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Danube Christmas Markets

Danube Christmas Markets

About This Cruise

Explore the Danube Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets along the Danube are an incredible sight. Festive market stalls twinkle with fary lights and are piled high with gingerbread and hand-blown Christmas glass ornaments.

In the heart of Europe’s grand waterways region, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Christmas markets, which have brought festive charm to the banks of the Danube River for centuries.

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Scenic Opal

Departure Date

8 December 2026

Cruise Line

Scenic

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Hungary

Budapest

Welcome to 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.Toast to the start of your journey during an evening reception on board your 5-star state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship.Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Hungary

Budapest

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: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.

Slovakia

Bratislava

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.

Austria

Vienna

Arrive 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: Explore 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 EnrichTake 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.

Austria

Dürnstein

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock this morning in the small and picturesque town of Dürnstein, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Scenic Freechoice: Melk Benedictine 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 Dürnstein to the quaint village of Melk. 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 indulge 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock this morning in the small and picturesque town of Dürnstein, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Scenic Freechoice: Melk Benedictine 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 Dürnstein to the quaint village of Melk. 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 indulge 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.

Austria

Brandstatt

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 walking tour: Enjoy a relaxed morning as we cruise towards Passau. After lunch, join your knowledgeable local guide for a 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.

Germany

Passau

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 walking tour: Enjoy a relaxed morning as we cruise towards Passau. After lunch, join your knowledgeable local guide for a 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.

Germany

Regensburg

Today we arrive in Regensburg, the last stop of your festive journey through central Europe. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings World Heritage listed. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.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 Active Walking Tour: Join your guide for a tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace followed by free time to peruse the local Christmas market.

Germany

Regensburg

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll transfer to the 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.Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM.

Overview

Explore the Danube Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets along the Danube are an incredible sight. Festive market stalls twinkle with fary lights and are piled high with gingerbread and hand-blown Christmas glass ornaments.

In the heart of Europe’s grand waterways region, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Christmas markets, which have brought festive charm to the banks of the Danube River for centuries.

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Suite

Royal Owner's Suite

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

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Royal Panorama Suite

These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities

Amenities & Features

  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites with our ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
  • Amenities & Features
  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Beverage service in your suite
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe
  • Shoeshine and valet service.

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Suite

Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Suite Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Separate lounge area
  • Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities
  • Amenities & Features
  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
  • €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
  • Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower. 

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
  • Amenities & Features
  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Beverage service in your suite
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe
  • Shoeshine and valet service. 

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Suite

Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen-sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, your all weather balcony at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
  • Amenities and Features
  • Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive/Table d’Or
  • Priority reservations at selected dining venues
  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Daily pressing for two pieces of clothing
  • In-suite breakfast with early morning tea and coffee services available
  • Daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe

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Suite

Single Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveller. Enjoy fantastic views from your full size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroon with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
  • Amenities & Features
  • Personalised butler service for every suite
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Beverage service in your suite
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite safe
  • Shoeshine and valet service. 

Suite

Standard Suite

The bedroom area has a Queen-size Scenic 'Slumber bed' with Egyptian cotton linen and pillow menu. The bathroom with shower, is well stocked with L'Occitaine toiletries as well as a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. The suite also contains a complimentary in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily. The suite has a Flat screen HDTV linked to Mac Mini, complementary WiFi and use of a telephone. A safe is also provided for your valuables.

Guests staying within this suite receive butler service that includes valet and shoeshine service, drinks and cocktails.

Room Highlights

  • A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
  • Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
  • Amenities and Features
  • Personalised butler service
  • Complimentary laundry service once per suite
  • Early morning tea and coffee
  • Mini bar, replenished daily
  • Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
  • Shoeshine and valet service
  • Nightly turndown service
  • In-suite safe 

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casual

Crystal Dining

Enjoy à la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Crystal Dining. This main restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with local delicacies. 

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italian

Portobellos

With up to only 32 guests an evening, the exclusive and intimate Portobellos or L’Amour showcase sumptuous regional specialities. The delectable five-course menu features either Italian, French or Portuguese cuisine (depending on your cruise location), paired with elegant wines, and is available on all European river cruises.

fine

Table La Rive

Featuring a six-course degustation, the exclusive Table La Rive and Table d’Or on our European river cruises offers an intimate dining experience for only 10 guests per evening. Guests staying on the Diamond Deck for 10 nights or longer, as well as Royal and Junior Suite guests staying for up to nine nights, will be invited by our Executive Chef.

casual

Riverview Terrace

Accompanied by our all-inclusive food and drink offering, the Riverview Terrace is the perfect spot for a little alfresco living on board our Space-Ships. Whether it’s an afternoon aperitif or a light bite, you can enjoy a range of snacks and refreshments from the comfort of the Sun Deck as sweeping views pass you by.

ice_cream

River Café

Offering a casual dining experience, you can enjoy all-day grazing options, light snacks and tasty treats to suit your schedule. The River Café is available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises.    

room

In-Suite Dining

Choose to dine in the comfort of your luxurious suite, while taking in the incredible views and enjoy included room service throughout your cruise.  

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Lounge, Bar

Panorama Lounge & Bar

Located at the heart of the Scenic Jasper, Opal and Amber, the Panorama Lounge & Bar is the primary bar area on board – providing an intimate and contemporary place to relax and take advantage of our extensive bar menu. This is also where you can enjoy a programme of entertainment, including performances by local musicians and cultural troupes.

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck

The Scenic Jasper, Opal and Amber each benefit from an open-air location at the top of each Space-Ship, where you can make the most of sunlit days on the river. Enjoy competing with new friends in the games area, sink into the comfort of a deck chair, or simply take a walk and admire the view.

Reception

Reception

A warm welcome awaits at your reception area, which you’ll find in the central atrium on board our Space-Ships. Our crew are on hand 24 hours a day to help with whatever you need, while the area also doubles as the meeting point for the day’s shore excursions.
Bar, Lounge

All Inclusive Beverages

Sit back and enjoy a beverage of your choice while cruising spectacular waterways, at your leisure. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or a full-bodied wine – the choice is yours.

You will enjoy:

  • Unlimited complimentary premium international beverages^, including international wines, beers and spirits
  • Full in-suite mini bar, restocked daily
  • Refillable water bottle for all onshore excursions
  • An extensive range of specialty teas and espresso coffees
  • This selection is available all day, every day.

*Exclusive invitation for Diamond Deck and Junior Suite guests cruising for 10 nights or more, or Royal and Junior Suite guests for 9 nights or fewer.

^All beverages are included except a very small number of fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits.

Spa, Wellness

Salt Therapy Lounge

This innovative lounge is featured on most of our Space-Ships in Europe. The salt brick walls of the humidity and temperature-controlled lounge are known to offer a range of health benefits for respiratory and immune systems.

Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Vitality Pool

Designed for total relaxation on the rivers of Central Europe - Scenic Jasper, Opal and Amber all feature a Vitality Pool, a luxurious, heated pool that boasts air and water jets. Whether you’re looking to unwind after an immersive excursion or want a little ‘me’ time; a dip in Vitality Pool is absolute heaven.

Spa, Wellness

Wellness Area

Maintain your wellness routine at our state-of-the-art gym, morning stretching classes with the Wellness Coach or rejuvenating spa treatments*. Exercise on the walking track on the Sun Deck or take a dip in the Vitality Pool.

Gym

Fitness Centre

Stay active on your travels in our Fitness Centres, available on board the Scenic Jasper, Opal and Amber. With a mix of both cardio and weight-training equipment, our on board gyms can help you work up a sweat and get ready for another wonderful day on the river.