Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Christmas & New Year River Cruise & Prague
(19 days, Amsterdam - Prague, 2012)
This 19 day tour celebrates the festive season on Europe’s waterways, exploring Christmas markets plus Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest, plus three days in Prague.
Your 19 day Christmas and New Year tour begins in Amsterdam where you will board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ and begin sailing towards Germany for the cosmopolitan city of Cologne where you will have plenty of time to wander around the diverse range of Christmas markets. Continuing your journey through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and into Rüdesheim, you will visit Europe’s largest nativity scene and the city’s 120 Christmas stalls representing 12 different countries, all showcasing their own customs and traditions. You will also experience a ride on the Winzerexpress mini train to visit the famous Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
From Rüdesheim you will travel through both Wertheim and Würzburg before arriving in the medieval Bavarian city of Bamberg to celebrate a magical Christmas Day. Your tour continues through Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Dürnstein en route to the beautiful Austrian capital, Vienna, for an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. Finally, your cruise will travel through Budapest, where you will see in the New Year in one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities.
After disembarking your cruise you will travel to Prague, where you will spend three nights, allowing you plenty of time to explore the city.
Day 1: Amsterdam
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Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer* to your luxury Scenic Tours ‘Space-Ship’. On board be warmly welcomed by our dedicated crew. Tonight enjoy a Welcome reception with your fellow travellers.
Next Fifteen Nights: Cruising
Next Fifteen Nights: Cruising
Day 2: Amsterdam
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Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour; or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans in Amsterdam. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Cologne
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This morning cruise to historic Cologne, in time for the last day of one of the most spectacular displays of Christmas Markets in Germany. Enjoy free time to explore with the locals the diverse range of markets, all offering their own unique and distinct feel. Cologne Cathedral markets set against the imposing Cathedral itself, is also home to the largest Christmas Tree in Rhineland.
Day 4: Cologne
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Join your guide on your Included tour and explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Christmas Eve in Germany is a special night celebrated with those dear to them. Relish in the spirit of this magical night as your cruise director leads you and your new found friends in a choir of Christmas Carols before celebrating your Christmas Eve Dinner.
Day 5: Rüdesheim
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Merry Christmas! This morning we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. We’ll pass the infamous Lorelei Rock and arrive at Rüdesheim in time to enjoy our Christmas lunch onboard.
Day 6: Wertheim
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Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time today exploring this quaint medieval village with its half-timbered houses and cobble stoned streets.
Day 7: Würzburg
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SCENIC FREE CHOICE offer the following Included tours: (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace; or (2) a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, considered the best preserved medieval city in Europe.
Day 8: Bamberg
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Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights on an Included tour of Bamberg. As part of your Included tour, you will visit Zehnthasus, a private brewery established in 1533 and enjoy one of the finest brews.
Day 9: Nuremberg
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History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Relax on your balcony as you cruise to your next destination.
Day 10: Regensburg
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Be fascinated today as we cruise through and learn about the engineering feat of the locks which opened up these waterways. Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour.
Day 11: Passau - Linz
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Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries: (1) A guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg; or (3) Visit Cesky Krumlov. Enjoy your New Years Eve celebrations this evening with a gala dinner onboard.
Day 12: Melk - Dürnstein - Vienna
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We celebrate New Years Day by discovering the magnificent Benedictine Abbey on our Included guided tour. The ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley to the picturesque town of Dürnstein. This evening we arrive in Vienna.
Day 13: Vienna
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To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Day 14: Vienna
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To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or a guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world (not available all departure dates).
Day 15: Budapest
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Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. On your Included tour visit the Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill.
Day 16: Budapest - Prague
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After breakfast this morning we journey by coach to Prague.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
Day 17: Prague
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Today join our local guide on your Included sightseeing tour through the old town, ending with coffee and cake. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner.
Day 18: Prague
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Enjoy exploring this magnificent city at leisure.
Day 19: Prague
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After breakfast this morning you will be transferred* to the airport.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
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