Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Munich on a three-hour walking tour. As you navigate the Old Town, you may see landmarks like Marienplatz, the city’s central square, where a large mechanical clock, the Glockenspiel, animates its figures to depict Bavarian history. Nearby is the imposing Frauenkirche, Munich’s most famous church with its distinctive twin spires, and the grand Residenz – a former royal palace.
In the afternoon, experience the festive atmosphere of Munich’s famous Christmas markets as you weave your way through stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, twinkling lights and the aromas of roasted nuts and mulled wine.
As evening falls, experience Bavarian hospitality with a welcome dinner at the 16th-century beer hall, Hofbräuhaus, for a three-course meal paired with a classic German beer.
Christmas market visit
After breakfast, set out for Salzburg, nestled along the Salzach River and framed by the snow-capped Alps. Glimpse into the city’s past on a walking tour, passing landmarks like Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, where the famed composer spent his early years. You might also glimpse the DomQuartier, Saint Peter’s Abbey and the Mirabell Gardens, made famous by The Sound of Music.
In the afternoon, soak up the festive atmosphere at Salzburg’s Christmas markets. The historic Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz and Domplatz is one of Europe’s oldest, where wooden stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, spiced nuts and steaming cups of Glühwein.
For those seeking an evening of culture, an optional Mozart concert and dinner offers the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal set to the sounds of Salzburg’s most famous composer (surcharges apply).
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes
Christmas market visit
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before a full day’s exploration of the Salzkammergut region, a landscape of pristine lakes, dramatic mountains and villages that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
As you travel through this scenic area, see the glacial waters of Wolfgangsee, the charming town of Saint Gilgen and the towering peaks that frame the region. In Hallstatt, a lakeside village often called one of the most beautiful in the world, see pastel-coloured houses set on a hillside, a historic salt mine that dates back thousands of years and the reflections of the Alps on Hallstätter See.
Return to Salzburg in the afternoon, where you may enjoy another visit to the Christmas markets to pick up holiday gifts or indulge in seasonal treats like Kaiserschmarrn.
Salzkammergut day trip
Christmas market visit
After breakfast, travel to Innsbruck, a city set against the Alps. On a tour of this wintry world, enjoy views of the towering Nordkette Alps as you weave past sights like the Golden Roof, a late-medieval balcony decorated with over 2,600 gilded tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I.
In the afternoon, explore Innsbruck’s Christmas markets full of festive stalls against an Alpine backdrop. Traditional wooden chalets offer seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and warm drinks, making it an ideal place to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Christmas market visit
Set off on a scenic drive after breakfast to Freiburg im Breisgau, stopping at the small principality of Liechtenstein. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this landlocked country is only 25 kilometres long and is known for its medieval heritage and alpine landscapes.
Arrive in Freiburg im Breisgau in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, travel to Strasbourg with a stop in Colmar, a town known for its half-timbered houses, winding canals and winemaking traditions. In the Alsace region, embark on a vineyard tour and wine tasting to learn about the area’s centuries-old viticulture and sample its renowned white wines. As you explore the vineyards, enjoy views of villages and the Vosges mountains in the distance.
Arriving in Strasbourg in the evening, take in the festive atmosphere of the Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, is set against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s medieval cathedral and historic squares.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour
Alsace region wine tasting
Christmas market visit
Fuel up with breakfast and enjoy a full day at your leisure in Strasbourg. Perhaps stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or uncover its history and culture at the Strasbourg Historical Museum (charges apply).
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Strasbourg’s train station, where you’ll board a first-class train to Paris. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the French countryside passes by.
Upon arrival in Paris, another private transfer will take you directly to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – perhaps take a stroll along the Seine, visit a nearby cafe for a classic French pastry or simply relax and settle into your surroundings.
Travel time: Train – approx. 2.5 hours
Begin your day with breakfast before enjoying a leisurely day in Paris. With no set schedule, you can explore at your own pace – perhaps wandering through the historic streets of the Marais, browsing the boutiques along the Champs-Élysées or visiting one of the city’s renowned museums.
In the evening, mark the end of your journey with a farewell dinner aboard a Seine River cruise, gliding past the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre.
After breakfast, bid a fond au revoir to Paris as you take a private transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your included flight to Prague.
After landing at Václav Havel Airport (PRG), make your own way to MOODs Charles Bridge hotel where your Superior Room awaits. Located only 250m from the famous bridge and a little further to the Old Town centre, this four-night stopover makes for ideal exploration.
The rest of your day is at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 45 minutes / Flying – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. 35 minutes
Continue discovering Prague at your own pace with a 24-hour ticket for the historic Line 42 tram. Dating from the Austro-Hungarian era, these heritage trams offer a relaxed way to see the city’s most celebrated sights, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Vltava River and the picturesque Lesser Town.
Hop on and off whenever a landmark catches your eye, or remain aboard for a nostalgic circuit through Prague’s historic centre. A route map and onboard information help you plan your day.
Take time to eat your way through some of Prague’s best bites. A quick walk is bound to pass stores of rich meat stews, hearty bread dumplings and the country’s famous beer on tap.
Today, uncover Prague’s culinary traditions on a guided food tour through the city’s historic streets. Begin with chlebíčky, traditional open-faced sandwiches, before visiting a family-run butcher to sample Prague ham and local salamis.
Continue to a hidden courtyard for Czech wines and small plates, then pause for a local digestif and freshly baked gingerbread. The experience concludes with hearty Czech specialities such as goulash, dumplings, stews and roasted meats, paired with local beer.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Enjoy a final full day at leisure in Prague. Take the opportunity to revisit a favourite landmark, explore the city’s atmospheric lanes and riverside neighbourhoods, or browse its galleries, cafes and boutiques at your own pace.
With another night at MOODs Charles Bridge, you can set your own rhythm and savour one final day in the Czech capital before the river cruise portion of your journey begins.
Wake early this morning for one more breakfast before making your way back to Prague airport for an included flight to Budapest. After a two-hour stopover in Belgrade (BEG), land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) and meet your transfer for the drive to the Scenic Opal, docked along the banks of the Danube River.
Divided by the river into historic Buda and vibrant Pest, this city combines grand boulevards, Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau details with a lively cafe and dining scene. Tomorrow, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both sides, but this afternoon, settle into your onboard suite and meet your fellow guests at a welcome reception. Raise a glass to the journey ahead and enjoy your first evening aboard your all-inclusive Scenic Space-Ship.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 20 minutes / Flying – approx. 70 minutes / Driving – approx. 30 minutes
15-day all-inclusive Scenic cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam
Spend the day exploring Budapest through your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.
Budapest in Depth: Discover both sides of the Danube, from the Várkert Bazár and Margaret Bridge to Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square.
Hospital in the Rock: Visit a former wartime hospital and nuclear bunker concealed beneath Buda Castle.
Hungarian Culinary Market Walk: Browse the Grand Central Market and other local food stops, tasting Hungarian specialities while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.
Return to the Scenic Opal for another evening of fine dining and premium beverages as the ship prepares to continue along the Danube.
And we’re off! Wake to the gentle rhythm of the river as the Scenic Opal cruises towards Vienna. Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the ship, perhaps beginning with coffee delivered to your suite by your onboard butler.
Spend time in the Salt Therapy Lounge, meet fellow guests in the Panorama Lounge or settle into a sun lounger with a drink as the scenery changes along the Danube. With the river unfolding beyond the windows, today is an opportunity to enjoy the spacious facilities and unhurried pace of your Scenic Space-Ship.
Merry Christmas! Wake in Vienna and spend the day exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, shaped by the long reign of the Habsburg monarchy and its grand imperial avenues.
Choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences.
Central Vienna exploration: Discover the city’s historic centre, elegant architecture and celebrated landmarks with a local guide, with time to continue exploring independently.
Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and explore its lavish interiors and gardens.
Kunsthistorisches Museum: Admire one of Europe’s most important art collections, spanning Old Master paintings, decorative arts and historic treasures.
Return to the ship for a festive evening on board.
This morning, the Scenic Opal docks in Dürnstein, a picturesque village surrounded by vineyards in the Wachau Valley. Enjoy time to explore its historic streets, browse local shops or walk towards the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century.
After lunch, continue towards Melk, home of the World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey.
E-biking through the Wachau: Cycle from Dürnstein towards Melk, passing through villages, vineyards and riverside landscapes – a glorious way to see the region from a new point of view, as the Danube flows beside you.
Melk Abbey: Hop back aboard for a cruise down the Danube and arrive at Melk with time to tour the abbey’s Marble Hall, library and richly decorated Abbey Church.
Enjoy tonight at leisure, comparing notes with fellow travellers on today’s journey through the Wachau Valley.
Today, choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences exploring the landscapes and heritage of Bavaria and neighbouring Austria.
Salzburg: Travel by coach to Salzburg for a full-day visit, discovering the city’s historic centre and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
Český Krumlov: Cross into the Czech Republic to explore this beautifully preserved medieval town, with time for lunch and independent discovery.
Passau walking tour: Explore the Old Town and the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers before visiting St Stephen’s Cathedral and its historic lanes.
Return to the Scenic Opal after a day of cultural discovery.
Arrive in Regensburg, a Bavarian city shaped by the meeting of three rivers. Its well-preserved Old Town is filled with medieval buildings, historic squares and centuries-old traditions.
Another selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences presents itself:
Regensburg walking tour: Cross the Old Stone Bridge and discover landmarks including the Church of St James, Porta Praetoria and the city’s historic customs.
Bavarian beer tasting: Visit traditional breweries to learn about the region’s brewing heritage and sample local beers.
Return to the ship for an evening on board.
Arrive in Nuremberg, a city surrounded by ancient walls and crowned by the 12th-century Imperial Castle, once a preferred residence of German kings.
Today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences depends on how far back in time you wish to travel:
Nuremberg Old Town: Walk through the historic centre, visiting the Imperial Castle, St Egidien’s Church and the market square.
Trials and tribulations of the Second World War: Learn about Nuremberg’s complex wartime history and its role in the post-war trials.
Return to the Scenic Opal after an absorbing day in one of Bavaria’s most historically significant cities.
Cruise into Bamberg, whose World Heritage-listed Old Town is spread across an island, hillsides and the banks of the Regnitz River.
On a guided tour, see the Old Town Hall, dramatically positioned in the middle of the river, as well as the city’s Gothic and Romanesque cathedral and the Old and New Residences. Continue past Little Venice, a picturesque row of former fishermen’s houses, and learn about Bamberg’s long brewing tradition.
Return to the Scenic Opal for another evening of regional dining and river views.
The countdown to 2027 begins! Cruise into Würzburg, a Baroque city set on the Main River amid the vineyards of Franconia. The city is known for its World Heritage-listed Residence, hilltop fortress and Old Main Bridge lined with statues.
Choose from two Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Würzburg city tour: Discover the city’s grand architecture, historic centre and riverside landmarks with a local guide.
Romantic Road to Rothenburg: Travel through the Franconian countryside to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, exploring its medieval walls, Gothic and Renaissance town hall and historic squares.
This evening, celebrate New Year’s Eve on board as fireworks light up the Würzburg skyline.
Happy New Year! The Scenic Opal departs Würzburg this morning and continues along the Rhine, offering a peaceful first day of the year on board.
Take advantage of the ship’s facilities, from the modern gym and River Café to the Sun Deck and Panorama Lounge. As vineyards, villages and river towns pass by, enjoy the slower rhythm of cruising and the all-inclusive hospitality of the Scenic Opal.
Arrive in Ruedesheim am Rhein, a wine-growing town with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Ride the miniature train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to an unusual collection of 18th- and 19th-century instruments.
Continue into the town centre to explore half-timbered houses, wine taverns and narrow lanes filled with local character.
This evening, enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience at Schloss Johannisberg, a historic winery dating to the 12th century and home to one of the world’s oldest Riesling vineyards. Attend an exclusive concert in the Metternich Hall before returning to the ship.
Arrive in Cologne, a lively city known for its liberal spirit, Kölsch beer culture and celebrated cathedral.
Join a walking tour through the Old Town, stopping at traditional breweries to learn about the city’s distinctive beer. You’ll also have free time to visit Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most recognisable landmarks.
Return to the Scenic Opal for your final evening along the Rhine.
Arrive in Amsterdam this morning and marvel at this city of canals, galleries, boutiques and bicycle-lined streets. Discover the Dutch capital through your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Canal cruise: Glide through Amsterdam’s historic waterways, passing canal houses, bridges and houseboats.
City walking tour: Explore the central neighbourhoods and learn about the city’s architecture, history and everyday life.
Schermerhorn and Alkmaar: Travel beyond Amsterdam to see the traditional windmills of Schermerhorn and the historic canals of Alkmaar.
Return to the Scenic Opal for your final night on board.
Enjoy a final morning in Amsterdam before saying farewell to your fellow guests and the Scenic crew. Reflect on the cities, landscapes and festive experiences that have shaped your journey from Budapest to the Netherlands.
Disembark and meet your private transfer to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your onward journey.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 20 minutes