Itinerary
- Day 1
Prague
You'll arrive in Prague and spend time getting your bearings in this well-preserved city that straddles the Vltava River. The Old Town and New Town sit on opposite banks, and the streets are filled with Christmas decorations and market stalls this time of year. It's a good day to settle in and walk around at your own pace.
Landmarks Vltava River Old Town New Town 
- Day 2
Prague
A local guide takes you through Prague's Gothic architecture, hitting the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge which was built back in 1357. After lunch, you'll have time to wander on your own through Old Town Square where the Christmas market is set up, and you can see Prague's tallest Christmas tree while you're there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague including Old Town, Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge
- Expert local guide exploration of Prague's Gothic architecture
Optional Activities
- Afternoon leisure exploration of Prague at own pace
- Visit Old Town Square Christmas market
- Explore Prague's Christmas tree
Landmarks Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Charles Bridge Vltava River - Day 3
Prague
Today gives you three different options to choose from. You can do a guided walk through Communist-era history with local beer tasting, visit the Terezin Memorial to learn about WWII, or head out to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Pick whichever interests you most and spend your day there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Communist walk of Prague with beer tasting and local brewery visit
- Terezin Memorial tour exploring former military fortress and Theresienstadt Ghetto
- Prague Castle Tour including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Golden Lane Old Royal Palace Terezin - Day 4
Prague to Budapest
You'll travel by coach from Prague to Budapest where your river cruise ship is waiting. Get settled into your suite and orient yourself with the ship's layout and amenities. This marks the start of your Danube River cruise experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Budapest
- Boarding of Scenic Space-Ship
Landmarks Danube River - Day 5
Budapest
Budapest offers three freechoice activities to pick from. You can visit both the Buda and Pest districts separated by the Danube, check out the hidden WWII Hospital in the Rock, or take a culinary walk through the Grand Central Market tasting local Hungarian food. Choose one and spend your day exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Budapest in Depth tour visiting Buda and Pest districts, Várkert Bazár, Margaret Bridge, Széchenyi Square, and Elizabeth Square
- Hospital in the Rock tour exploring WWII secret hospital and nuclear bunker
- Hungarian Culinary Market Walk at Grand Central Market with local specialty sampling
Landmarks Danube River Várkert Bazár Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market - Day 6
Budapest to Vienna
Your ship cruises the Danube River heading toward Vienna today. You can have butler-delivered coffee brought to your suite, relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge, enjoy aperitifs on the Sun Deck, or hang out in the Panorama Lounge socializing with other guests. By evening, you'll arrive in Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Danube River cruise from Budapest to Vienna
Optional Activities
- Coffee delivery to suite by butler
- Salt Therapy Lounge
- Sun Deck aperitifs
- Panorama Lounge socializing
Landmarks Danube River - Day 7
Vienna
Christmas Day in Vienna means exploring the city's Habsburg heritage and spectacular views. You'll choose from three activities: a guided tour of the city centre with free time, a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, or going through the Kunsthistorisches Museum for an artistic journey. Each option gives you a different perspective on Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Central Vienna exploration with expert local guide and free time
- Schönbrunn Palace tour exploring former Habsburg summer residence and gardens
- Kunsthistorisches Museum visit to Vienna's premiere art museum
Landmarks Ringstrasse Schönbrunn Palace Kunsthistorisches Museum - Day 8
Melk
You dock in Dürnstein, a small town surrounded by vineyards with 12th-century buildings and castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Cruise through the Wachau Valley during lunch viewing terraced vineyards and little villages along the way, then head to Melk dominated by its Benedictine Abbey. You can either take a guided abbey tour or go e-biking from Dürnstein to Melk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch cruise through Wachau Valley), Dinner
Included Activities
- Danube River cruise through Wachau Valley
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey including Marble Hall, library with 80,000 books, and Abbey Church
- E-bike guided tour from Dürnstein to Melk through vineyards and villages
- Leisure time in Dürnstein
Landmarks Dürnstein Castle Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Danube River - Day 9
Melk
Pick from two full-day freechoice options or take a leisurely walking tour instead. Coach trips go to either Salzburg (on the Salzach River with alpine peaks around it, lunch included) or the Czech town of Český Krumlov (with a guide and lunch). If you prefer staying local, there's a walking tour of Passau where three rivers meet.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Salzburg or Český Krumlov), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg by coach with lunch at local restaurant
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov by coach with guided historic centre exploration and lunch at local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau walking tour including St. Stephens Cathedral
Landmarks Salzburg Salzach River Český Krumlov Passau St. Stephens Cathedral - Day 10
Regensburg
You arrive in Regensburg just before lunch at the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria. Choose between a walking tour focusing on the old stone bridge, Church of St James, and learning about festive traditions, or visit traditional breweries to learn about beer making and taste local Bavarian varieties.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Regensburg walking tour with expert local guide covering old stone bridge, Church of St James, Porta Praetoria, and regional customs
- Bavarian beer tasting visiting traditional breweries with brewing education
Landmarks Old Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria - Day 11
Nuremberg
This afternoon you reach Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city with a 12th-century Imperial Castle dominating the skyline. Pick a walking tour of the Old Town to see the castle and market square, a tour covering WWII history, or a festive gingerbread cooking class where you'll bake traditional German Lebkuchen.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Old Town including Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's church, and market square
- The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour with expert local guide
- Gingerbread cooking class learning to bake traditional German Lebkuchen
Landmarks Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Market Square - Day 12
Bamberg
You cruise into Bamberg this morning and join a guided exploration of the World Heritage Old Town. See the unusual Old Town Hall sitting on its own island, check out the Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, wander through Old and New Residences, find the charming 'Little Venice' area, and spot the 12th-century castle on one of the seven hills.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg World Heritage Old Town
- Viewing of Old Town Hall, cathedral, residences, Little Venice, and 12th-century castle
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town Bamberg Cathedral Old Town Hall - Day 13
Würzburg
Würzburg is a Baroque city on the Main River in wine country, home to a World Heritage palace, a hilltop fortress, and an old bridge from the 15th century. You can take a guided city tour or head out along the Romantic Road to the medieval town of Rothenburg with its well-preserved old center. Tonight the sky fills with fireworks celebrating New Year's Eve.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- New Year's Eve fireworks celebration in Würzburg
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour with coach transfer to city centre and historic market square
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg coach excursion with guided tour of Gothic City Hall, Renaissance buildings, and famous City Councillors' Tavern
Landmarks Main River Würzburg Palace Old Main Bridge Rothenburg - Day 14
Würzburg to Rhine River
Happy New Year! After an early departure from Würzburg, you'll spend the day on the Rhine watching the scenery drift by. Use the ship's gym, hang out in the River Cafe, or grab a drink and relax on the Sun Deck. It's a day to take it easy and enjoy the river views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rhine River cruise
Optional Activities
- Modern gym facilities
- River Cafe socializing
- Sun Deck relaxation
Landmarks Rhine River - Day 15
Rüdesheim
You disembark in Rüdesheim, a charming town surrounded by steep vineyards that have produced wine for 2,000 years. A mini train from the pier takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with 350 self-playing instruments from centuries past. Walk through the town's half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, browse cuckoo clock shops, and visit wine taverns. This evening you'll attend an exclusive concert at Schloss Johannisberg winery in the Metternich Hall.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Scenic Enrich concert dinner at Schloss Johannisberg)
Included Activities
- Mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Scenic Enrich concert at Schloss Johannisberg Metternich Hall
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Rüdesheim charming centre with half-timbered houses, shops, and wine taverns
Landmarks Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Schloss Johannisberg Metternich Hall - Day 16
Cologne
You arrive in Cologne this morning, known for its liberal culture, unique beer scene, and the cathedral that dominates the city. A walking tour takes you through the Old Town's narrow lanes where breweries serve local Kolsch beer. You'll visit Cologne Cathedral then have free time to explore more on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne's Old Town with expert local guide
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Kolsch beer sampling at local breweries
- Free time to explore Cologne independently
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Old Town - Day 17
Amsterdam
Amsterdam welcomes you with 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled streets full of cyclists, and boats everywhere. The World Heritage waterways are lined with beautiful canal houses and bridges. You can choose a one-hour canal cruise, a guided walking tour of the canals and bridges, or take an excursion to the windmill village Schermerhorn and the town of Alkmaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- One-hour Amsterdam canal cruise
- City walking tour exploring canals, bridges, history, and Dutch culture
- Excursion to Schermerhorn village with 16th-century windmills and Alkmaar historic town
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 18
Amsterdam to Paris
You'll take a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris. Once you arrive, you'll check into your centrally located hotel and spend time getting to know the city and finding your way around.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- High-speed train transfer from Amsterdam to Paris
- Day 19
Paris
A guided coach tour takes you through Paris's most scenic areas and famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe. You'll drive along the River Seine spotting the Palais Garnier Opera, the Louvre, and Les Invalides. The afternoon is free so you can explore neighborhoods and sights that interest you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Paris including Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, River Seine, Palais Garnier Opera, Louvre, and Les Invalides
Optional Activities
- Afternoon free time for independent exploration
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe River Seine Palais Garnier Opera Louvre Les Invalides - Day 20
Paris
Choose between two activities: explore Montmartre's winding cobblestone streets in this historic artists' district with greenspace in the center and a vineyard producing 27 wine types, or visit the Atelier des Lumières digital art center in a former iron foundry with 360-degree art projections. Afterward, you have the afternoon to wander Paris however you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- Secrets of Montmartre walking tour through artist district with vineyard and historic sites
- Atelier des Lumières digital art centre with immersive exhibitions and projections by artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet
Landmarks Montmartre Montmartre Vineyard Atelier des Lumières - Day 21
Paris or Amsterdam
Your trip ends this morning. You'll transfer either via Eurostar to Amsterdam to begin a river cruise, or head to the airport for your flight home, taking all your memories of Europe with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Airport transfer
Optional Activities
- Eurostar transfer to Amsterdam for additional river cruise
- Airport transfer for departure flight
