfries, Gothic church spires and 19th-century clocktowers.  

You’ll take a guided tour this morning, led by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s secrets in all their Gothic glory. The red-roofed Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone laneways, medieval buildings, bustling squares and elaborate statues. It’s compact and almost completely flat, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 Apostles.  

The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through this magnificent city, situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia. Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. Your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan. 

You have the morning at leisure to explore this wonderful city, perhaps rise early and take a stroll along the Charles Bridge, without the crowds or relax and people watch in one of the many cafes around the picturesque Old Town. 

Freechoice:
This afternoon choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Communist Walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, take in the city’s most famous sites and hidden gems and learn how everyday life was under Communism. During the tour your local guide will take you to a local brewery  where you’ll taste local beers that have been produced here for generations, like pilsner larger and wheat beer.

Prague Castle tour: Journey to the hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague to explore the seat of Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering more than 70,000 square metres that’s considered the largest castle complex in the world. The castle has its roots in the 9th century, though there are buildings dating from every period of history spread throughout the grounds. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic as well as the Old Royal Palace the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane, the historic street lined with colourful houses, inhabited by soldiers, goldsmiths or alchemists in the past.

Terezin Memorial: Take an excursion outside of Prague to the nearby town of Terezin, a former Austrian imperial military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto, which served as a concentration camp during World War II. Visit the Terezin Memorial sites including the small fortress and the Ghetto Museum to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation during World War II and pay your respects to those that lost their lives during this atrocity. Please note due to the amount of walking involved, this tour is only recommended for guest with a good degree of fitness.

The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Journey by coach to the fascinating Bavarian city of Nuremberg, which dates back to the 11th century. Your cruise begins here, and you’ll get to toast the occasion at this evening’s welcome reception.

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

The Christmas markets of Nuremberg are some of the most popular in Germany and date back to the Middle Ages. The largest, Christkindlesmarkt, dominates the main square overlooked by the imposing Frauenkirche, and is made up of over 180 wooden stalls. Discover an abundance of decorated ornaments, traditional German trinkets and a wide selection of delicious festive treats. 

Freechoice:
Make your choice from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursion:

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. After your guided tour, you will have time to explore the delightful Christmas markets that grace the city.

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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail this afternoon towards the city of Regensburg. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the waterway. Learn about the true engineering wonders of water locks and the skills of our Captain taking you through them.

This morning will be spent on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps wake up to a pre-ordered coffee delivered by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Crystal Dining.

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. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.  

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.

Freechoice:
Today, choose from two completely different, yet equally fascinating full day Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Full day excursion to Salzburg: This morning you will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau, 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 city of Linz.

Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, 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. 

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The city’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.
 

Freechoice:
This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

Glorious Melk Abbey: Your visit to Melk will only be complete with a guided tour to its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, which is adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.

E-biking from Melk to Dürnstein: 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 Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.

On board Schnapps tasting: Stay on board and learn about how Schnapps is produced, including the distilling process. Discover the number of flavours available and get to sample some types of delicious schnapps during a tasting.

Sailing the Wachau Valley, you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon we are docked in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town 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.  

While you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce from the Wachau Valley. Your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you and invite a local producer on board to share some regional delicacies that are famous in this region. Sample some Apricot dumplings and local schnapps among other delights in this breath-taking location.

Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot.

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, 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 lived here and see the impressive gardens. After your guided tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas Markets that are held annually at the palace. Take the chance to delight in the festive culinary offerings or look around for the many stalls offering traditional and homemade gifts.

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.

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, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city centre and make the most of your time strolling through the many Christmas markets or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Enrich
This evening, join an unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience:

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.

This afternoon we 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. 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 afternoon:

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. After your tour you will have ample free time to explore the Christmas Markets of the city. Walk through the stalls that flank St Stephens Basilica and delight in the festive atmosphere with the sights and scents of the markets on full display.

Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. 

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.