Travel agents were given the option to swap ships halfway through an eight-day fam trip in December with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways. The full itinerary runs from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary (and vice versa), visiting medieval villages and imperial cities. Here are some highlights.

1. Scenic ships offer a five-star, all-inclusive luxury river cruising experience, with spacious suites, butler service, six dining options, all-day room service and complimentary beverages. The Scenic Tailormade GPS device is available to all guests for self-guided touring and onboard commentary.