Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception)
- Day 2
Amsterdam
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise through Amsterdam's 100+ kilometres of canals, viewing Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges (one hour)
- Walking tour of Amsterdam exploring canals, bridges, history, modern lifestyle, Dutch culture, and local herring tasting
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour with ferry to town outskirts and local guide information about Dutch everyday life
- Excursion to Schermerhorn village and Alkmaar town - 16th century windmills, historic buildings, and picturesque canals
- Day 3
Cologne to Bonn
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Lavish dinner accompanied by classical music at La Redoute Recital Hall)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town including Cologne Cathedral (World Heritage-listed)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 4
Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge with views of hilltop castles and fortresses
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum tour - local guide introduction to mechanical musical instruments, with option to take cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike and cable car excursion through Rüdesheim vineyards with spectacular views of countryside and Rhine River below, including cable car up to Niederwald Monument and return hike to town
Landmarks Lorelei Niederwald Monument - Day 5
Miltenberg to Wertheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wertheim tour and winery - orientation tour of Miltenberg with free time, then travel to Wertheim to visit a local winery and meet the winemaker
- Gamburg Castle tour - guided tour of Gamburg Castle with private reception from the Baron and Baroness over sparkling wine
- Miltenberg hike - guided hike through Franconian landscape with panoramic views of Main River, ancient vineyard terraces, and medieval villages
- Tastes and treasures of Miltenberg - discover local producers including artisanal butchers, bakers, and Schnapps producers
- Schnapps tasting - orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, followed by local schnapps distillery visit with tasting of multiple flavours, then transfer to Wertheim
- Day 6
Würzburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - guided tour of the Baroque Würzburg Residence palace with manicured gardens, viewing valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture, followed by short stroll and free time in the city
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach drive to Rothenburg along the famed Romantic Road trading route, guided tour of well-preserved medieval old town, and free time to explore
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge - Day 7
Bamberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - explore the World Heritage-listed old town centre with local guide, learning about its history while wandering through medieval and Baroque buildings
- Excursion to Coburg - coach journey to Coburg, former seat of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert, visit the impressive castle with museum housing carriages, weapons, armonry and paintings by renowned artists
Landmarks Bamberg Cathedral Bamberg Town Hall - Day 8
Nuremberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - drive to city centre, walking tour with local guide seeing Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and market square
- World War II tour - local guide highlights main Nazi regime events in Nuremberg, visiting important historical sites from this dark period
- Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls - active walking tour following cobblestone streets around Imperial Castle, admiring impressive medieval city walls
Landmarks Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church - Day 9
Regensburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg - local guide tour on the Danube confluence, viewing the old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria
- Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to the oldest monastery in Bavaria founded approximately 600AD, explore Abbey and Cloister Church, sample award-winning beer produced on site since 1050
- Thurn und Taxis active walking tour - active walk from ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, guided tour followed by free time, learning about this 12th-century noble family
- Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - cycle through Danube Valley scenery along river and countryside to Walhalla Memorial, commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria honouring notable Germans
Landmarks Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial - Day 10
Passau
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg - cross border into Austria to the storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks, guided tour learning about art and music, visit Mozart's birthplace, see Hohensalzburg Fortress, lunch at local restaurant and free time
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov - journey to World Heritage-listed Czech town with charm, local guide exploration of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch in local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau - walking tour with local guide admiring brightly coloured buildings lining waterways, visit St Stephens Cathedral originally built year 450, destroyed by fire 1662 and rebuilt in Baroque style
Landmarks St Stephens Cathedral - Day 11
Dürnstein to Krems
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey - abbey founded sixth century, burned and rebuilt as one of most magnificent in Wachau Valley, local guide showing magnificent frescoes and Austria's largest Baroque staircase
- Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker learning age-old winemaking traditions and sampling delicious wines produced on site
- UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience - bicycle tour along Danube with guide to quaint village of Krems, passing charming villages and vineyard landscapes with stops for breathtaking views
Landmarks Göttweig Abbey - Day 12
Vienna
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with glass of fine Austrian Sekt)
Included Activities
- Coach and walking tour of Vienna city centre including Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace
Landmarks Vienna Opera House St Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace - Day 13
Vienna
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour exploring recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on beaches and open spaces
- Excursion to Bratislava - travel to Slovakia's capital since independence 1993, modern multicultural metropolis with intriguing history, local guide showing Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Námestie main square and Old Town Hall
- Klosterneuburg Abbey guided tour and wine tasting - visit Austria's oldest wine estate producing wine 900 years, explore serene halls and magnificent Imperial Apartments, guided tasting in historic winery
Landmarks Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Klosterneuburg Abbey - Day 14
Budapest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth - coach tour starting in Buda viewing Varkert Bazaar, cross Margaret Bridge to Pest seeing Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square, end with mesmerising piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour providing insight into communist past and life in modern European Union, including 1956 Hungarian revolution and significant Jewish events
- Hospital in the Rock - explore underground labyrinths beneath Castle District, secret hospital built during WWII later converted to nuclear bunker
- Guided hike of Buda - beautiful hike through Buda district seeing Varkert Bazaar and landscaped gardens with great views over Danube River and city architecture
- Hungarian culinary market tour - foodie tour through city's culinary delights, visit bustling Grand Central Market, taste local delicacies and hear fascinating stories about city's traditions
Landmarks Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind - Day 15
Budapest
- Day 16
Bratislava
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Communist tour of Bratislava - journey behind Iron Curtain, local guide sharing how communist regime impacted daily lives of Slovaks and shaped Bratislava's complex identity
- Walking tour of Bratislava - knowledgeable local guide showing city highlights including Hlavné Námestie main square and Old Town Hall while learning about city history
- Coffee and cake with a Slovakian family - authentic immersive experience visiting local family home gaining insight into everyday lives of Slovaks while enjoying delicious coffee and cake
Landmarks Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Old Town Hall - Day 17
Bratislava to Budapest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Classical music concert at Gödöllő Royal Palace)
Optional Activities
- Spa massage services (additional cost)
- Day 18
Budapest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided hike of Buda - beautiful hike through Buda district seeing Varkert Bazaar and landscaped gardens with great views over Danube River and city architecture
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour providing insight into communist past and life in modern European Union, including 1956 Hungarian revolution and significant Jewish events
- Beethoven's favourite getaway - travel to Brunszvik Castle, favourite retreat of the famed composer, admire Neo Gothic architecture and grand gardens, learn about Beethoven's life in dedicated Memorial Museum
- Etyek region wineries and vineyards - explore Etyek wine region called 'vineyard of Budapest', renowned for crisp aromatic white wines and sparkling wines, learn about winemaking tradition and taste local vintages
- Jewish Heritage Tour - learn about significant Jewish events from history shaping modern culture, visit fascinating Jewish Museum and impressive Synagogue
Landmarks Varkert Bazaar Brunszvik Castle Jewish Museum - Day 19
Ordas to Mohacs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hungarian Traditions - learn about traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery, exploring origins of beautiful designs and other crafts
- Hungarian Horse Show - travel to Kalocsa on Great Hungarian Plain with 2,000-year agricultural history, watch traditional horse show, meet horsemen demonstrating impressive equestrian skills, enjoy local delicacies tasting
- Day 20
Mohacs to Osijek
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local Croatian family home - authentic meal with fresh vegetables from host's garden), Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch at a local Croatian family home with authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from host's garden
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Pécs - first settled by Romans and later Turks, located near Croatian border, melange of cultures including Roman ruins, Turkish baths, Baroque buildings, decorative arts and crafts like porcelain
- Villány wine stories - visit charming town in Villány wine region known for exceptional red wines particularly bold full-bodied varieties, see historic wine cellars, sample local wines and visit old mill
- Mohacs traditions and flavours - experience rich traditions and multicultural heritage where Hungarians Croats and Serbs live in unity, explore Busóudvar Museum learning about World Heritage-listed Busójárás festival, visit historic sites and taste halászlé traditional fish stew with Danube River fish and Hungarian paprika
- Day 21
Vukovar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local Croatian family home - authentic meal with fresh vegetables from host's garden), Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch at a local Croatian family home - authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from host's garden, experiencing North-eastern Croatia known as 'breadbasket' of the country
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Osijek - coach travel to charming city of Osijek for walking tour exploring well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress soaking in historic elegance
- Baranja wine region - tour family-owned wineries in fertile soil famous for exceptional white wines, savour locally produced wine in rustic cellars or outdoor terraces with sweeping vineyard views
- Vukovar chronicles - river town's tale of resilience - discover 'Hero Town' of Vukovar famed for courageous defence during Croatian War of Independence early 1990s, learn about rebuilding and city's spirit of resilience and bravery preserved in museums and monuments
- Day 22
Novi Sad
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Novi Sad - discover all that makes this city a true highlight, from 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress to charming Dunavska Street lined with colourful buildings popular for walking gathering and dining
- Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress - symbol of city often called 'Gibraltar on the Danube', learn about powerful history dating to Middle Ages while hiking and being rewarded with magnificent views over Danube River and city
- Vojvodina farmhouse flavours - unique cooking demonstration at traditional farmstead locally called Salaš discovering secrets of authentic regional cuisine, savour true taste of Vojvodina's rich culinary heritage with freshly brewed coffee and homemade buns
- Fruška Gora National Park - explore Serbia's oldest national park blanketed with oak and beech wood forests more than 60 family vineyards and 16 monasteries, visit oldest monastery dating to 16th century and stop by winery for tasting
Landmarks Petrovaradin Fortress Dunavska Street Fruška Gora National Park - Day 23
Belgrade
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Choir performance in St. Sava - visit largest orthodox temple in Balkans with chance to explore frescos-lined cathedral crypt where church choir performs beautiful hymns)
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour - by coach and foot tour major sites with local guide, see cobbled streets of Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress with more than 100 battles and panoramic river views, free time to explore
- Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial - local guide touring city highlights including Ottoman Old Town Kalemegdan Fortress and Republic Square with free time, plus visit to memorial dedicated to Tito former ruler of Yugoslavia
- Cycling tour along the Danube - trace Danube banks on two wheels admiring beautiful scenery learning about fascinating history of Belgrade from local guide
- Central Belgrade stroll with coffee and cake - discover Central Belgrade on leisurely stroll from historic Kalemegdan Fortress down Knez Mihailova Street Belgrade's bustling pedestrian boulevard, pause for cup of expertly brewed coffee paired with signature cake tasting from beloved bakeries
Landmarks Bohemian Quarter Kalemegdan Fortress Republic Square Knez Mihailova Street St. Sava - Day 24
Golubac to Donji Milanovac
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Iron Gates stretch of Danube featuring four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and rock carving of Decebalus former Romanian king
Optional Activities
- Golubac Fortress - guided tour of 14th-century fortress built on steep embankment of Danube in Djerdap National Park, nine towers connected by ramparts imposing figure above river for centuries
- Lepenski Vir archaeological site - one of most significant archaeological sites in region first inhabited 12,000 years ago, tour excavation site of 136 building ruins central square fireplaces and stone idols, learn how it was discovered and gain insight into Europe's early stone age
- Hike through Djerdap National Park - join local park ranger and guide hiking through national park enjoying spectacular sights such as Golubac Fortress and incredible views over Danube River
Landmarks Golubac Fortress Lepenski Vir Djerdap National Park Iron Gates Decebalus Rock Carving 
- Day 25
Vidin
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hiking to Belogradchik castle ruins - active hiking tour to Belogradchik Fortress admiring unique rock formations and ancient stronghold ruins constructed when region was part of Roman Empire
- Visit to a local winery - travel to Negovanovtsi village and Dos Alamos Winery for tour and tasting, established 2013 boutique vineyard growing Bulgarian Rubin grapes used for high-quality reds as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
- Ancestry of the Kitchen - Banitsa cooking demonstration - meet local who tells about life in region and divulges family recipe of traditional banitsa delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry
- Triangle of Tolerance walking tour - walking tour of Vidin learning its history and legacy of tolerance among residents, see Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar Osman Mosque and Synagogue
Landmarks Belogradchik Fortress Metropolis Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar Osman Mosque Synagogue - Day 26
Rousse
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Rousse - Belle Epoque architecture, traditional Bulgarian handicraft learning, local wine tasting and piano recital
Landmarks Rousse - Day 27
Silistra to Constanta
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Active walk to Silistra Fort - guided walking tour of 19th century fort learning its history, best preserved of six points of Turkish fortification system which played important role in Russo-Turkish wars
- Visit Alfatar village - exclusive experience travelling to small village outside Silistra, learn how its people have lived over centuries keeping traditions alive in ethnographic museum and see beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple treasured symbol of Bulgarian Orthodox religion, visit school to meet local children and hear about daily life for young Bulgarians
Landmarks Silistra Fort Holy Trinity Temple - Day 28
Constanta
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Constanta visiting Ovid Square, Orthodox Cathedral, stunning promenade and Genovese Lighthouse
Landmarks Ovid Square Orthodox Cathedral Genovese Lighthouse - Day 29
Constanta to Bucharest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch en route to Bucharest), Dinner (Farewell dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Bucharest from south of city to Primaverii Palace including grandest squares: Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square
Landmarks Primaverii Palace Union Square University Square Roman Square Victory Square Charles de Gaulle Square Palace of Parliament - Day 30
Bucharest
- Meals
- Breakfast
