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17 Night Christmas and New Year with Paris and Land Tour

From Budapest to Paris

Scenic Opal

Scenic Cruises
5 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13945828
  • Departs: Sun, Dec 21, 2025
  • Returns: Wed, Jan 7, 2026
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    Suite $13,315
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Dec 21, 2025
    Day
    1
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest and prettiest cities. 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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    Monday - Dec 22, 2025
    Day
    2
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    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 morning: 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. City Tour and Hospital in the Rock: Start your tour at the Fisherman's Bastion before visiting the Hospital in the Rock - a former top-secret nuclear bunker and emergency hospital. Afterwards, cross the Danube to the Pest side of the city, where you will have free time to wander this part of the city. Thermal Baths: Budapest is known for its thermal waters and today you can relax in the natural hot springs at Gellert Baths. The baths are said to have medicinal properties and are warm year-round, allowing for a luxurious soak no matter what the season. Your Scenic Space-Ship departs for Vienna after lunch. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Tuesday - Dec 23, 2025
    Day
    3
    Vienna, Austria
    • Vienna, Austria
    Today, spend the day cruising the magnificent Danube River before a late afternoon arrival into Vienna. Austria's imperial capital oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. Enrich: Tonight's 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Wednesday - Dec 24, 2025
    Day
    4
    Vienna, Austria
    • Vienna, Austria
    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, all 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 Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. 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 as you wish. Excursion to Bratislava: Take a motorcoach to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital since 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 dominates 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. Tonight, you may wish to join the locals at a traditional Christmas Mass at a nearby church. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Thursday - Dec 25, 2025
    Day
    5
    • River Cruising
    Merry Christmas - celebrate with newfound friends onboard your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards Passau. 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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    Friday - Dec 26, 2025
    Day
    6
    Passau, Germany
    • Passau, Germany
    Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as 'white gold'. Each river is distinct in color and some days you can clearly see the green, blue, and black hues where the waters meet. At the center of the Baroque city, the 13th-century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an "artists' mile" where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops, and galleries. Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly colored buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral: originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world's largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Saturday - Dec 27, 2025
    Day
    7
    Regensburg, Germany
    • Regensburg, Germany
    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. On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Sunday - Dec 28, 2025
    Day
    8
    Nuremberg, Germany
    • 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, when Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Freechoice: Make your choice for today's Scenic Freechoice experiences: 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 the market square. The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour: Join your 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 the Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse, where subsequent trials of Nazi party members took place. 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. This afternoon, you will sail towards Bamberg. Sip on a specialty tea or coffee in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or join a lecture to gain insight into the history and culture along the river. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Monday - Dec 29, 2025
    Day
    9
    Bamberg, Germany
    • Bamberg, Germany
    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. Bamberg is known for its charming Old Town, one of Europe's largest intact old town centers. Learn about its fascinating history as you wander through stunning medieval and Baroque buildings on a guided city tour. Back onboard your Space-Ship, you may wish to spend time in the wellness center with a soothing massage. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Tuesday - Dec 30, 2025
    Day
    10
    Wurzburg, Germany
    • Wurzburg, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Rothenburg, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Wurzburg, Germany
    After a leisurely morning onboard your Space-Ship, you will arrive in 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: Spend your day at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice options: Guided city tour & Wurzburg Residence: A short transfer via motorcoach is needed to get to the Wurzburg Residence, a Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the palace to see its most beautiful rooms, many of which feature valuable paintings, tapestries, and period furniture. Afterwards, take a short stroll into the city, where you will have some free time. Explore the shopping area and the many coffee houses, pubs, and restaurants; if you're feeling energetic, you can climb up to Marienberg Fortress. 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, where various clocks will show you the legendary story of the "Master Draught". After the guided walking tour, you will have free time to discover the city on your own. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Wednesday - Dec 31, 2025
    Day
    11
    • River Cruising
    Spend the day relaxing at leisure onboard as your cruise while cruising along the Main River towards the Germany city of Frankfurt. You will arrive late this evening. Choose to wander offboard and ring in the New Year in the city of Frankfurt or stay onboard, where your cruise director and Enrichment manager have planned a fun party and would be delighted to celebrate the New Year with you. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 1, 2026
    Day
    12
    Rudesheim, Germany
    • Rudesheim, Germany
    • Rhine Gorge, Germany
    This morning, you will disembark in Rudesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town center is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens. 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. This afternoon, relax onboard the Sun Deck and admire the scenic landscapes as you 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Friday - Jan 2, 2026
    Day
    13
    Cologne, Germany
    • Cologne, Germany
    You will arrive in Cologne today, 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-listed site that dates to 1248, was badly damaged but stood tall above the ruins of the city. 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Saturday - Jan 3, 2026
    Day
    14
    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • 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 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. 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. City walking tour: Explore Amsterdam on foot today, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city center. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed. 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, also known as 'the city of cheese'. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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    Sunday - Jan 4, 2026
    Day
    15
    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 15 - Sunday - Jan 4, 2026
    Day
    15
    • High-Speed Train Travel
    • Paris, France
    Travel by high-speed train to Paris and spend three nights at one of the centrally located hotels. Inclusions: Breakfast.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Jan 5, 2026
    Day
    16
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    It's your first morning in Paris, so why not start the day with a pain au chocolat and a cafe au lait? Paris is a city that has been immortalized in endless movies, TV shows, books, and paintings, so even if you're a first-time visitor you will feel like you already know it. Its elegant streets, grand buildings, shady parks, stylish cafes, and even more stylish residents - you'll quickly be swept up in the joie de vivre. Freechoice: Today's Scenic Freechoice: Panoramic city tour: Marvel at the city's most famous sites on this interesting and engaging tour, taking in the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and more. You'll learn what makes Paris so magical and why it's one of the world's most visited cities. Explore Bohemian Paris: The Montmartre district of Paris is known for its Bohemian spirit, home to artists, writers, and rumors of debauchery. Explore this fascinating quarter and discover a hidden winery tucked away in the streets behind Sacre-Coeur. This afternoon, discover the part of Paris that most inspires you. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the legendary art galleries, like the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, or Centre Pompidou. Splash some cash at the flagship boutiques of the world's best designer labels or hunt out a treasure at one of the city's vintage stores and flea markets. Then there's the food; you could spend the whole afternoon (and more) at the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries, and bistros that line every street. Then pick up some supplies and retreat to one of the many elegant parks for a classic Parisian picnic. Inclusions: Breakfast. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Jan 6, 2026
    Day
    17
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    Today is yours to enjoy, with a full day to explore Paris. Discover some of the city's most famous districts, like the charming Latin Quarter, the modern La Defense, the Neoclassical Place Vendome, or the fashionable Le Marais. Visit one of the excellent museums, like the Musee des Arts et Metiers, the world's oldest science museum dating back to 1794, or the Musee Carnavalet, which charts the history of Paris from the Gauls to the 20th century. You could plan a literary tour of the city, taking in the favorite writing spots of Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, and Simone de Beauvoir. And of course there are endless options for shopping, art galleries, historic sites, or eating and drinking. Or you might like to do as the French do and embrace the 'art of doing nothing'. The French word flaneur means to wander aimlessly through a city with no destination in mind. It's a relaxed way to soak in the sights and mingle with the locals, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine when you feel like it or perhaps browsing in an appealing bookstore or gallery. It's one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day and gives you a real feel for life in Paris. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Jan 7, 2026
    Day
    18
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    Say 'au revoir' to Paris this morning. Take time for a final indulgent breakfast at the hotel or perhaps stop for a coffee at the legendary Cafe de la Paix, a Paris institution that has occupied a prime spot in the Place de l'Opera since 1862. You'll then be transferred to the airport or train station to begin your journey home. Inclusions: Breakfast. ...
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