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14 Night Christmas and New Year

From Amsterdam to Budapest

Scenic Opal

Scenic Cruises

Cruise #: 13935009
Departs: Sat, Dec 21, 2024
Returns: Sat, Jan 4, 2025

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Itinerary Summary

Day by Day Details

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Saturday - Dec 21, 2024

Day
1

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Your journey begins in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. A labyrinth of narrow laneways adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings, and Christmas trees decorating historic squares, Amsterdam is not only pretty to wander, it's also steeped in history, art, and an undeniable festive atmosphere. This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. Inclusions: Dinner. ...
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Sunday - Dec 22, 2024

Day
2

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bus Travel

Schermerhorn, Netherlands

Bus Travel

Alkmaar, Netherlands

Bus Travel

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges. Freechoice: This morning, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals and today you will see some of the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentlemen's Canal, where you will see the Skinny Bridge and the Prince's Canal, which was known for its warehouses and common people. You will go past the Old Mayor's House, Seven Bridges, Anne Frank's House, and head to the Brewers' Canal. As the historic center glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant's residences, churches, and warehouses dating from the Golden Age. Flavors of Holland walking tour: Explore the Dutch capital on foot and see the city highlights while tasting some delicious local treats. Pickled herring, a favorite street food, tasty cheeses, and mouth-watering poffertjes (traditional fluffy bite-sized pancakes) are some delicacies you'll savor. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals. This afternoon, we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing as you relax on the Sun Deck. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Monday - Dec 23, 2024

Day
3

Cologne, Germany

Perhaps enjoy a leisurely morning starting with coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining. You will arrive in Cologne, Germany, after lunch. Cologne is a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, auto industry, and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Settled by the Romans, this major cultural center for the Rhineland was built during the Middle Ages but was largely destroyed during WWII. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, an enormous UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city. Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Wander the laneways of the historical Old Town, which is home to breweries serving up draft Kolsch beer and enjoy free time to visit the city's centerpiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral. The Kolner Dom, as it is known locally, is also the location for magnificent Christmas markets and after your guided tour there is plenty of time to wander the wooden stalls where local venders sell delicious treats and decorations. Don't forget to look out for the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart during dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas, hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread, and mulled wine on offer in this lovely town. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Tuesday - Dec 24, 2024

Day
4

Rhine Gorge, Germany

Rudesheim, Germany

Cruise along the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65-kilometer stretch of the river that is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy tale book. The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however, on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today. After lunch, you will disembark in Rudesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. Take a mini train from the pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, your onboard culinary team have prepared a delicious festive dinner to celebrate Christmas Eve. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Wednesday - Dec 25, 2024

Day
5

River Cruising

Merry Christmas - celebrate with newfound friends onboard your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards Wurzburg. You may wish to spend time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties or enjoy the fresh air onboard the Sun Deck as your sail past charming villages and spectacular scenery. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Thursday - Dec 26, 2024

Day
6

Wurzburg, Germany

Bus Travel

Rothenburg, Germany

Bus Travel

Wurzburg, Germany

This morning you will arrive to Wurzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by undulating vineyards, Wurzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace, a dominating hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and three universities including Bavaria's oldest. Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your morning from the following Scenic Freechoice. Guided city tour: A short transfer via motorcoach is needed to get to the center of Wurzburg. Your local guide is delighted to show you their hometown as you stroll towards the historic market square where you will have time to wander. Why not warm your body and spirit with a glass of traditional Gluhwein or some local Franconian wine. Romantic Road to Rothenburg: From Wurzburg drive by motorcoach to Rothenburg along the so-called Romantic Road, an important trading route during the Middle Ages. Your guide will regale you with the history and legends of some of the towns and villages you pass, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Take a guided tour in Rothenburg, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, to see the Gothic and Renaissance City Hall as well as the famous City Councillors' Tavern. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Friday - Dec 27, 2024

Day
7

Bamberg, Germany

The ship will dock in Bamberg after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship's wellness center enjoying a soothing massage, or perhaps join an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along the fascinating Main River. Built on seven hills, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. A charming Old Town Hall which occupies an island on its own, a Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral, the Old and New Residences - comprising an episcopal palace, a pretty 'Little Venice', and a 12th-century castle that teeters on the highest of the seven hills are some of the incredible places you'll see during your guided city tour. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Saturday - Dec 28, 2024

Day
8

Nuremberg, Germany

You will arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, this morning. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th-century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings. Behind its charming facade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favored by the Nazis for party rallies. The boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship - known as the 'Nuremberg Laws'. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers - the US, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union - held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Freechoice: Make your choice from today's Scenic Freechoice excursions: Walking tour of the Old Town: You will drive into Nuremberg's city center, 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. 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. Visit the WWII Art Bunker, a large former beer cellar, that was converted into a storage facility to store the city's and some European's artistic treasure and now serve as a museum, not only for the salvaged relicts, but also for original photos and footage of the vent that took place in Nuremberg during the WWII. Traditional Gingerbread cooking class: Nurnberger Lebkuchen were 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 while learning about the region and its history. You may be surprised how different this is to today's modern-day gingerbread. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Sunday - Dec 29, 2024

Day
9

Regensburg, Germany

You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centers, 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 kilometers 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Monday - Dec 30, 2024

Day
10

Passau, Germany

Bus Travel

Salzburg, Austria

Bus Travel

Passau, Germany

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 motorcoach 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, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the German city of Passau. Full-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, journey via motorcoach 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 center 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Tuesday - Dec 31, 2024

Day
11

Melk, Austria

Vienna, Austria

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 World Heritage-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 the magnificent 18th-century Baroque Benedictine abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is 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 Durnstein: Embark on a 32-kilometer guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Durnstein. You'll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views. Onboard schnapps tasting: Stay onboard and learn about how schnapps is produced, including the distilling process. Discover the number of flavors available and get to sample some types of delicious schnapps during a tasting. Spend the afternoon at leisure onboard while sailing through the beautiful Wachau Valley as you cruise towards Vienna. This evening, ring in the New Year in style in the magical city of Vienna. Celebrate off board at one of the many lively bars and restaurants or stay onboard, where your cruise director and Enrichment manager have planned a fun party and would be delighted to cheer the New Year with you. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Wednesday - Jan 1, 2025

Day
12

Vienna, Austria

After a leisurely start this morning, you have the opportunity to explore the fabulous city of Vienna. A city full of grandeur, Austria's imperial capital is famous for having the world's most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city or venture into neighboring country Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava. The choice is yours - take your pick from today's selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences: Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schonbrunn 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 lives here and see the impressive gardens. 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. Central Vienna exploration: The city center of Vienna is overflowing with history, elegance, and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you extended free time to explore the city as you wish. Excursion to Bratislava: Take a motorcoach to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital since its independence in 1993. Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still powering over the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Take a tour with a local guide to see Bratislava Castle, Hlavne Namestie, the main square, and Old Town Hall. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Thursday - Jan 2, 2025

Day
13

Budapest, Hungary

After the New Year celebrations, enjoy a leisurely day of sailing. You may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, or sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or relax in your suite watching life on the riverbanks from your Scenic Sun Lounge. Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Godollo Royal Palace: Immerse yourself in Budapest's Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Godollo Royal Palace, one of the favorite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Friday - Jan 3, 2025

Day
14

Budapest, Hungary

Wake this morning with Budapest on your doorstep. 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. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. Freechoice: Explore the fabulous city of Budapest with a range of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from: Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by motorcoach. 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 Varkert Bazar before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Szechenyi and Elizabeth squares. End your tour with a mesmerizing piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round, allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall - the largest market in the city, built in Neo-Gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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Saturday - Jan 4, 2025

Day
15

Budapest, Hungary

Depart after a delicious breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. Inclusions: Breakfast.; Notes: 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. Massage/spa treatments at additional cost. ...
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