Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Paris, Christmas & New Year River Cruise & Prague
(22 days, Paris - Prague, 2012)
This 22 day tour takes you on a stunning journey along Europe’s waterways from Paris to Prague, celebrating a magical Christmas Day in Bamberg and New Year in Budapest.
Your festive 22 day tour begins in Paris where you will spend three days soaking up the culture and Parisian atmosphere of the French capital, including a night tour of the Eiffel Tower where you will ascend to the second floor to see the lights of Paris before dining at 58 Tour Eiffel. From Paris you will travel to The Netherlands, arriving in Amsterdam where you will board your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ and commence your cruise towards Germany.
In Cologne you will have plenty of time to wander around the diverse range of Christmas markets before continuing through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and into Rüdesheim. Rüdesheim is home to Europe’s largest nativity scene and boasts 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 for a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
From Rüdesheim you will travel through 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 before arriving in the beautiful Austrian capital of Vienna for an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. You will enjoy the New Year Hungarian style in the capital Budapest before travelling onto your final incredible destination, the Czech capital of Prague.
- 22% more space onboard
- Portobello’s fine dining – one of 3 dining venues
- Relax in our 3 viewing areas
- Experienced Cruise Director
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on cruise
- Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
- Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
- Wonderful local entertainment
- Airport transfers
- Spacious full size balcony suites
- Complimentary bicycles
- Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
- ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED
- Ascend to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower then dine at 58 Tour Eiffel
- Enjoy an exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart
- Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam; or a guided bicycle tour; or take an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Edam
- A walking tour of Würzburg; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg;
- Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour
- Enjoy the sights of Passau; or an excursion to Salzburg; or a visit to Cesky Krumlov
- In Vienna tour Schönbrunn Palace; or see the key sights of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava; or the Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or to watch the horses exercise
- Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Amsterdam, Cologne, Bamberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest at your leisure
- 52 Meals included: 21 Full Breakfasts – hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 14 Lunches – Buffet and daily à la carte (L), 2 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) 15 Evening Meals – four course – à la carte (D)
- With its 19th century grandeur the Hotel Scribe is ideally located between the Opera Garnier and the Place Vendome
- The Westin Paris offers magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, just moments from the Louvre Museum
- The Radisson Blu Alcron has recently been refurbished to its former art deco glory
- Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of romantic Paris
- Wander through the Christmas Markets in Cologne and Rüdesheim
- Celebrate with your Cruise Director a magical night of singing and Christmas Carols before dinner on Christmas Eve
- Guided tour of Melk including entry to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- Morning guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna
- Spectacular New Year’s Eve gala celebrations on-board
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of ancient Prague
Day 1: Paris
You will be met at the airport before being transferred* to your hotel.
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 2: Paris
(FB,HD)
Today join your Tour Director on your Included sightseeing tour of all the major sights of Paris. Tonight ascend the Eiffel Tower to 58 Tour Eiffel where you will dine overlooking the Paris skyline.
Day 3: Paris
(FB)
Enjoy your day at leisure.
Day 4: Paris - Amsterdam
(FB,D)
Today we travel by coach to picturesque Amsterdam. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxurious Scenic Tours ‘Space-Ship’.
Next Fifteen Nights: Cruising
Next Fifteen Nights: Cruising
Day 5: Amsterdam
(FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours:(1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour; or (3) a visit to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the Dutch town of Edam. Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 6: Cologne
(FB,L,D)
Join your guide on your Included tour of Cologne and explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Enjoy free time to explore with the locals, the diverse range of Christmas markets, all offering their own unique and distinct feel. Cologne Cathedral market is home to the largest Christmas Tree in Rhineland.
Day 7: Rüdesheim
(FB,L,D)
This morning cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge before arriving in the ornate village of Rüdesheim, home to Europe’s largest Nativity scene, this afternoon board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Day 8: European Village Life
(FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience Village life just for a day – exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Day 9: Würzburg
(FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE 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 10: Bamberg
(FB,L,D)
Today enjoy a guided city tour before having time at leisure to celebrate with new found friends on board your cruise or wander through the medieval streets of Bamberg and rejoice in the Christmas Spirit with the locals. 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 11: Nuremberg
(FB,L,D)
Merry Christmas! Today see the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre. This afternoon you will have time to explore Nuremberg at leisure before relaxing on board as you cruise to your next destination.
Day 12: Regensburg
(FB,L,D)
Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape. Included is a visit to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Day 13: Passau - Linz
(FB,L,D)
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.
Day 14: Melk - Dürnstein - Vienna
(FB,L,D)
This morning visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk. SCENIC ENRICH Inside the Abbey an organ recital has been arranged especially for you. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quaint little town of Dürnstein. This evening we arrive in Vienna.
Day 15: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. 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 16: Vienna
(FB, L, D)
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) An 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 17: Budapest
(FB,L,D)
This afternoon we arrive into Budapest, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities, where you will join your local guide on a sightseeing tour. On your Included tour visit the Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebrations this evening with a gala dinner on-board.
Day 18: Budapest
(FB,L,D)
Happy New Year!!Today enjoy time at leisure to explore the sights of this magnificent city.
Day 19: Budapest - Prague
(FB)
After breakfast this morning journey by coach to Prague.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
Day 20: Prague
(FB,HD)
Today join your local guide on your Included sightseeing tour through the old town, ending with coffee and cake. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner.
Day 21: Prague
(FB)
Enjoy exploring this magnificent city at leisure.
Day 22: Prague
(FB)
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.
