Scenic Pearl, 11 Night Danube Christmas Markets with Prague ex Prague to Budapest ex Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary

Day 1
Welcome to Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other.

Day 2
Join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders.

Day 3
Scenic Freechoice: Today, explore Prague with your choice of Scenic Freechoice activities.Communist walk of Prague with beer tasting: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague’s famous sites and hidden gems and learn about everyday life under Communism. Visit a local brewery for a tasting of local beers.Terezin Memorial: Head to the town of Terezin, a former military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation.Prague Castle Tour: Explore Prague Castle, considered one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest cathedral in the Czech Republic, the Old Royal palace, former residence of Bohemian Royalty, and the picturesque Golden Lane.

Day 4
Journey by coach to Regensburg where you’ll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Day 5
Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore. Do so today at your leisure or on a captivating Scenic Freechoice excursion.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities:Walking tour of Regensburg: 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.Thurn and Taxis Palace Tour: Join your guide for a tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace followed by free time to peruse the local Christmas market.

Day 6
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 colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue, and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways, tunnels and archways as well as sparkling Christmas markets.

Scenic Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your day from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:Highlights of Passau: Enjoy a guided tour of Passau and visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450.Full day excursion to Salzburg: Journey via coach to Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. During a guided tour explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and some free time to explore.Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Take a guided tour of the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Delight in lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure.

Day 7
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley.

Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Melk Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour of the magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed grounds, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.E-biking from Melk to Dürnstein: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.

This afternoon is spent on board your Scenic Space-Ship, cruising the beautiful Wachau Valley. While you bask in the spectacular views you will have the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce. Your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you and invite a local producer on board to share some regional delicacies that are famous in this region. Sample local schnapps among other delights in this breathtaking location.

Day 8
Wake up in Vienna this morning. It’s a city full of grandeur, featuring the world’s most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with a selection from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:Visit Schönbrunn Palace: Join your local guide on an exploration of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. Discover the countless rooms where famous artists and craftsmen from many different epochs created interiors of great beauty and learn the history and tales of the royal family that lived in these walls. After the guided tour you will have some time to see the impressive gardens before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.Central Vienna guided tour: The city centre of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to discover Vienna’s gorgeous Christmas markets.Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day on a guided tour.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Scenic Take 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.

Day 9
Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is filled with glorious examples of medieval and Gothic architecture and a well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates to the 9th century. These charming historic sites contrast with the brutalist socialist architecture evident around the city.

Scenic Freechoice: As we dock in the city centre, choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Walking tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall. As you walk, learn about the history of the city and enjoy a mulled wine from the local Christmas market.Wines of Slovakia: Slovakian’s Wines are quite young but, all over the world, wine experts are beginning to praise their flavour and quality. Embark on a journey through the different wine regions of Slovakia as you enjoy a tasting in one of Bratislava’s cellars.

Day 10
Today we arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city came together in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest 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.

Scenic Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from today:Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube. Starting on the Buda side see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a visit to Budapest’s lively Christmas market.National Opera house tour: Get a captivating glimpse of the stunning architecture and rich history of the Hungarian State Opera house. You’ll walk through opulent interiors and learn about the Opera House’s cultural significance.

Day 11
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful festive memories with you.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Enjoy the ultimate European river cruise experience on board a luxury Scenic Space-Ship.

Scenic recently upgraded all our ships sailing the Rhine, Danube and Moselle to meet the same unrivaled standards set by our newer ships.

The upgrades include luxury suites boasting large private balconies fitted with Scenic Sun-Lounges, 32 inch Samsung HD TVs linked to Mac mini computers and complimentary internet access enhanced by an upgraded Wi-Fi system.

The two new spectacular dining areas, River Café and Table la Rive, are welcome additions, and all public areas feature new artwork, carpet, soft furnishings and designer furniture. Even the bar in the new Panorama Lounge of each ship has been upgraded and is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Pearl - Jewel Deck

Scenic Pearl - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Pearl - Diamond Deck

Scenic Pearl - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat PP - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat RO - Royal Owner's Suite

One bedroom suite including Scenic Sun Lounge – 48m2/520ft2. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (48m2/520ft2), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat R - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

Cat P - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat A - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat B - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BS - Single Balcony Suite

Suites are fitted with a modern flat screen TV, superior air conditioning system, internet access, minibar, hairdryer, personal safe, power points suitable for Australian appliances and a state-of-the-art inroom entertainment system offering a choice of over 1000 movies on demand. Exclusive to Scenic Tours, 82% of our staterooms are Private Balcony Suites, complete with a large teak balcony furnished with outdoor chairs and a table. This unique feature gives our guests the freedom to retire to their suite with a glass of fine wine and watch Europe’s spectacular scenery pass by from the comfort and privacy of their own balcony.

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat D - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat E - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat RA - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

Cat BJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.