Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris and check into your hotel in the 9th Arrondissement, right in the Opera district. This area is known for its wide boulevards, theaters including the impressive Palais Garnier opera house, and the grand Belle Epoque department stores that line the streets. After settling in, you'll have time to get oriented before dinner.
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Seine River Palais Garnier Printemps Galeries Lafayette - Day 2
Paris
Start with pain au chocolat and cafe au lait at a local cafe. You can choose between a panoramic tour of Paris's famous sites or head to Montmartre to explore its Bohemian character and the hidden winery behind Sacre-Coeur. This afternoon is flexible - you might spend it at the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay, browse designer boutiques or vintage shops, check out flea markets, grab pastries at a bistro, or relax with a picnic in one of the city's parks.
Included Activities
- Panoramic city tour including Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe
- Explore Bohemian Montmartre district and hidden winery behind Sacré-Cœur
Optional Activities
- Visit The Louvre
- Visit Musée d'Orsay
- Visit Centre Pompidou
- Shopping at designer boutiques
- Shopping at vintage stores and flea markets
- Patisseries and bistro dining
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Montmartre Sacré-Cœur The Louvre Musée d'Orsay Centre Pompidou - Day 3
Paris
You have a full day to move around Paris at your own pace. Wander through the Latin Quarter, explore modern La Defense, or check out the fashionable Le Marais district. The Musee des Arts et Metiers (dating back to 1794) and Musee Carnavalet are great options if you're interested in museums. You can also follow literary sites connected to Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, Hemingway, and de Beauvoir, or simply practice flanerie - wandering aimlessly, stopping for coffee or wine, browsing bookstores, and just experiencing Paris like a local.
Optional Activities
- Visit Musée des Arts et Métiers
- Visit Musée Carnavalet
- Literary tour of city - Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir locations
- Shopping in various districts
- Art galleries and historic sites
- Eating and drinking experiences
Landmarks Latin Quarter La Défense Place Vendôme Le Marais Musée des Arts et Métiers Musée Carnavalet - Day 4
Paris to Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll take the high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam. Once you arrive, you'll board your river ship and head to the welcome reception this evening, where you'll meet other travelers and toast to the journey ahead.
Included Activities
- Welcome reception on board
- Day 5
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, you can take a one-hour canal cruise past landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank's House, join a walking tour sampling local treats like pickled herring and poffertjes, or head out to see the 16th-century windmills of Schermerhorn and the charming town of Alkmaar. Later in the afternoon, your ship sets sail toward Cologne.
Included Activities
- Canal cruise on Gentleman's Canal, Prince's Canal, and Brewer's Canal including views of Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank's House
- Walking tour of Amsterdam with local treats including pickled herring, cheese, and Poffertjes
- Excursion to Schermerhorn windmills and Alkmaar
Landmarks Gentleman's Canal Skinny Bridge Prince's Canal Anne Frank's House Old Lord Mayor's House Seven Bridges Brewer's Canal Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 6
Cologne
You'll have coffee and breakfast in your suite before arriving in Cologne after lunch. This liberal city is known for its unique beer culture and the Gothic Cologne Cathedral from 1248. Take a walking tour through the Old Town to see historic breweries serving Kolsch beer, then stroll through the Christmas Markets around the cathedral with hot chestnuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Your ship departs during dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (In suite with personal butler service)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- Visit Cologne Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Visit Christmas Markets around Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Old Town Cologne - Day 7
Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim
Today you'll cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, sailing past roughly 40 hilltop castles and fortresses spanning 1,000 years of history. You'll learn about the Lorelei legend and see the bronze statue marking where the mythical enchantress cast spells on sailors. After lunch, you'll dock in Rusdesheim, surrounded by steep vineyards. Take a mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see 350 antique instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tonight celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner on board.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Festive Christmas Eve dinner)
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Mini train ride to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Explore Rüdesheim
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Lorelei Rüdesheim Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 8
Sailing day
Merry Christmas! You'll celebrate the holiday with friends aboard as the ship heads toward Wurzburg. Spend the day relaxing on the Sun Deck enjoying fresh air and river views, or visit the Salt Therapy Lounge to experience its natural wellness properties while sailing past charming villages.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Christmas Day dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Salt Therapy Lounge access
- Day 9
Würzburg
You'll arrive in Wurzburg, a Baroque city straddling the Main River in Franconian wine country surrounded by rolling vineyards. Choose between a guided city tour of the historic market square sampling traditional Gluhwein or local Franconian wine, or take a scenic journey along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg, passing through villages over 1,000 years old and exploring its well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Würzburg including historic market square
- Romantic Road journey to Rothenburg with guided tour
Optional Activities
- Traditional Glühwein or local Franconian wine at market square
- Explore Gothic and Renaissance City Hall in Rothenburg
- Visit City Councillors' Tavern in Rothenburg
Landmarks Würzburg Main River Old Main Bridge Romantic Road Rothenburg City Hall (Rothenburg) City Councillors' Tavern - Day 10
Bamberg
The ship docks in Bamberg after lunch. This morning, you can book a soothing massage at the wellness centre or attend a lecture about the Main River's culture and history. Bamberg is built on seven hills and offers charming Old Town streets with medieval buildings, an island-set Old Town Hall, a Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, and a 12th-century castle on the highest hill. A guided city tour will show you these sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Bamberg
Optional Activities
- Soothing massage at wellness centre
- Informative lecture about Main River culture and history
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town Old Town Hall Bamberg Bamberg Cathedral Old Residence Bamberg New Residence Bamberg Little Venice Bamberg - Day 11
Nuremberg
You'll arrive in Nuremberg, dominated by the impressive 12th-century Imperial Castle and surrounded by ancient city walls. The city holds complex history as a site of Nazi party rallies and Nuremberg Laws. Choose between a walking tour of the medieval Old Town exploring the Imperial Castle and market square, or a WWII history tour visiting the Rally Grounds and the Memorium, where Nazi leaders were tried after 1945.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Old Town including Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church, and market square
- WWII Trials and Tribulations tour including Rally Grounds and Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse
Landmarks Imperial Castle Nuremberg Old Town Nuremberg St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg Market Square Rally Grounds Nuremberg Memorium Nurnberger Prozesse - Day 12
Regensburg
After lunch in Regensburg, you'll explore a city with 2,000 years of history and one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centers. Over 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Wander the narrow laneways, check out the country's highest concentration of bars, and take a guided walking tour of the old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria while learning about regional customs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Regensburg including old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria
Landmarks Regensburg Old Town Old Stone Bridge Regensburg Church of St James Porta Praetoria Bavarian Forest - Day 13
Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov
You have two full-day options today. Either journey to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of The Sound of Music, to see Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress with panoramic views, or travel to Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic, a UNESCO medieval town on the Vltava River with exceptional Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Both include coach transport, guided tours, and lunch at local restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local restaurant lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg including coach transport, guided tour, and local restaurant lunch
- Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov including coach transport, guided tour, and local restaurant lunch
Landmarks Salzburg Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzach River Cesky Krumlov Vltava River - Day 14
Dünstein - Krems - Vienna
You'll dock early in charming Dunstein in Austria's Wachau Valley, then cruise toward Krems. Choose between visiting the renovated Gottweig Abbey (founded in the 6th century with Austria's largest Baroque staircase), taking an e-bike tour along the Danube through vineyards to Krems, or visiting a local winery to sample Wachau Valley wines. This afternoon the ship sails leisurely through the valley toward Vienna. For New Year's Eve, you can either explore Vienna's bars and restaurants or join the ship's festive party.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Wachau Valley
- Visit Göttweig Abbey with guided tour of frescoes and Austria's largest Baroque staircase
- E-bike tour from Dünstein to Krems along the Danube
- Wachau Valley wine tasting at local winemaker
Optional Activities
- New Year's Eve celebration at Vienna bars and restaurants
- New Year's Eve party on board
Landmarks Dünstein Wachau Valley Krems Göttweig Abbey Danube River Vienna - Day 15
Vienna
You'll wake in Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, famous for the Ringstrasse boulevard and its Habsburg monarchy legacy. After a leisurely morning, choose from touring Schonbrunn Palace (the former Habsburg summer residence with ornate rooms and impressive gardens), an e-bike tour to Danube Island with beaches and open spaces, a guided central Vienna exploration with local stories, or a day trip to Bratislava to see the castle, main square, and medieval Old Town architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace tour including ornate rooms and gardens
- E-bike tour to Danube Island
- Central Vienna guided exploration
- Excursion to Bratislava including coach transport and guided tour of castle, Hlavné Námestie, and Old Town
Landmarks Ringstrasse Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Vienna City Centre Bratislava Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie - Day 16
Sailing day
You'll enjoy a relaxing day sailing along the Danube River, taking in changing views and landmarks. This evening, you'll attend an exclusive private classical concert at Godolla Royal Palace, one of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary's favorite residences. Renowned musicians will perform classical works within the palace's stunning Baroque architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private classical concert at Gödöllő Royal Palace
Landmarks Danube River Gödöllő Royal Palace - Day 17
Budapest
You'll wake in Budapest, Europe's diverse and vibrant city divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. Choose between an in-depth coach tour of both districts ending with a piano recital at the Institute for the Blind, exploring the Hospital in the Rock underground complex built as a secret WWII hospital and later nuclear bunker, or a guided hike through Buda's landscaped gardens with Danube and city views. In the afternoon, visit the Central Market Hall, the largest market in neo-gothic style.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Budapest in Depth coach tour including Buda and Pest with Varkert Bazar, Margaret Bridge, Széchenyi square, Elizabeth square, and piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Hospital in the Rock underground tour
- Guided hike of Buda Side with Varket Bazar and gardens
Optional Activities
- Visit Central Market Hall
Landmarks Danube River Buda Pest Varkert Bazar Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Hospital in the Rock Castle District Budapest Central Market Hall - Day 18
Budapest to Prague
You'll travel by coach from Budapest to Prague, where you'll stay three nights at a centrally located hotel. The drive takes you through the heart of Central Europe, and you'll have time to settle in and explore the neighborhood around your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 19
Prague
Begin with a guided tour led by a local expert revealing the city's Gothic secrets. The charming red-roofed Old Town is a compact maze of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, bustling squares, and elaborate statues. Don't miss the Old Town Hall with its famous 14th-century Astronomical Clock showing the procession of the 12 Apostles. The rest of the day is yours to explore Prague's striking architectural wonders along the Vltava River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague's Old Town including Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
Landmarks Old Town Prague Old Town Hall Astronomical Clock Vltava River - Day 20
Prague
You'll have a leisurely morning exploring Prague at your own pace, or rise early for a crowd-free walk across the Charles Bridge. This afternoon, choose from a communist history walking tour with local tastings at a historic brewery serving pilsner and wheat beer, a Prague Castle tour exploring the 70,000 square-meter complex and St. Vitus Cathedral with the picturesque Golden Lane, or a day trip to Terezin Memorial, a former WWII concentration camp with the Ghetto Museum (note: involves considerable walking).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Communist Walk of Prague including walking tour and local brewery beer tasting
- Prague Castle tour including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane
- Terezin Memorial excursion including small fortress and Ghetto Museum visits
Landmarks Charles Bridge Old Town Prague Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Old Royal Palace Golden Lane Terezin Memorial Theresienstadt Ghetto Museum - Day 21
Prague
You'll bid farewell to Prague today, departing with memories of this charismatic city and all the adventures throughout the tour. You'll head to the airport or train station for your journey home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
