Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
Included Activities
- Welcome drink with tour director and fellow guests
- Day 2
Paris
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided bus tour of Paris covering Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées
- Seine River cruise viewing the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks
Landmarks Notre-Dame de Paris Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Eiffel Tower 
- Day 3
Paris
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit to the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa
- Explore the Paris Catacombs
- Tastes of Paris guided walking tour: Stroll through Le Marais district including Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Sully, Rue des Rosiers and Jardin des Archives Nationales, with French pastries and local treats tasting (Moderate activity level, 2.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Louvre Museum Paris Catacombs Le Marais Place des Vosges 
- Day 4
Paris to Amsterdam
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner on board Emerald Star-Ship
- Day 5
Amsterdam
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Timeless Dutch countryside guided excursion: Wander through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive
Optional Activities
- Hidden gems of Amsterdam guided tour: Explore the historic Jordaan area including a charming chocolate shop, visit Our Lord in the Attic (17th-century house with secret Catholic church), enjoy local beer and traditional Dutch snacks at a cosy brewery (Moderate activity level, 2.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Waterland Jordaan Our Lord in the Attic - Day 6
Cologne
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Quest for Cologne's treasures: Guided walking tour exploring the city with a map-based treasure hunt for unique Cologne landmarks
Optional Activities
- German beer experience guided tour: Discover Cologne's beer culture and Kölsch beer tradition at legendary brewhouses (Moderate activity level, 2 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 7
Rüdesheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum: Ride the local mini train through city streets to view over 350 automatic mechanical music instruments
Optional Activities
- Active walk to Niederwalddenkmal: Hike through verdant vineyards to a 19th-century monument celebrating German unification with panoramic views over Rüdesheim and the Rhine
- Eberbach Abbey with wine tasting: Visit the 1136-founded Cistercian monastery in the Rheingau region featuring the largest medieval vineyard in the country, with Riesling wine tasting experience (Easy activity level, 3.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Lorelai Rock Pfalzgrafenstein Castle Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Niederwalddenkmal Eberbach Abbey - Day 8
Miltenberg - Wertheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Miltenberg: Stroll cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses, view the Gothic Merchant Hall, see the oldest inn in Germany (dating to 1411), Miltenberg Castle, and the unique red sandstone church and bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit to Bronnbach Abbey: Explore the well-preserved Cistercian monastery in Wertheim known for stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, peaceful cloisters, and impressive Baroque interiors
- Active walk to Mildenburg Castle: Hike through the forest to the 12th-century castle housing a collection of contemporary art and old masters
Landmarks Miltenberg Gothic Merchant Hall Miltenberg Castle Bronnbach Abbey Mildenburg Castle - Day 9
Würzburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop's Residence: Guided tour of the World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence featuring Viennese Baroque and Italian secular architecture, restored after World War II damage
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Rothenburg: Explore Germany's best-preserved medieval town, walk its medieval walls, climb the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, visit Gothic churches and museums, enjoy tasting of local sausages (Moderate activity level, 6.5 hours, extra expense). Note: This operates at the same time as the included Würzburg tour
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Rothenburg - Day 10
Bamberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg: Explore the city with a local guide, marvel at the opulence of the New Residence (former prince-bishops' home now displaying old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection), and enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden
Landmarks Bamberg New Residence - Day 11
Nuremberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg: Sightseeing tour of the historic city covering architectural wonders that inspired famous artists and the effects of war years, followed by leisure time to explore reconstructed half-timbered houses
Optional Activities
- World War II tour: Insightful tour exploring Nazi regime events, visit Nazi Rally grounds, panoramic drive through the city, and tour Courtroom 600 where War Crimes trials were held (Easy activity level, 4 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Nuremberg - Day 12
Regensburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Regensburg: Walking tour discovering highlights including the romantic narrow alleys of the World Heritage Old Town, 13th-century Town Hall, the 12th-century Stone Bridge crossing the Danube, with leisure time to explore
- Bavarian band performance on board: Special performance in the Horizon Bar & Lounge featuring traditional music and authentic Lederhosen
Optional Activities
- Sausage-making workshop: Learn to produce fresh sausages with an expert from family butchery DEUTSCH, covering recipe to weighing, cutting, and filling meat in natural casings (Easy activity level, 2 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Regensburg Stone Bridge Town Hall - Day 13
Passau - Linz
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Passau: Walking tour through streets lined by 17th-century Baroque buildings, viewing the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence and St. Stephen's Cathedral (Baroque architecture with Europe's largest church organ)
- Waltz dance show on board
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Salzburg: Explore Mozart's birthplace and The Sound of Music setting, wandering the historic downtown district, Linzer Gasse shopping street, and Mozart's home (Easy activity level, 10 hours, extra expense)
- Excursion to Český Krumlov: Visit the World Heritage-listed medieval Czech town with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, guided walking tour through the fairytale Old Town past old townhouses and historic buildings (Difficult/Active activity level, 8.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Passau St. Stephen's Cathedral Salzburg Český Krumlov - Day 14
Melk - Dürnstein
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of Melk Abbey: Explore the ancient abbey with a guide through opulent rooms adorned with Italian Baroque architecture and gold leaf walls, including the monastic library with its medieval manuscript collection
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour along the Danube: Cycle from Melk to Dürnstein (30km/18.64 miles) through famous vineyards and quaint towns, with picnic on riverbanks and refreshing drinks break
- Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle: Hike the challenging trail to the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after the Crusades, with spectacular panoramic views of the river and countryside from the peak
Landmarks Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Dürnstein Dürnstein Castle - Day 15
Vienna
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna: Explore the famous Ringstrasse and Vienna's city centre by coach and on foot, marvel at the Renaissance-style Opera House, Baroque Burgtheater, and Flemish Gothic Parliament with leisure time to explore
- Guided e-bike tour of Vienna: Cycle to Danube Island with a guide sharing stories about Vienna as the world's most liveable city and introducing authentic local experiences
Optional Activities
- Visit to Schönbrunn Palace: Tour the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire and World Heritage site, with local expert sharing fascinating stories of former residents (Easy activity level, 5 hours, extra expense)
- Viennese evening concert: Exclusive concert at one of Vienna's beautiful concert halls featuring Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert repertoire including 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Radetzky March, with complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival (Easy activity level, 2.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Ringstrasse Vienna State Opera House Burgtheater Parliament Danube Island Schönbrunn Palace 
- Day 16
Bratislava
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava: Sightseeing tour of the enchanting Old City including the Episcopal Summer Palace botanical gardens, Old Town Hall with Renaissance courtyard, and Slovak National Theatre with composer busts, with leisure time to explore
- Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family: Visit a local family's home to learn about their culture, history, traditions and daily life
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Bratislava Castle: Active excursion from the port passing the Slovak National Theatre, riverside promenade, Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, climb to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, see St Michael's Gate and walk through the main square
- Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava: Insightful guided car tour sharing real personal stories from the Communist era, enjoying local authentic refreshments from this period, bringing 20th-century history alive (Easy activity level, 2 hours, extra expense)
- Carpathian wine route: Explore viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route including Vinosady vineyards and family-run winery in Senkvice, learn about winemaking heritage and sample local wines in historic wine cellar (Moderate activity level, 4 hours 40 minutes, extra expense)
Landmarks Bratislava Old City Episcopal Summer Palace Old Town Hall Slovak National Theatre Bratislava Castle St. Martin's Cathedral St Michael's Gate - Day 17
Budapest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell reception & dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest: Tour the World Heritage-listed centre featuring architecture from Romanesque to Baroque and classical styles, view the Liberty Statue, Heroes' Square, and Buda Castle district, followed by walking tour of Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board: Hungarian folk dancing and music performance
Optional Activities
- Hike to Gellert Hill: Beautiful hike to the World Heritage-listed site with stunning views of the Danube River and city architecture, passing Varkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens
- Excursion to Szentendre: Visit the picturesque village with Mediterranean-inspired cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses, galleries, museums and shops (Moderate activity level, 4 hours, extra expense)
- Jewish heritage tour: Thoughtful guided tour exploring significant Jewish events shaping Budapest's culture, viewing buildings that played important roles in pre-World War II flourishing Jewish trade, visiting the 'Shoes on the Danube' memorial (extra expense)
Landmarks Liberty Statue Heroes' Square Buda Castle Chain Bridge Matthias Church Fisherman's Bastion Gellert Hill Szentendre Shoes on the Danube - Day 18
Budapest to Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Welcome drink with tour director and fellow guests
- Day 19
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Prague: Explore three castle courtyards, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Castle Steps with breathtaking panoramic views, cross the iconic Charles Bridge to the charming Old Town and see the legendary Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
- Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace: Freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries served at this significant cultural site with aristocratic charm and history
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Charles Bridge Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Lobkowicz Palace - Day 20
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Czechia: Fascinating wine tour learning about Czech wines, walking through the city's interesting hidden corners before arriving at a local restaurant, meeting a sommelier, enjoying a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and rosé wines paired with traditional charcuterie and cheeses (Easy activity level, 2.5 hours, extra expense)
Landmarks Baroque Quarter - Day 21
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast
