Cruise the Danube in all-inclusive luxury aboard a Scenic Space-Ship, unpacking just once as Europe’s most beautiful cities glide by outside your window.
Experience Budapest at Christmastime, where twinkling lights, festive markets, and grand architecture create a magical winter atmosphere.
Enjoy an exclusive private classical concert at Vienna’s opulent Palais Liechtenstein, complete with Strauss, Mozart, and a glass of Austrian Sekt.
Wander through storybook towns like Bratislava and Regensburg, where medieval streets, UNESCO landmarks, and centuries of history come alive.
Choose your own adventure with Scenic Freechoice excursions, from Salzburg and Český Krumlov to immersive walking tours and festive markets.
Discover the breathtaking Wachau Valley, from vineyard-lined cycling paths to a guided visit inside the magnificent Melk Abbey.
Celebrate the season in Vienna, strolling the illuminated Ringstrasse, world-class Christmas markets, and Europe’s imperial heart in full holiday splendor.
December 14, 2026
Departs
December 21, 2026
Returns
Where You'll Visit
Trip Length
Activity Level
Cruise from $5,445 per person
Price*
Want more information about this itinerary or similar trips?
Get in touch!
*Price is subject to change and varies based on selected excursions, number of travelers, and room selections. Please contact our team for a personalized quote.
The Christmas markets along the Danube are an incredible sight. Think festive market stalls twinkling with fairy lights piled high with gingerbread and hand-blown glass ornaments while traditional songs play in the background – a feast to your every sense. 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 for centuries. Delight in the magic of this region as you spend seven nights cruising the majestic Danube from Budapest to Regensburg.
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 where you will unpack once. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and 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. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 5:00 PM.
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 Christmastime, 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.
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. As we dock in the city center, this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away, including a walking tour of Bratislava or Wines of Slovakia.
This morning we arrive in Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital. 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, 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. Freechoices include: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, Cycle to Danube Island, or the Belvedere Museum. Tonight, breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the quaint town of Dürnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time exploring this captivating town before cruising towards Melk. Freechoices include: E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk or Glorious Melk Abbey. As you sit down to a delicious dinner, your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail towards your next destination.
Today, choose from three completely different, yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions: A full day excursion to Salzburg, a full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov, or join your local guide on a walking tour, "Highlights of Passau" - the choice is yours. After your excursion, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the town of Passau.
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. 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.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 2:00 PM.
Our group tours offer complete transparency, eliminate the need for planning, and introduce the opportunity to meet new people who love travel as much as you do. Every detail from accommodations and experiences to logistics and pacing is handled for you, so you can relax and fully enjoy the destination.
Group tours are perfect for travelers who love the ease of a pre-planned itinerary, the value of traveling together, and the opportunity to connect with others while exploring the world.
Prefer something more personal?
If you’d like to travel privately or customize an itinerary just for you, our team also specializes in bespoke, one-of-a-kind trips tailored entirely to your interests, travel style, and schedule. Simply reach out; we’d love to design something just for you.