Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on a 12-day European getaway featuring the enchanting Christmas markets along the legendary Danube River. Your journey begins in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, where you’ll board a luxurious Scenic Space-Ship for an eight day cruise along Europe’s most famous river. From grand imperial cities to charming towns near the foothills of the German Alps, experience the Danube at its most magical. Wander through traditional Christmas markets where wooden stalls overflow with hand-made ornaments, mulled wine, and festive treats while seasonal music fills the air. Along the way, explore beautifully preserved medieval towns dressed in their holiday finest and enjoy special experiences, including a private concert in the magnificent Palais Liechtenstein. Your cruise concludes in the historic city of Regensburg before travelling to the fairytale city of Prague for a magical threenight stay in one of Europe’s prettiest cities. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and immersive excursions, this unforgettable adventure offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. Please note that this is an active tour and may not be suitable for those with mobility constraints. Please see the back page for pricing, terms & conditions
TBD closer to date of departure.
✅ Transfers to/from Pearson International Airport
✅ Roundtrip Economy Airfare | Toronto to Budapest and Prague to Toronto
✅ 8 Day Scenic River Cruise in Stateroom of your choice
✅ All Inclusive Cruising – All meals, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, daily excursions and more are included onboard the ship
✅ Daily select Scenic Free Choice excursions throughout the trip
✅ 3 Nights Post-Cruise Accommodation in Prague
✅ All Transfers Between Airports, Hotels and Ship
✅ Butler Service on-board the ship for all guests
✅ Complimentary Onboard Prepaid Gratuities
✅ Free WI-FI on board the ship
✅ Services of a Cardinal Lakeshore Tour Director
Day 1 | Toronto to Budapest
Meet our coach at one of our predetermined pickup locations today to be transferred to Toronto Pearson Airport. From here, we will board our overnight flight to Prague.
Day 2 | Budapest, Hungary (D)
Our flight will arrive this morning. 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.
Day 3 | Budapest, Hungary (B, L, D)
Budapest is an architectural treasure known for its thermal baths and vibrant atmosphere. Today choose between a guided coach tour exploring both Buda and Pest with highlights such as Várkert Bazár, Margaret Bridge, Széchenyi Square and the city’s lively Christmas Market, OR a tour of the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, where you’ll explore its opulent interiors and learn about its rich cultural history.
Day 4 | Bratislava, Slovakia (B, L, D)
Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, is a modern multicultural city with a rich history. Today you’ll once again have your choice of included excursions: a guided walking tour of Bratislava, exploring highlights like Hlavné Námestie and the Old Town Hall while enjoying a mulled wine at the Christmas market, OR a wine tasting tour through local cellars celebrating the country’s increasingly acclaimed wines.
Day 5 | Vienna, Austria (B, L, D)
Arrive in Vienna, a city of grandeur. Explore your way with Scenic Freechoice options: visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, including its stunning gardens; take a guided tour of central Vienna and enjoy its Christmas markets; OR explore the Belvedere Museum, home to Austria’s greatest art collections. This afternoon is free to wander or relax as you please. In the evening, indulge in a Scenic Enrich experience at the Palais Liechtenstein with a private classical concert featuring Strauss and Mozart, accompanied by ballet, in Vienna’s largest secular Baroque hall.
Day 6 | Durnstein to Melk, Austria (B, L, D)
Our ship will be docked this morning in the picturesque town of Dürnstein, in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Today you can choose from: a guided tour of the magnificent 18th-century Melk Benedictine Abbey; or a guided e-bike ride from Melk to Dürnstein, passing charming villages, rolling vineyards, and river views. In the afternoon, relax on board as you cruise the Wachau Valley, enjoying the stunning scenery and a special tasting of local delicacies, including schnapps, presented by a regional producer.
Day 7 | Brandstatt, Austria to Passau, Germany (B, L, D)
Set at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt. The 13th-century Italianate Old Town is full of narrow lane-ways, tunnels, archways, and festive Christmas markets. Choose from Scenic Freechoice excursions, including a walking tour of Passau with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a full-day coach trip to Salzburg with a guided tour, lunch, and free time to explore, or a full-day guided visit to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, with lunch and leisure time.
Day 8 | Regensburg, Germany (B, L, D)
Today we arrive in Regensburg, the final stop of your festive Central European journey. With a 2,000-year history, Regensburg boasts one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval town centres, featuring over 900 Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites and a lively concentration of bars along its narrow streets. Choose from Scenic Freechoice activities, including a guided walking tour of the old stone bridge, Church of St. James, and Porta Praetoria with insights into local customs, or an active tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace followed by time to explore the Christmas market.
Day 9 | Regensburg to Prague, Czechia (B)
This morning we’ll wake up for our final morning on our cruise ship. Enjoy one final breakfast on boar before we disembark and journey by coach to Prague, where we will check into a city central hotel for the next three nights. This evening will be at leisure with time to relax, shop and enjoy dinner at your own pace.
Day 10 | Prague, Czechia (B)
Join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders.
Day 11 | Prague, Czechia (B)
Today you can choose from three Scenic Freechoice excursions to experience Prague your way: take a walking tour with an expert guide to see famous sites and hidden gems while learning about life under Communism, including a local beer tasting; visit the Terezin Memorial to explore the former military fortress and Theresienstadt Ghetto and learn about the Nazi occupation; or tour Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the charming Golden Lane.
Day 12 | Prague to Toronto (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the Prague airport for our onward journey home. The flight home will return to Toronto where our coach will be waiting to return us to our original pickup locations. Here we will bid one another farewell and make our way home to our families for the upcoming holiday season!
Book now with a $750 per person non-refundable deposit . Final payment due August 14, 2027. Cancellation insurance is recommended – call the office for pricing. Prices are subject to change based on airfare costs. A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. Please visit our website for full terms and conditions: www.cardinallakeshore.ca/our-policy/.
Cancellations received prior to August 14, 2027 will result in a loss of deposits. Cancellations received after August 14, 2027 are 100% non-refundable. Please note advanced seat selection for air is not available.
Please note that this is an active tour. We suggest you are able to: Walk 4-5 km over the course of a day with no problem, can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to 3km (with included breaks), handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance and climb two flights of stairs with ease.
