Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner on board)
- Day 2
Amsterdam
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Timeless Dutch countryside excursion - Step beyond the city and discover the authentic rhythm of the Dutch countryside. Wander through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive.
Optional Activities
- Hidden gems of Amsterdam - Explore the historic Jordaan area, visit a charming chocolate shop, see Our Lord in the Attic (a 17th-century house with a secret Catholic church in its attic), and enjoy local beer and traditional Dutch snacks at a cosy brewery. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Waterland Our Lord in the Attic - Day 3
Cologne
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Quest for Cologne's treasures - Join your local guide on a walking tour, followed by a unique adventure hunting for some of Cologne's most typical treasures using a provided map with specific locations.
Optional Activities
- German beer experience - Discover the spirited beer culture of Cologne through a guided tour of legendary brewhouses. Learn about Kölsch, a crisp golden beer brewed only in this region. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 4
Rüdesheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum - Catch the local mini train through narrow city streets to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Discover a vast selection of more than 350 automatic mechanical music instruments ranging from tiny music boxes to giant Concert-Piano-Orchestrions.
Optional Activities
- Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal - Enjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a 19th-century monument celebrating the unification of Germany. Enjoy panoramic views over Rüdesheim's old town and the Rhine.
- Eberbach Abbey with wine tasting - Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, visit one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau Region. Experience a Riesling wine tasting. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Lorelai Rock Pfalzgrafenstein Castle Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Niederwalddenkmal Eberbach Abbey - Day 5
Miltenberg - Wertheim
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Miltenberg - Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall. See the oldest inn in Germany dating back to at least 1411, Miltenberg Castle, and the unique red sandstone church and bridge.
Optional Activities
- Visit to Bronnbach Abbey - Experience the rich history and serene beauty of this well-preserved Cistercian monastery known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, peaceful cloisters, and impressive Baroque interiors.
- Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle - Enjoy an active walk through the forest to the 12th-century Mildenburg Castle, which now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.
Landmarks Miltenberg Castle Bronnbach Abbey Mildenburg Castle - Day 6
Würzburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishop's Residence - Explore the city and visit the World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence. Learn about how this impressive building featuring Viennese Baroque and Italian influences was restored to its former glory after World War II damage.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Rothenburg - Explore the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. Walk its medieval walls and climb to the top of the Town Hall Tower for a panoramic view. Visit Gothic churches, museums, and art exhibitions. Enjoy a special tasting of local sausages at historic restaurants. Please note, this operates at the same time as your included tour. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 6.5 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Day 7
Bamberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg - Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide. Marvel at the opulence of the New Residence, once inhabited by prince bishops and now home to old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden.
Landmarks Bamberg New Residence - Day 8
Nuremberg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg - Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city, including architectural wonders that inspired famous artists. Learn about the effects the war years had on the city. Explore half-timbered houses beautifully reconstructed after the war and enjoy time to explore at leisure.
Optional Activities
- World War II tour - Explore Nuremberg's fascinating insights into World War II events, including a visit to the Nazi Rally grounds, a panoramic drive through the city, and a tour of the famous Courtroom 600 where the War Crimes trials were held. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 4 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Nazi Rally Grounds Courtroom 600 - Day 9
Regensburg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Regensburg - Set out on foot to discover the highlights of Regensburg. Wander the streets with your guide through the romantic narrow alleys of the World Heritage-listed Old Town and view the 13th-century Town Hall. The highlight is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore at leisure.
Optional Activities
- Bavarian band performance on board - Make your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band playing traditional music in authentic Lederhosen.
- Sausage-making workshop - Learn how to produce fresh sausages with an expert from the family butchery DEUTSCH. Learn the recipe, weighing, cutting, and filling meat in natural casings. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Regensburg Stone Bridge Regensburg Town Hall - Day 10
Passau - Linz
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on board), Dinner (Waltz dance show on board this evening)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Passau - Stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century. View the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence and St. Stephen's Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Salzburg - The birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music. Spend a full day exploring this Austrian city, wandering the historic downtown district, exploring the Linzer Gasse shopping street and visiting Mozart's home. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 10 hours (extra expense)
- Excursion to Český Krumlov - Visit the World Heritage-listed medieval town in South Bohemia, renowned for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Your expert local guide will take you through cobblestone streets of the fairytale-like Old Town past old townhouses and historic buildings. Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 8.5 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks St. Stephen's Cathedral Passau Town Hall Bishop's Residence Passau Salzburg Český Krumlov - Day 11
Melk - Dürnstein
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of Melk Abbey - Explore this ancient abbey on an included tour. Your guide will take you through opulent rooms adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour along the Danube - Enjoy an active guided e-bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns. E-bikes will take you smoothly along the 30km (18.64 miles) route through picturesque surroundings with a relaxing break for a refreshing drink and a picnic on the riverbanks.
- Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle - Hike to Dürnstein Castle, the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades. Conquer the challenging yet rewarding trail to take in spectacular panoramas of the river and surrounding countryside from the peak.
Landmarks Melk Abbey Dürnstein Castle Wachau Valley - Day 12
Vienna
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna - Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna's city centre by coach and on foot, or join a guided e-bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour of Vienna - Embark on a guided e-bike tour of Vienna to Danube Island. Your guide will talk about why Vienna is the most liveable city in the world and share personal stories, introducing you to a different side of the city and places other travellers won't see.
- Visit to Schönbrunn Palace - Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. Follow a local expert to hear fascinating tales of the intriguing former residents. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours (extra expense)
- Viennese evening concert - Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls featuring classical music favourites such as the 'Blue Danube Waltz' and the Radetzky March. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival is included. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks Vienna State Opera Burgtheater Parliament of Austria Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island - Day 13
Bratislava
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava - Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, passing the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall with its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre with busts of famous composers adorning the façade. Enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Optional Activities
- Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family - Be invited into the home of a local Slovakian family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake. Get an insight into their history, culture and traditions as they show you how they live every day.
- Guided hike to Bratislava Castle - This active excursion begins at the port of Bratislava, passing the Slovak National Theatre and continuing to the riverside promenade. Admire the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, climb the hill to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, see St Michael's Gate and walk through the main square.
- Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava - Learn about life during the Communist era through real personal stories from your guide on this truly insightful tour in a Skoda car. Enjoy some local, authentic refreshments from this time. This off-the-beaten-track tour brings the story of Bratislava in the turbulent 20th century alive. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours (extra expense)
- Carpathian wine route - Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. Learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample local wines in a historic wine cellar. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 40 minutes (extra expense)
Landmarks Bratislava Castle St. Martin's Cathedral Slovak National Theatre Old Town Hall Bratislava Episcopal Summer Palace St Michael's Gate - Day 14
Budapest
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest - Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide. Explore the World Heritage-listed centre, travelling through chapters of architecture from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes' Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion.
Optional Activities
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board - Enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.
- Hike to Gellert Hill - Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Gellért Hill. Take in stunning views of the Danube River and the city's architecture. Pass landmarks like Várkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Excursion to Szentendre - Visit the picturesque village where cobblestone streets evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired many artists. Take a walking tour through the pedestrian city centre to admire Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets. The main square, Fo Tér, and surrounding alleyways are lined with art galleries, museums and shops. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours (extra expense)
- Jewish heritage tour - During this thoughtful tour, your local guide will introduce you to significant Jewish events that have shaped Budapest's culture. See buildings that once played important roles in the flourishing Jewish trade before World War II. In Pest, the 'Shoes on the Danube' memorial stands as a striking reminder of what happened to the Jewish communities in Budapest during wartime. (extra expense)
Landmarks Chain Bridge Matthias Church Fisherman's Bastion Buda Castle Heroes' Square Liberty Statue Gellért Hill Várkert Bazaar Szentendre Shoes on the Danube Bank 
- Day 15
Budapest to Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 16
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Prague - The heart of Prague is an enchanting treasure trove showcasing some of Europe's finest and most well-preserved architectural marvels from various eras. Begin your included tour exploring three magnificent castle courtyards, before stepping into the awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral. Descend the Castle Steps where breathtaking views of Prague unfold. Stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, leading to the charming Old Town and the legendary Astronomical Clock in the vibrant Old Town Square.
Optional Activities
- Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace - Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.
Landmarks St. Vitus Cathedral Charles Bridge Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Lobkowicz Palace - Day 17
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Czechia - Learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short walk from your hotel will take you through some of the city's most interesting hidden corners, before arriving at a local restaurant. Meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and Rosé wines accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement every glass. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours (extra expense)
- Day 18
Prague
- Meals
- Breakfast
