Christmas and New Year European River Cruise
Europe is enchanting at Christmas time. Experience long-standing holiday traditions and enjoy the charm of a European winter. In fact, you can truly immerse yourself in the season on a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise with Scenic.
Experience a luxury Christmas and New Year European River Cruise with Scenic
Discover the magic of the festive season in Europe. Initially, explore the world of Santa Claus and historic Christmas trees. Each town offers a chance to see cherished rituals anew. First, celebrate Christmas aboard your Scenic Space-Ship with fellow travellers. Thereafter, welcome the New Year amidst the sparkling atmosphere of a beautiful European city.
Choosing the right festive holiday is about finding a balance. Indeed, a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise offers the perfect blend of tradition and luxury. This is not a standard winter break. Instead, these itineraries take you through the heart of Europe. You will witness iconic cities transformed by seasonal magic. Every moment on your Christmas and New Year European River Cruise with Scenic is curated to provide a seamless, all-inclusive experience.
Explore the itinerary
Explore the Itinerary From Amsterdam to Budapest: A Christmas and New Year European River Cruise Journey
Itinerary Amsterdam > Budapest
Part One: The Rhine and festive traditions | Christmas and New Year European River Cruise
DAY 1 | Amsterdam
Your journey begins in the enchanting city of Amsterdam. Upon arrival, wander its narrow, twinkling streets. Admire the canals and beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings. Meanwhile, enjoy Christmas trees decorating the historic squares. Later this afternoon, board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Once settled, unwind and toast to the days ahead at our welcome reception.
Inclusions: Dinner
DAY 2 | Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city of stunning architectural charm. Known as the Venice of the North, much of its UNESCO-listed canal network remains as it has for centuries, lined with beautifully preserved canal houses and crossed by picturesque bridges.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 | Cologne
Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this afternoon. The city has been carefully restored over the decades. To begin with, join a walking tour of the Old Town. Admire the historic buildings and the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.
This evening, you may choose to attend midnight mass in the city.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 | Cruising Day
Merry Christmas! Celebrate this special day as you glide through the stunning Rhine Gorge. While on board, enjoy a gourmet Christmas feast and festive celebrations. Meanwhile, expect plenty of seasonal cheer, sparkling moments, and joyous festivities.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 | Miltenberg > Wertheim
Arrive in the charming town of Miltenberg around lunchtime. Once settled, join your local guide for a walking tour through its cobblestone streets, lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses.
Afterwards, travel by coach to the historic town of Wertheim, nestled on the scenic banks of the Main and Tauber rivers. Following this, you can enjoy an orientation tour before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Part Two: Bavarian charms and baroque gems
DAY 6 | Würzburg
This morning, arrive in Würzburg, a Baroque gem set along the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Nestled among rolling vineyards, the city boasts a World Heritage-listed palace, a commanding hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 | Bamberg
This afternoon, cruise into Bamberg. Upon arrival, join a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Highlights include the charming Old Town Hall, perched on its own island, the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, and the Old and New Residences — featuring an episcopal palace, a quaint “Little Venice,” and a 12th-century castle crowning the highest of the city’s seven hills.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 | Nuremberg
This morning, arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city. Notably, its historic Old Town, enclosed by an ancient city wall, is dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle, once the preferred residence of German kings and one of the most important fortresses of the Holy Roman Empire.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 | Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg after lunch. This city is nestled at the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria. In fact, charming Regensburg is a delight to explore.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 | Passau > Linz
Passau sits at the meeting point of three rivers. Notably, it has been a key trading city since medieval times. The distinct green, blue, and black waters are often visible where they converge. In addition to the natural beauty, explore the Baroque Old Town. Here, historic buildings house various studios and galleries.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Part Three: Imperial Grandeur and the Blue Danube
DAY 11 | Melk > Dürnstein
Happy New Year! Begin the day with a cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley. Subsequently, enjoy the freedom to spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 | Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the City of Music and home to Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, and many more. Austria’s imperial capital exudes grandeur, famed for its magnificent boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the enduring legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Join a guided tour to uncover the city’s treasures before this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 | Vienna
Following your overnight stay, enjoy the freedom to spend the day in Vienna as you wish.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 | Budapest
This morning, arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the two were united in 1873 when a new bridge connected them. In fact, the city is an architectural treasure, showcasing styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 | Budapest
As you bid farewell to your fellow guests and Scenic crew, your Christmas and New Year European river cruise comes to an end. As you depart, take with you treasured memories and the spirit of the season.
Please note: this itinerary is a guide and may be adjusted for operational reasons, such as high or low water. For full details, please refer to our terms and conditions.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Itinerary Budapest > Amsterdam
Part One: Imperial Capitals and the Blue Danube | Christmas and New Year European River Cruise
DAY 1 | Budapest
Begin your Christmas and New Year European river cruise in the picturesque city of Budapest, one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse capitals. Split by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the two sides were united in 1873 with the construction of a new bridge. The city is an architectural treasure, showcasing styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and beyond.
Later this afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Unwind and toast to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.
Inclusions: Dinner
DAY 2 | Budapest
See Budapest from a new angle with a range of engaging activities to choose from today.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 | Cruising Day
This morning, wake to the option of a coffee delivered to your suite by your butler as you cruise the majestic Danube towards Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital. Spend the day relaxing in the Salt Therapy Lounge, sipping an aperitif on the Sun Deck, or meeting fellow guests in the Panorama Lounge before arriving in the evening.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 | Vienna
Merry Christmas! Celebrate this special day amid the festive splendour of Vienna. Stroll along the world-famous Ringstrasse, admire the grandeur of the Habsburg legacy, and enjoy the freedom to explore the city in your own way.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 | Dürnstein > Melk
This morning, your Space-Ship docks in the charming town of Dürnstein, where you can enjoy ample free time to explore at your own pace. Nestled among vineyards, the town is home to historic buildings dating back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned from 1192 to 1193.
Over lunch, cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley, taking in rolling vineyards and picturesque villages, before arriving in Melk. This small town is dominated by its dramatic, UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Part Two: Medieval Wonders and Bavarian Traditions Imperial Capitals and the Blue Danube
DAY 6 | Brandstatt > Passau
Today, choose between two distinctly different yet equally captivating full-day Scenic Freechoice excursions, or enjoy a leisurely walking tour.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 | Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg just before lunch. Nestled at the meeting point of three rivers in Bavaria, this charming city is a joy to explore.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 | Nuremberg
Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, this afternoon. Its historic Old Town, enclosed by an ancient city wall, is dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle, one of the most important fortresses of the Holy Roman Empire and the preferred residence of German kings.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 | Bamberg
This morning, cruise into Bamberg and join a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Highlights include the charming Old Town Hall, perched on its own island, the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, and the Old and New Residences — featuring an episcopal palace, a quaint “Little Venice,” and a 12th-century castle crowning the highest of the city’s seven hills.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 | Würzburg
Arrive in Würzburg this morning, a Baroque gem perched along the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Nestled among rolling vineyards, the city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage palace, an imposing hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and three universities, including Bavaria’s oldest.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Part Three: Romantic Riverscapes and the Rhine Gorge
DAY 11 | Cruising Day
Happy New Year! Following an early morning departure from Würzburg, spend the day cruising along the stunning Rhine River. While on board, you have ample time to unwind in the Salt Therapy Lounge or socialize at the River Café.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 | Rüdesheim
This morning, disembark in Rüdesheim, a picturesque town nestled among steep vineyards that have been producing wine for over 2,000 years.
From the pier, take a mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where around 350 18th- and 19th-century instruments play themselves for your delight. Afterwards, wander through Rüdesheim’s charming town center, with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, quaint shops offering trinkets like cuckoo clocks, and a selection of inviting wine taverns.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 | Cologne
Arrive in Cologne this morning, a vibrant city known for its relaxed, open-minded atmosphere, distinctive beer culture, thriving automotive industry, and the soaring cathedral that defines its skyline.
Explore Cologne on a walking tour, strolling through the narrow streets of the historic Old Town, home to breweries pouring traditional Kölsch beer. Enjoy some free time to visit the city’s iconic centerpiece, Cologne Cathedral, and then take additional time to discover the city at your own pace.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 | Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city brimming with urban charm. Everywhere you turn, you’ll encounter architectural wonders, galleries filled with masterpieces, boats gliding along 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques and cafés, and bustling lanes filled with cyclists. Often called the “Venice of the North,” its UNESCO World Heritage–listed waterways are flanked by beautifully preserved canal houses and crossed by picturesque bridges.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 | Amsterdam
It’s time to farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew as your Christmas and New Year European river cruise comes to an end. Take with you a wealth of memories and festive cheer.
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.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply, click here for details.
The Scenic Difference
Every aspect of your Christmas and New Year European river cruise has been meticulously curated to ensure a seamless, carefree experience and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
- Immerse yourself in the festive season across Europe and explore the customs and traditions of the regions you visit
- Travel aboard 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships, accommodating up to 163 guests
- Celebrate Christmas Day with new friends on board your Scenic Space-Ship
- Welcome the New Year under Europe’s sparkling winter skies
- Enjoy 5 included excursions to explore Europe’s rich history and culture
- Personalise your Christmas and New Year European river cruise with a variety of Scenic Freechoice experiences, including Active, Your Way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music, and Interactive Encounters
- Choose between a spacious Standard Suite or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
- Savour up to five on-board dining options, from casual meals to fine dining
- 41 meals in total: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day* – not just during meals
- Enjoy one Scenic Enrich experience: a private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein – exclusive to Scenic
- Discover iconic Dutch windmills in the village of Schermerhorn
- Visit a quaint German village, meet locals, and experience their way of life
- Personalise your journey with 17 included Scenic Freechoice experiences
- Full mini-bar restocked daily at no extra charge
- Access the innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
- Enjoy the freedom of e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
- Scenic Cruise Director and expert local guides to enhance your experience
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the cruise
- Return airport transfers^ included
- All tipping and gratuities covered, both on board and on shore
- Your Christmas and New Year European river cruise has butler service for every suite
Why a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise is the perfect festive escape
The Sublime Allure of a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise
There is a singular, quiet magic to the festive season—a nostalgia that only a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise can truly awaken. While the typical winter escape often feels hurried, a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise invites you to slow down, allowing the twinkling spires of medieval villages to drift past your balcony suite. It is the luxury of waking up anew in a different fairytale setting each morning, with the effortless grace of never having to unpack twice.
From the frost-dusted vineyards of the Wachau Valley to the imperial grandeur of Vienna, every nuance of your Christmas and New Year European River Cruise is an exercise in cultural immersion and 5-star refinement. Consequently, by choosing a Christmas and New Year European River Cruise with Gallivanter Travel, you are not simply choosing a holiday. In essence, you are securing an intimate, front-row seat to Europe’s most storied traditions, enveloped in the uncompromising comfort of a Scenic Space-Ship.
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