Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Paris & Christmas Markets River Cruise
(18 days, Paris - Budapest, 2012)
Spend 18 days on a magical tour beginning in Paris and exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets in cities including Cologne, Rüdesheim and Budapest.
Your 18 day Christmas markets tour begins in Paris, where you will spend three nights exploring the city before travelling to the fascinating Dutch capital of Amsterdam where you will board your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. In Cologne you will spend a day at one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Germany, with ample time to explore the diverse range of stalls and visit the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland. You will also visit the Alter Markt (Old Square) with its half-timbered stalls including puppet theatres, toy stalls and Santa’s grotto, whilst at Rudolfplatz you will be transported to the world of fairytales.
From Cologne you will cruise through the amazing Rhine Gorge, before arriving in Rüdesheim where you will ride the Winzerexpress mini train to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Rüdesheim is also home to Europe’s largest nativity scene and boasts 120 market stalls representing 12 countries, each showcasing their own customs and traditions. You will then travel through Würzburg and Bamberg, before stopping in Nuremberg, host to Germany’s most famous Christmas market dating back to 1628 and world-renowned for toy making and metal work.
Your cruise continues through Regensburg, Passau, Linz and Vienna, home to the Christkindlemarkt, Vienna’s classic Christmas market on the square in front of City Hall. Your final destination is Budapest on the banks of the Danube, where you will experience Christmas markets, Hungarian style.
Day 1: Paris
You will be met at Charles De Gaulle airport by your Scenic Tours Representative before being transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 2: Paris
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Paris, the capital of France, is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. Today join your Tour Director on your Included sightseeing tour of all the major sights of Paris. See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Concorde Square and the famous Champs Elysées. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight journey to the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second level for unforgettable views. It’s a short walk to your spectacular dinner venue, 58 Tour Eiffel, just one floor below, where you will dine overlooking the Paris skyline
Day 3: Paris
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Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your free day where the city awaits with countless sights. You may wish to step out of the city and take a trip to the Palace of Versailles where among the highlights are the Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette’s bedchambers and the outstandingly well-manicured gardens. Perhaps you may wish to visit the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, where you can see many famous art works including the Mona Lisa, or you may wish to shop the for the latest fashion on the Champs Elysées.
Day 4: Paris - Amsterdam
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Today we travel by coach to picturesque Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. On board be warmly welcomed by our dedicated crew and settle into your cabin. Tonight enjoy a Welcome reception with your fellow travellers. After dinner you may wish to take a stroll into Dam Square to capture a glimpse of its brightly illuminated tree.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 5: Amsterdam
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There is so much to enjoy. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise through the cities 17th century architecture in a glass-top boat; or (2) Explore Amsterdam the traditional way on a guided bicycle tour through the canals and over the wooden bridges. En route visit the Dam Square, Royal Palace and the war monument and then into the Red-Light district where you’ll see the Old church and Nieuw Market; or (3) A visit to the open-air conservation area and windmills of Zaanse Schans followed by an excursion to the Dutch town of Edam famous for its cheese of the same name. Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 6: Cologne
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This morning cruise to historic Cologne, one of the most spectacular displays of Christmas Markets in Germany. After an Included orientation tour of the town enjoy free time to explore 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. Here you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine” out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs. The Alter Market with its half-timbered stalls include puppet theatres, toy stalls and Santa’s grotto, while Rudolfplatz takes you to the world of fairy tales.
Day 7: Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim
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Today cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. Arrive at Rüdesheim and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Home to Europe’s largest nativity scene stroll through the 120 stalls representing 12 countries, each showcasing their own customs and traditions.
Day 8: European Village Life
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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. Choose from a selection of activities from everyday life like cooking onion pie, or be welcomed into private castles and family wineries. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.
Day 9: Würzburg
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This morning cruise through Bavaria to Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. It is said to be one of the loveliest baroque cities in the country and became famous as the centre of Franconian wine production. Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours:(1) Würzburg is best explored on foot. Visit the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace followed by a private wine tasting underneath the Residenz in the Palace’s wine cellar. Just outside the Palace the air is filled with spicy smells from innumerable decorated stalls and the sound of traditional Christmas songs; or (2) Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a walled medieval gem overlooking the Tauber river. Although known for the all year round Christmas market the real one is just as impressive. Don’t forget to try the local specialty Schneeball (snowball); a fist-sized ball of dough strips coated in a variety of sugary temptations.
Day 10: Bamberg
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Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres. Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of the city on your Included city tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s renowned Smoked Beer.
Day 11: Nuremberg
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Nuremberg is host to Germany’s most famous Christmas market dating back to 1628 and is opened each year by Christkindl. Take a moment to breathe in the aroma of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and toasted almonds filling the air. Famous for its toy making and metal work, Nuremberg will be sure to have the perfect gift available to place under the tree.
Day 12: Regensburg
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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 Drop into the world’s oldest sausage kitchen, where recipes dating back as far as 1256 are still being used today, just waiting for you sample. With bands, choirs and homemade goodies the city square is filled with Christmas cheer.
Day 13: Passau - Linz
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Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Appreciate the incredible value as you savour your discoveries tonight perhaps over an intimate dinner in exclusive Portobello’s fine dining restaurant.
Day 14: Melk - Dürnstein - Vienna
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This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where you will discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. For the more active, you may wish to embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to the picturesque town of Dürnstein, where you will have the opportunity to witness some truly spectacular scenery whilst your Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the awe-inspiring wine region of the Wachau Valley to meet up with you. In Dürnstein you will have leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region, famous for its wide range of apricot produce and towering castle on top of the hill. Tonight your cruise ship arrives in Vienna.
Day 15: Vienna
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To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights, before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The “Christkindlmarkt” on the square in front of City Hall is Vienna’s classic Christmas Market. Tonight be enchanted by the charm of Viennese fine arts and culture. SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein before an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Day 16: Vienna
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Today offers two SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; with festive concerts and it very own Christmas Market or (2) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world.†
Day 17: Budapest
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Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Join your guide on an Included tour before enjoying free time this afternoon to perhaps try the local delicacies or shop for local crafts at the Hungarian Christmas markets. Tonight celebrate with Folklore music before dinner.
Day 18: Budapest
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After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours representative will transfer* you 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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