Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris and have the day to explore at your own pace. Head past the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Seine, and soak in the charm of the city. There's no scheduled tour, so you can move around freely and get a feel for things on your own terms.
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Paris
- Visit Eiffel Tower
- Walk along the banks of the Seine
- Explore Champs-Élysées
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées River Seine 
- Day 2
Paris
Join a guided coach tour covering Paris's main sights. You'll see the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the Champs-Élysées, and pass the Arc de Triomphe. The route includes the Palais Garnier Opera, the Louvre, and Les Invalides along the Seine. After the tour wraps up, the afternoon is free so you can rest or wander back to spots that caught your eye.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Paris
- Drive past Eiffel Tower
- Pass Champs-Élysées
- View Arc de Triomphe
- Drive along River Seine
- See Palais Garnier Opera
- View the Louvre
- See Les Invalides
Optional Activities
- Free time exploration in Paris
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Palais Garnier Opera The Louvre Les Invalides River Seine - Day 3
Paris
You have a choice today. Head to Montmartre to walk its historic streets and check out the famous vineyard and artistic heritage, or go for the digital art experience at Atelier des Lumières. Either way, the afternoon is yours to explore wherever you want around the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Secrets of Montmartre: Walking tour of Montmartre district exploring winding cobblestone streets, Montmartre vineyard (produces 27 varieties of wine), and famous artistic heritage
- Atelier des Lumières: Immersive digital art center featuring 360-degree projections of masterpieces by Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet in a former iron foundry
Landmarks Montmartre Atelier des Lumières - Day 4
Paris to Amsterdam
You'll take a high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam and board your cruise ship. After getting settled, there's a welcome reception this evening where you can toast the journey ahead and meet other travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Welcome reception on board
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal System - Day 5
Amsterdam
Spend the morning in Amsterdam exploring the UNESCO-listed canals, 16th-century buildings, and waterways. You can choose between a canal cruise, a walking tour with herring tasting, or head out to see windmills in Schermerhorn and the town of Alkmaar. By afternoon, the ship starts cruising toward Cologne.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise: One-hour cruise along historic waterways viewing Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses, and narrow bridges
- City walking tour: Exploration of canals and bridges in Amsterdam city centre with local guide covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture, including herring tasting
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Visit 16th-century windmills in Schermerhorn village and explore historic buildings and picturesque canals in Alkmaar
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal System Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 6
Cologne
You'll arrive in Cologne early afternoon and explore this 2,000-year-old city. Take a walking tour of the Old Town and check out the Cologne Cathedral with its Christmas markets nearby. You'll have free time to wander around and soak up the holiday atmosphere before the ship departs later that evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- View Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom)
- Explore Christmas Markets
Optional Activities
- Free time exploration of Cologne
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town 
- Day 7
Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
Today the ship cruises through the Rhine Gorge, where you'll see roughly 40 hilltop castles and fortresses over a 65-kilometre stretch. Keep an eye out for the Lorelei statue. After lunch, you'll disembark in Rüdesheim to explore its half-timbered houses, wine taverns, and Christmas market. There's an optional visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum via mini train.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rhine Gorge cruise viewing castles and fortresses
- Mini train transfer from pier to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum (350 musical instruments from 18th and 19th century)
Optional Activities
- Explore Rüdesheim town and Christmas market
- Visit wine taverns and beer gardens
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Lorelei Rüdesheim Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 8
Wertheim
Relax onboard this morning as the ship cruises to Miltenberg. You'll dock in this historic town decorated for Christmas with pastel-colored half-timbered houses. After an orientation tour, you'll transfer by coach to Wertheim for another guided tour before returning to the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Miltenberg
- Guided tour of Wertheim
- Coach transfer from Miltenberg to Wertheim
Optional Activities
- Spa massage on board
- Salt Therapy Lounge relaxation
Landmarks Miltenberg Zum Riesen Wertheim River Main - Day 9
Würzburg
You arrive in Würzburg, a Baroque and Rococo city in wine country. Choose between a guided city tour featuring the World Heritage Würzburg Residence or take a coach along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg with its 500-year-old Christmas market. Later, relax on deck with a drink as you cruise toward Bamberg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour and Würzburg Residence: Visit the Baroque palace with manicured gardens, guided tour of valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture, then free time in the city
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg: Coach journey along the famed Romantic Road trading route, guided tour of well-preserved medieval old town viewing Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and famous City Councillors' Tavern, explore 500-year-old Christmas market
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Rothenburg Romantic Road - Day 10
Bamberg
After docking in Bamberg, you can relax in your suite or attend an informative lecture about the history and culture along the Main River. Join a guided tour of this World Heritage town built on seven hills, walking through the medieval Old Town and seeing the Town Hall on its own island, the cathedral, and historic residences.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg exploring famous sites
- View Town Hall
- View Gothic and Romanesque cathedral
- View Old and New Residences
Optional Activities
- Informative lecture on Main River culture and history
- Optional exploration of town
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town Bamberg Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral - Day 11
Nuremberg
You arrive early in Nuremberg and find yourself in Bavaria's second-largest city with ancient city walls and the famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's oldest Christmas markets. Pick between a walking tour of the Old Town viewing the 12th-century Imperial Castle, a World War II history tour, or a gingerbread cooking class with a local chef.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of the Old Town: View ancient city walls, Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and market square
- World War II tour: Explore main WWII events during Nazi regime in Nuremberg with local guide
- Gingerbread cooking class: Learn to bake traditional German Lebkuchen with experienced local chef
Landmarks Nuremberg Old Town Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Christkindlesmarkt 
- Day 12
Regensburg
You dock in Regensburg after lunch, a city with 2,000 years of history and over 900 World Heritage medieval buildings. Choose a walking tour to see the Old Stone Bridge and historic churches, or take a guided tour of Thurn und Taxis Castle before exploring the Christmas markets in your free time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg: Explore Old Stone Bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria with local guide
- Thurn und Taxis Tour: Guided tour of Thurn und Taxis Castle followed by free time to explore Christmas markets
Landmarks Regensburg Old Town Old Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Thurn und Taxis Castle - Day 13
Passau
You arrive early in Passau, positioned where three rivers meet near Austria. This historic trading town features Italianate architecture. You can take a full-day excursion to Salzburg in Austria (Mozart's birthplace with fortress views), travel to Czech Ceský Krumlov, or stay and explore Passau's St Stephen's Cathedral and Christmas markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg: Guided tour learning about art and music scene, visit Mozart's birthplace, see Hohensalzburg fortress, lunch at local restaurant, free time
- Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Explore World Heritage Czech town with local guide admiring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch in local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau: Walking tour with local guide viewing brightly coloured waterfront buildings, visit St Stephen's Cathedral (originally built year 450, rebuilt Baroque style after 1662 fire), explore Christmas markets with gingerbread, mulled wine, bratwurst, woodcarvings and ornaments, optional festive concert at St Stephen's Cathedral (Wednesday-Saturday at noon)
Landmarks Passau St Stephen's Cathedral Salzburg Hohensalzburg Fortress Mozart's Birthplace Ceský Krumlov - Day 14
Krems
Spend the morning in Durnstein, a World Heritage town in Austria's Wachau Valley sitting on the Danube's edge with terraced vineyards all around. The ship cruises to Krems where you'll see Christmas market lights. Choose between touring Göttweig Abbey with its frescoes, trying Wachau Valley wine at a local winery, or e-biking from Durnstein to Krems.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey: Guided tour of 6th-century abbey with magnificent frescoes and largest Baroque staircase in Austria
- Wachau Valley wine tasting: Visit local winemaker learning age-old winemaking traditions while sampling wines produced on site
- E-biking from Dürstein to Krems: Guided E-bike tour along the Danube through charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes with stops for views
Landmarks Durnstein Wachau Valley Krems Göttweig Abbey Danube River - Day 15
Vienna
You arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital and center of art and music that inspired Mozart and Beethoven. See the Ringstrasse lit up with Christmas lights. After a walking tour viewing the Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace, the afternoon is free to explore markets or relax. This evening, attend an exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt, featuring Strauss and Mozart by a renowned orchestra.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from ship to Vienna city centre
- Walking tour of Vienna
- View Opera House
- View St Stephen's Cathedral
- View Belvedere Palace
- Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein featuring Strauss and Mozart with Austrian Sekt, ballet dancers, vocalists and world-famous art
Optional Activities
- Explore Christmas markets
- Relaxation on board
Landmarks Vienna State Opera House St Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace Ringstrasse Palais Liechtenstein 
- Day 16
Vienna
You have a full day in Vienna with the ship docked nearby. Choose the Kunsthistorisches Museum with masterpieces from ancient Egypt through the 18th century, Schönbrunn Palace exploring ornate rooms and Habsburg history, a day trip to Bratislava Slovakia, or a Hidden Gems of Vienna tour. Afternoon shuttles run to Christmas markets if you want to explore those.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Kunsthistorisches Museum: Superb museum with pieces from ancient Egypt through 18th century including largest collection of Pieter Bruegel the Elder works
- Schönbrunn Palace: Explore former summer residence of Habsburg family with ornately designed rooms, royal family history and impressive gardens
- Excursion to Bratislava: Slovakia's capital since 1993, guided tour visiting Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Námestie main square and Old Town contrasting with brutalist socialist architecture
- Hidden Gems of Vienna: Expert local guide tour of city centre with stories and extended free time to explore
Landmarks Kunsthistorisches Museum Schönbrunn Palace Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie - Day 17
Budapest
You arrive in Budapest, one of Europe's most vibrant cities divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. The festive season brings Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and twinkling lights. Choose a coach tour exploring Varkert Bazar and Margaret Bridge, visit the Hospital in the Rock WWII bunker complex, or take a guided hike through Buda with Danube views. Afternoon is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth: Coach tour starting in Buda viewing Várkert Bazár, crossing Margaret Bridge to Pest to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square, ending with piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Hospital in the Rock: Underground exploration of labyrinths beneath castle district, complex built as secret WWII hospital later converted to nuclear bunker
- Guided hike of Buda: Walking tour through Buda district viewing Varket Bazar, landscaped gardens and Danube River and city architecture views
Landmarks Budapest Várkert Bazár Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Hospital in the Rock 
- Day 18
Budapest to Prague
You'll travel by coach from Budapest to Prague for a three-night stay at a hotel in the city center.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Prague 
- Day 19
Prague
Explore Prague with an expert local guide walking through the Gothic Old Town and viewing the famous Astronomical Clock. You'll cross the Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357, and see architectural wonders throughout this medieval city. Spend the afternoon at leisure checking out the Old Town Square's Christmas market and Prague's tallest Christmas tree.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague Old Town
- View Astronomical Clock
- Visit Charles Bridge
Optional Activities
- Explore Prague at leisure
- Visit Old Town Square Christmas market
- View Prague's tallest Christmas tree
Landmarks Prague Old Town Astronomical Clock Charles Bridge Old Town Square River Vltava - Day 20
Prague
Choose your activities today in Prague. Take a walking tour learning about everyday life under Communism with local brewery beer tasting, journey to Terezin to see the former Theresienstadt Ghetto site and learn about WWII history, or explore Prague Castle, one of the world's largest castle complexes, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the picturesque Golden Lane.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Communist walk of Prague with beer tasting: Expert local guide tour of famous sites and hidden gems learning about life under Communism, local brewery beer tasting visit
- Terezin Memorial: Journey to Terezin town, former military fortress and location of Theresienstadt Ghetto, learning about horrors of Nazi occupation
- Prague Castle Tour: Explore Prague Castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral (grandest cathedral in Czech Republic), Old Royal Palace (former residence of Bohemian Royalty), and picturesque Golden Lane
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Old Royal Palace Golden Lane Terezin Theresienstadt Ghetto - Day 21
Prague Departure
You'll depart after breakfast, heading home with many wonderful memories from the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
