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Immerse yourself in medieval towns filled with baroque palaces, fairy-tale castles, and Imperial treasures
Embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Danube to discover Europe’s Christmas markets. From charming Prague to Budapest and imperial Vienna, each port of call offers architectural treasures, culinary delights and an incomparable festive atmosphere. Join us on an adventure where tradition, culture and Christmas magic meet.
- Prague
- Budapest
- Bratislava
- Vienne
- Dürnstein
- Melk
- Brandstatt
- Passau
- Regensburg
- Munich
Includes:
- Flight from Montreal to Prague and return from Munich (if booked before June 22, 2024)
- Airport transfers
- 3 nights pre-cruise accommodation in Prague (breakfast included)
- 7-night cruise aboard the Scenic Opal
- Meals and entertainment on board
- Premium drinks available all day on the ship
- Excursions with the ship at each port of call
- Cruise gratuities
- Service of a Gendroncruises group leader (with a group of 22 passengers)
- Protection offered by the Travel Agents Compensation Fund
- Taxes
Introduction of Mandatory ETIAS Permit for Travels to Europe
Starting mid-2025, every Canadian traveler planning to visit Europe will be required to possess an ETIAS permit. This is the European Travel Information and Authorization System, implemented by the European Union.
For more information about this permit, you can visit the official website at the following address: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.
Please note that this permit costs 7 euros per person, and the process can take up to 30 days for approval.
It is also mandatory to have a passport that remains valid for at least 3 months after your departure date from Europe. Without this, entry at the European border will be denied.
Itinerary:
Flight from Montreal to Prague
Welcome to Prague, one of the best-preserved and most beautiful cities in Europe, with a rich and fascinating history dating back over 1,000 years. The Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic, flows through the center of Prague, with the historic old town on one side and the new town on the other.
This morning, you will take part in a guided tour led by a local expert guide who will reveal the secrets of the city in all its gothic glory. The old town with its red roofs is a charming maze of cobbled streets, medieval buildings, lively squares, and elaborate statues. It is compact and almost entirely flat, making it perfect for exploration on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 apostles.
The rest of the day is free. You may want to take a stroll in this magnificent city situated on the Vltava in central Bohemia. Prague is rich in history and home to some of the most striking architectural wonders in the world. Your tour director is there to help you plan.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Choose one of the Scenic Freechoice activities of the day:
- Beer Tasting Tour in Prague: Join a local expert guide for a walking tour of Prague, discover the city’s most famous sites as well as its hidden gems. Prague is home to hundreds of small breweries, and you will have the opportunity to taste locally brewed beers that have been brewed here for generations, such as Pilsner beer and wheat beer.
- Prague Castle Tour: Explore the hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague to visit the seat of the Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering over 70,000 square meters that is considered the largest castle complex in the world. The castle dates back to the 9th century, although buildings from every period of history are scattered throughout the estate. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic, as well as the Old Royal Palace, the former residence of the Bohemian royalty, and Golden Lane, the historic street lined with colorful houses, once inhabited by soldiers, goldsmiths, or alchemists.
- Terezin Memorial: Take a trip outside of Prague to the nearby town of Terezin, a former Austrian imperial military fortress and the site of the Theresienstadt ghetto, which served as a concentration camp during World War II. Visit the Terezin memorial sites, including the small fortress and the ghetto museum, to learn more about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation during World War II and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this atrocity. (Please note that due to the amount of walking involved, this tour is recommended only for clients with a good level of physical fitness).
The rest of the day is free
Inclusions: Breakfast
Today, travel by bus to Budapest, where you will embark on your luxurious Scenic ship.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became unified in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two parts. The city is an architectural treasure, featuring styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. At Christmas, it comes alive with twinkling lights scattered throughout the city, wooden chalets appearing in beautiful locations, and enticing scents filling the air with festive spices.
Day Excursion Choices
Explore Budapest in Depth:
Discover this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side, see the Várkert Bazaar before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side, where you will see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. After your visit, you will have plenty of free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets. Stroll through the stalls lining St. Stephen’s Basilica and savor the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and the aromas of the bustling markets on full display.
Guided Hike to Buda Hill:
Put on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike to the UNESCO-listed Buda Hill. During your walk, admire the Várkert Bazaar and beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying stunning views of the Danube and the city’s architecture.
You will depart for Bratislava after dinner, so make the most of your free time in this magical city.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Capital of Slovakia since its independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern and multicultural metropolis with a fascinating history. Its old town center is beautiful with medieval and gothic architecture, and its well-preserved castle on a hill, whose history dates back to the 9th century, still dominates the city. These charming historical sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, visible throughout the city.
Day Excursion Choices
The ship will dock in the city center, and the afternoon Scenic Freechoice excursions are just a short walk away:
- Walking Tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the city highlights such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square, and the old town hall while learning about the city’s history, including what daily life was like under the Iron Curtain, the political border that divided Europe after World War II.
- Slovakian Wines: Slovakian wines are relatively young, but wine experts worldwide are starting to praise their flavor and quality. After the fall of communism, new winemakers emerged on the banks of the Danube and throughout the country, taking advantage of the cold climate and optimal soils. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting different wines in one of Bratislava’s wine cellars.
After your included Scenic Freechoice activity, you have the option to spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the festive atmosphere of the city. The Hlavné Námestie, or main square, comes alive with the sights, scents, and sounds of Christmas. Twinkling lights surround charming wooden stalls brimming with regional crafts and gifts, the delightful aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and enthusiastic singers graciously enhance the square, adding to the incredible ambiance of the Christmas markets.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This morning, we arrive in Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria.
A city full of grandeur, Vienna comes to life during the holiday season. A visit to the Austrian imperial capital at this time of year will create unique and magical moments.
Admire the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Ringstrasse, illuminated by dazzling Christmas decorations and lights. You will also appreciate the musical heritage of the city with the sounds of famous holiday tunes and classical pieces at every street corner. After all, you are in the City of Music, which has nurtured musical geniuses like Mozart and Beethoven.
Excursion Choices
Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most important dynasties in European history. As you stroll through its countless ornate rooms, listen to the stories of the royal family who lived there and admire the impressive gardens. After your guided tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the annual Christmas markets held at the palace. Enjoy festive culinary offerings or browse the numerous stands offering traditional homemade gifts.
Bike Ride to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided electric bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to swim, boat, cycle, and relax on its beaches and open spaces.
Belvedere Museum: Visit one of the most beautiful baroque monuments in Europe and explore the largest collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the works of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.
The afternoon is free to explore Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city center and enjoy your time strolling through the numerous Christmas markets or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.
Scenic Enrichment Tonight
Classic Concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Bask in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you enjoy an exclusive private classical concert. Savor a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. A shared experience only with your fellow Scenic travelers, you will 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 singers and surrounded by world-famous works of art, this will be a concert you won’t soon forget.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Surrounded by vineyards, the town is home to historic buildings dating back to the 12th century, including the perched ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time to explore this captivating town before sailing on to Melk.
Free Choice:
Choose from a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions today:
Electric bike from Dürnstein to Melk:
Embark on a guided 32 km electric bike ride to enjoy the scenery along the Danube as you head to the charming village of Melk, located in the picturesque Wachau Valley in Austria. You will be impressed by the magnificent UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey, perched high above the town, the most spectacular building in the region. This tour will pass through many small villages and beautiful rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to take in the river views.
Glorious Melk Abbey:
Your visit to Melk would not be complete without a guided tour of the magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Stroll through its 900-year-old sacred halls, visit the ornate marble hall and the library, which houses over 80,000 books, and be impressed by the abbey church, adorned with intricate frescoes and statues.
Schnapps tasting on board:
Stay on board and learn how schnapps is produced, including the distillation process. Discover the range of available flavors and sample some delicious schnapps during a tasting.
As you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it is also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local products from the Wachau Valley. Your cruise director will arrange a small surprise for you and invite a local producer on board to share some famous regional delights in this area. Taste some apricot dumplings and local schnapps among other delights in this breathtaking location.
As you settle in for a delicious dinner, your Scenic Space-Ship will sail on to your next destination.
Inclusions: Breakfast, dinner, and supper
Today, choose from three completely different but equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Salzburg Day Excursion: This morning, you will disembark from your Scenic Space-Ship at Brandstatt and depart by coach to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and situated on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is best known as the birthplace of Mozart and for “The Sound of Music.” This fairy-tale city boasts a thriving artistic scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music, a baroque old town where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace, and Hohensalzburg, the largest intact fortress in central Europe, overlooking the rooftops with panoramic views of the city. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. After some free time to explore the Christmas markets that adorn the city – some of the oldest Advent markets in the world – you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the city of Passau.
Cesky Krumlov Day Excursion: From Brandstatt, depart by coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is full of charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its wide range of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture. Take a leisurely stroll with your local guide through this enchanting place and explore the historic center before indulging in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Your local guide will be there to advise you on how to spend your free time, such as at the Christmas markets in the old town square. This afternoon, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the city of Passau.
Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide for a walking tour, admiring the brightly colored buildings lining the waterways. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral: originally built in 450, the church proudly stood in Passau’s old town until a devastating fire destroyed it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style façade and a baroque stucco interior, and today houses the largest Catholic church organ in the world, which has 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
With an astonishing 2,000-year history, Regensburg boasts one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Germany, with over 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In its narrow streets, the city claims the highest concentration of bars in the country.
Located at the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to discover on a walking tour. Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, St. James’ Church, and the Porta Praetoria while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your departure or return flight home, carrying with you a multitude of wonderful memories.
Inclusions: Breakfast
*If booked after June 22, 2024, please book your return flight from Munich after 2 pm.
This itinerary is only a guide and may be adjusted for operational reasons such as high and low water levels. As such, the cruise may be altered from what is outlined above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Please note: The preliminary itinerary is subject to change.
December 3 to 14, 2025
12 days | 10 nights | 7 nights in cruise | Flight
Book before June 20, 2024 and save 500 $ / pers.
Conditions
Deposit required of 650$ at the moment of booking.
Final payment due before January 20, 2025.
The passport must be valid for 6 months or more after the return date.
First 10 seats at this price.
Flight schedule
Departure from Montréal
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